State Department Literature false marked State Department Literature showNameProp State Department Literature (Special Topics) STATE DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS 09/04/90 ST00003 THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATIONS ARE FOR SALE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C., 20420. PUBLICATIONS NO. 3-17 ARE $1.00 EACH. 1. KEY OFFICERS OF FOREIGN SERVICE POSTS: GUIDE FOR BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES PUBLICATION 7877 2. BACKGROUND NOTES (APPROXIMATELY 60 COUNTRIES ARE PUBLISHED EACH YEAR AND ARE AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION) PUBLICATION BGN 3. EUROPE 1992: A BUSINESS GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT RESOURCES STOCK NUMBER 044-000-02276-1 4. A SAFE TRIP ABROAD PUBLICATION 9493 5. TIPS FOR AMERICANS RESIDING ABROAD PUBLICATION 9745 19921124$$$ 6. YOUR TRIP ABROAD PUBLICATION 8969 7. TRAVEL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS PUBLICATION 8. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE CARIBBEAN PUBLICATION 9261 9. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO CUBA PUBLICATION 9232 10. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO EASTERN EUROPE AND YUGOSLAVIA PUBLICATION 9329 11. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO PUBLICATION 12. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA PUBLICATION 9629 13. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - PUBLICATION 9199 19921124$$$ 14. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SOUTH ASIA PUBLICATION 9601 15. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA PUBLICATION 9628 16. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE USSR PUBLICATION 9744 17. TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA PUBLICATION 9682 THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS (CA/PA), ROOM 5807 NS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, D.C., 20520. EACH IS FREE, BUT PROVIDE A STAMPED, SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE. 18. PASSPORTS: APPLYING FOR THEM THE EASY WAY -- AT A COURTHOUSE OR POST OFFICE PUBLICATION 9781 19921124$$$ 19. TRAVEL WARNING ON DRUGS ABROAD PUBLICATION 9558 20. CRISIS ABROAD - WHAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT DOES PUBLICATION 9732 21. 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REGIONAL BRIEFS SERIES (EXPLANATION OF TRADE, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS FOR A GEOGRAPHIC REGION) THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR 50 CENTS FROM THE CONSUMER INFORMATION CENTER, PUEBLO, CO 81009: 29. FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (REV. 3/91) PUBLICATION 9835 THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FREE BY WRITING 19921124$$$ "AMERICANS ABROAD", CONSUMER INFORMATION CENTER, PUEBLO, CO 81009: 30. "AMERICANS ABROAD...WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO" NOTE: COPIES OF "AMERICANS ABROAD...WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO" CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $15 FOR A PACKAGE OF 25 (POSTPAID) FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, DC 20402. THE GPO STOCK NUMBER IS 044-000-02291-5. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE GPO ORDERS AND INQUIRIES OFFICE IS (202) 783-3238. 31. THE OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) HAS PRODUCED THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS: "EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR AMERICAN BUSINESSES ABROAD" (JUNE 1990) "SECURITY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICAN ENTERPRISES ABROAD" (NOVEMBER 1988) "SECURITY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES LIVING ABROAD" (DECEMBER 1987, REVISED JUNE 1988) 19921124*** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub-Saharan travel false marked Sub-Saharan travel showNameProp Sub-Saharan travel utut(Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA General Information Your trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beaten path. The estimated 90,000 U.S citizens who travel to sub-Saharan Africa each year are only a fraction of the more than 40 million Americans who go overseas annually. The Department of State seeks to encourage international travel. Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa, however, can contrast sharply with what you are used to. These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenience and difficulties as you go. Take our advice seriously but do not let it keep you at home. Africans are happy to share not just their scenery, but their culture and traditions as well. Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination. Your travel agent, local bookstore, public library and the embassies of the countries you plan to visit are all useful sources of information. Another source is the Department of State's Background Notes series which includes a pamphlet for each country in Africa. You may order the pamphlets for $2 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. This brochure covers all of Africa except the five nations bordering the Mediterranean. Sub-Saharan Africa includes 46 nations and 1 territory, Namibia. Forty of these nations and Namibia are on the mainland. In addition, four island nations in the southwest Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles) and two island nations in the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe) are considered part of Africa. For convenience, we will often use the word "Africa" to refer to the sub-Saharan region. For travel tips for the five northern African nations, see "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." TRAVEL ADVISORIES The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning serious health or security conditions which may affect U.S. citizens. If you are traveling to areas of Africa where security conditions are a concern, you may wish to inquire whether an advisory is in effect for the country you plan to visit. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies in the United States, at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad, and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 (202/647-5225). As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan a long stay in one place or if you are in an area where communications are poor or that is experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or relative in the United States in case of an emergency. HEALTH Health problems affect more visitors to Africa than any other difficulty. Information on health precautions can be obtained from local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $4.75 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against cholera, diptheria, tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis, polio, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is found in at least part of every country of sub-Saharan Africa except Cape Verde and Lesotho. Falciparum, the malignant form of malaria, is present in most sub-Saharan malaria areas. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance measures are recommended. If possible, avoid contact with mosquitoes from dusk to dawn by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin, and using a flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters. Prophylaxis should begin two weeks before going to an area where malaria is endemic and should continue for at least 4 weeks after leaving the area. Chloroquine is the malaria prophylaxis most easily tolerated by humans. However, in much of Africa, mosquitoes are becoming resistant to chloroquine. If you are going to an area where mosquitoes may be chloroquine-resistant, consult a medical expert for an alternate prophylactic regimen. Even if you take appropriate prophylaxis, malaria sometimes breaks through any drug or drug combination. Should you develop chills, fever, and headaches while taking antimalarial drugs, promptly seek medical attention. Sleeping sickness, borne by the tsetse fly, is generally not a high risk for international travelers. However, you may be at risk in certain game parks and savannah regions. These insects bite in the day and are attracted by movement and bright colors. Insect repellent and long clothing that blends with the background environment are recommended. Insect repellent also provides protection against ticks. If you are going into wooded areas where ticks might be present, use repellent, wear close fitting clothes, and search your body for ticks afterwards. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa except in Cape Verde, Lesotho, and the Seychelles. These parasites can penetrate unbroken skin and are best avoided by not swimming or wading in fresh water. Safe and effective oral drugs are available to treat schistosomiasis. Some countries have shortages of medicines; bring an adequate supply of any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are accustomed to taking. Keep all prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. Medical facilities may be limited, particularly in rural areas. Should you become seriously ill or injured abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A U.S. consular officer can furnish you with a list of recommended local hospitals and English-speaking doctors. Consular officers can also inform your family or friends in the United States of your condition. Because medical coverage overseas can be quite expensive, prospective travelers should review their health insurance policies. If your policy does not provide medical coverage overseas, consider buying supplemental insurance. It is also advisable to obtain insurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of a medical emergency. Except in first-class hotels, drink only boiled water or bottled beverages. Avoid ice cubes. Unless you are certain they are pasteurized, avoid dairy products. Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution. A good rule of thumb is, if you can't peel it or cook it, don't eat it. Diarrhea caused by eating contaminated food or drinking impure water is potentially very serious. If it persists, seek medical attention. An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and students. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for up-to-date information. WEATHER Sub-Saharan Africa is tropical, except for the high inland plateaus and the southern part of South Africa. Within 10 degrees of the Equator, the climate seldom varies and is generally hot and rainy. Further from the Equator, the seasons become more apparent, and if possible, you should plan your trip in the cooler months. If traveling to rural areas, avoid the rainy months which generally run from May through October, since roads may be washed out. VISA AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in Africa. In addition, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa require U.S. citizens to have a visa. If visas are required, obtain them before you leave home. If you decide to visit additional countries en route, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain visas. In most African countries, you will not be admitted into the country and will have to depart on the next plane,if you arrive without a visa. This can be inconvenient if the next plane does not arrive in several days, the airport hotel is full, and the airport has no other sleeping accommodations. The best authority on a country's visa and other entry requirements is its embassy or consulate. The Department of State publication, "Foreign Visa Requirements," gives basic information on entry requirements and tells where and how to apply for visas. You can order a copy for $.50 from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 438T, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. Allow plenty of time to apply for visas. An average of two weeks for each visa is recommended. Before you apply, check the following: o visa price, length of validity, and number of entries; o financial data required - proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward/return ticket; o immunizations required; o currency regulations; o import/export restrictions; and o departure tax. If required, be sure to keep sufficient hard currency so that you may leave the country on schedule. o AIDS clearance certification. Some countries require travelers to submit certification or be tested upon arrival for AIDS. Some African countries will refuse to admit you if you have South African visas or entry and exit stamps in your passports. If you have such notations in your passport or plan to visit South Africa in conjunction with a trip to other countries, contact a U.S. passport agency for guidance. RESTRICTED AREAS A visa is good only for those parts of a country that are open to foreigners. Several countries in Africa have areas of civil unrest or war zones that are off-limits to visitors without special permits. Others have similar areas that are open but surrounded by security checkpoints where travelers must show their passport, complete with valid visa. When traveling in such a country, keep your passport with you at all times. No matter where you travel in Africa, do not overstay the validity of your visa; renew it if necessary. If stopped at a roadblock, be courteous and responsive to questions asked by persons in authority. At night, turn on the interior light of the car. In areas of instability, however, try to avoid travel at night. For information on restricted areas and security risk areas, consult Department of State travel advisories (see p. 1) or, if you are already in Africa, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In some areas, when U.S. citizens are arrested or detained, police or prison officials have failed to inform the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are ever detained for any reason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer. U.S. CITIZENS MARRIED TO FOREIGN NATIONALS Women who travel to Africa should be aware that in some countries, either by law or by custom, a woman and her children need the permission of the husband to leave the country. If you or your children travel, be aware of the laws and customs of the places you visit. Do not visit or allow your children to visit unless you are confident that you will be permitted to leave. Once overseas, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in; U.S. law cannot protect CURRENCY REGULATIONS The amount of money, including traveler's checks, which may be taken into or out of African countries varies. In general, visitors must declare all currency and travelers checks upon arrival. Do not exchange money on the black market. Use only banks and other authorized foreign exchange offices and retain receipts. You may need to present the receipts as well as your original currency declaration when you depart. Currency not accounted for may be confiscated, and you may be fined or detained. Many countries require that hotel bills be paid in hard currency. Some require that a minimum amount of hard currency be changed into the local currency upon arrival. Some countries prohibit the import or export of local currency. U.S. WILDLIFE REGULATIONS The United States prohibits the import of products from endangered species, including the furs of any spotted cats. Most African countries have enacted laws protecting wildlife, but poaching and illegal trafficking in wildlife are still commonplace. By importing products made from endangered species, you risk seizure of the product and a possible fine. African ivory can be imported legally, but much of what is offered for sale is illegal. If you do decide to buy ivory products, your chances of making legal purchases are increased if you obtain a government export permit with each purchase. The import of some types of parrots and other wild birds from Africa is generally legal but is subject to licensing and other controls. There are also restrictions which require the birds to be placed in quarantine upon arrival to ensure they are free from disease. For further information on the import of wildlife and related products, consult TRAFFIC (U.S.A.), World Wildlife Fund--U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. AIR TRAVEL If you are flying to places in Africa other than the major tourist destinations, you may have difficulty securing and retaining reservations and experience long waits at airports for customs and immigration processing. If stranded, you may need proof of a confirmed reservation in order to obtain food and lodging vouchers from some airlines. Flights are often overbooked, delayed, or cancelled and when competing for space on a plane, you may be dealing with a surging crowd rather than a line. Traveling with a packaged tour may insulate you from some of these difficulties. All problems cannot be avoided, but you can: -- Learn the reputation of the airline and the airports you will use to forestall problems and avoid any unpleasant surprises. -- When possible, reserve your return passage before you go; reconfirm immediately upon arrival. -- Ask for confirmation in writing, complete with file number or locator code, when you make or confirm a reservation. -- Arrive at the airport earlier than required in order to put youself at the front of the line -- or the crowd, as the case may be. -- Travel with funds sufficient for an extra week's subsistence in case you are stranded. PHOTOGRAPHY Africa is filled with photogenic scenery, and photography is generally encouraged. However, most governments prohibit photography of military installations or locations having military significance, including airports, bridges, tunnels, port facilities, and public buildings. Visitors can seek guidance on restrictions from local tourist offices or from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Taking photographs without prior permission can result in your arrest or the confiscation of your film. SHORTAGES, HIGH PRICES, AND OTHER PROBLEMS Consumer goods, gas, and food are in short supply in some African countries and prices for these commodities may be high by U.S. standards. Shortages of hotel accommodations also exist so confirm reservations well in advance. Some countries experience disruptions in electricity and water supply or in services such as mail and telecommunications. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Rental cars, where available, may be expensive. Hiring a taxi is often the easiest way to go sightseeing. Taxi fares should be negotiated in advance. Travel on rural roads can be slow and difficult in the dry season, or disrupted by floods in the rainy season. SPECIFIC COUNTRY INFORMATION Angola. Individuals arriving in Angola without a visa may be arrested. Foreigners are restricted to certain areas and should scrupulously follow Angolan laws and regulations. Shortages of medical services, food, and consumer goods as well as disruptions in utilities are commonplace. The United States does not maintain diplomatic relation with Angola. There is no U.S. embassy in Luanda, and the United States Government is not in a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens who travel to Angola. Travel to Angola is considered dangerous. Although travel in the capital city of Luanda is relatively safe, travel by road, rail, or air within Angola is unsafe due to the possibility of guerilla attack. UNITA has publicly warned that it cannot be responsible for the safety of foreigners who live or travel in contested areas, or for the timely release of foreigners captured by UNITA. Benin. (formerly Dahomey) Photography of the Presidential Palace and military and economic facilities is strictly prohibited. During the rainy season many roads are impassable. Credit cards are accepted at only one major hotel in Cotonou. Big game hunting must be licensed and game trophies cannot be exported without a permit. Big game hunting is sometimes suspended. Check with the Benin authorities before traveling or with the U.S. Embassy when you arrive for further details. Botswana. No visa is needed for a visit of up to 90 days. Tap water is potable in major towns. Travelers may be stopped at roadside checkpoints. Consumables, medicines, and gas are all imported from South Africa and are not in short supply. Burkina Faso. (formerly Upper Volta) Travelers must stop at occasional police roadblocks or other checkpoints. A government permit is required for photography, particularly in cities. Burundi. Travelers are urged to obtain a visa in advance to avoid delays upon arrival. Because tourist accommodations are limited outside Bujumbura, make reservations well in advance. Medical facilities are also limited and some consumer goods may be in short supply. Cameroon. Airport security is stringent and visitors may be subject to baggage searches. Cameroon has a good domestic transportation system. Roadside security checkpoints are maintained on all major roads. Be sure to carry your passport and a valid visa with you at all times in case you are stopped. Cape Verde. These rugged volcanic islands have a dry, temperate climate. Tourist facilities are limited. Central African Republic. Emergency medical care is inadequate. The tap water is not potable, but bottled water is available. Confirm your onward flights before you arrive because confirmation is difficult once in the country. Do not display or use photographic equipment without permission from the Ministry of Information. Roads often flood in the rainy season, from May through October. Chad. Government permits are required for photography and for travel outside N'Djamena. Several former combat zones in the country are still heavily mined. Travel in most parts of southern Chad is safe, although the roads are poor and facilities are limited. Upon arrival, consult the U.S. Embassy for a situation report on current conditions. Comoros. Visas are issued at the airport upon arrival, and an exit permit is required for departure. Visitors must have an onward/return ticket. Congo. Visa applicants must show that they have a hotel reservation, an invitation from a relative or friend in the Congo, or, if visiting on business, documentation of their business status. To cross the Congo River by ferry from Brazzaville to Kinshasa, you need a visa for Zaire and a special permit issued by the Embassy of Zaire in Brazzaville. Photography of public buildings or installations is restricted. Cote D'Ivoire. Visitors arriving without a visa are not allowed to enter the country. A good network of paved roads links all major towns. Unpaved roads are dusty in the dry season and slippery in the rainy season. Metered taxis and rental cars are available. Djibouti. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Outside the capital, there is only one surfaced road. For travel inside the country, take an experienced guide and use a vehicle equipped for rough terrain. Equatorial Guinea. Two photos must be submitted to airport authorities upon arrival. Visitors should carry passport-size photographs with them since it may be difficult to find a photographer after arrival. Visas must be obtained in advance. Medical facilities are limited, and there are no dentists or opticians in the country. Water is not potable and many visitors bring their own bottled water. Consumer goods are in short supply. Snorkeling, boating and fishing are available, but bring your own equipment. Tourist facilities are limited. Ethiopia. Airlines and hotels do not usually accept credit cards. All bills must be paid in cash or travelers checks. For travel outside Shoa province, you must have a permit from the National Tourist Organization (NTO). Permits are not always granted. Many areas of the country are off-limits to foreigners. The NTO generally requires tourists traveling outside of Addis Ababa to take along, and pay the expenses of, an NTO guide. Travel within Ethiopia may involve serious inconvenience and/or danger. The civil war between the Ethiopian regime and rebels continues in the Northern provinces and the famine in those areas and others poses problems for travelers. A midnight to 5 a.m. curfew is in effect in Addis Ababa and most other urban areas. Certain buildings and public places may not be photographed. Consult your NTO guide or another authority before using either a camera or binoculars in Ethiopia. To import a video camera, you must have a permit in advance and be prepared for a delay and questioning at customs, both on arrival and departure. A permit is also required to export antiques and animal skins. It is not unusual for foreigners and their Ethiopian acquaintances to be stopped by government officials and questioned. Gabon. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Travelers arriving without a visa may be detained by airport officials or confined in an airport jail. Taxis are plentiful along major routes in Libreville. There are roadblock checkpoints in Libreville and between towns. Train service is available between Libreville and Franceville and there is an extensive domestic airline network. Gambia. Tourist facilities are good, but unpaved roads in the city and surrounding areas make travel difficult, especially during the rainy season from May through September. Tap water is potable, but boiled or bottled water is recommended outside of Banjul. Ghana. Ghana has strict laws on currency exchange, and on the import and export of gold, diamonds, and other natural resources. Attempts to evade these regulations are punishable by a 3 to 7-year prison term. Before conducting any business transactions, visitors should contact the commercial and consular sections at the U.S. Embassy in Accra for specific advice. Smuggling is a serious crime in Ghana and airport officials have the authority to conduct body searches. If detained for any reason, request that the American Embassy be notified. There are roadblock checkpoints where automobiles and sometimes passengers may be searched. Use cameras cautiously. Possession of a camera in some areas is considered suspicious. Individuals have been arrested for taking pictures near sensitive installations. Prices are high and there are shortages of medicines, consumer goods, and gasoline as well as disruptions in utilitiies. Hotel accommmodations are limited, so reserve well in advance. All hotel bills must be paid in hard currency. Guinea. All travelers must surrender their passports to Guinean immigration authorities at the airport in Conakry. Visitors may reclaim their passports at the Central Immigration Office in downtown Conakry 24 hours after arrival. Most hotels accept payment only in hard currency or by credit card. Local currency may not be imported or exported. Road travel is difficult, particularly in the rainy season from May to October. Exercise caution if taking photographs, since Guinean officials and private citizens may object even if you have a permit. Guinea-Bissau. Visas must be obtained in advance. Local currency may not be exported or imported. Hotel bills must be paid in local currency and credit cards are not accepted. It is advisable to carry U.S. currency in small denominations of twenty dollars or less as the banks and hotels will not change large bills into local currency. Road conditions make overland travel to Senegal difficult and to Guinea almost impossible. Water is not potable and bottled water is generally unavailable. All fruits and vegetables must be chemically treated before consumption. Kenya. Obtain visas before arrival to avoid delays at the airport. U.S. citizens should not have trouble entering Kenya from South Africa, provided their visit there was less than 3 months. Adequate medical services and potable water are available in Nairobi. Outside of Nairobi, medical facilities are limited and drinking water must be boiled. Kenya has no shortages of food and consumer goods. Most major towns are linked by scheduled air service, good passenger train service, and intercity bus service. Taxis are plentiful in Nairobi. Severe penalties are incurred for the unauthorized exchange of currency. No local currency may be imported or exported. The airport departure tax must be paid in hard currency. A permit is required to export animal skins or game trophies. Lesotho. A visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 3 months. Visas may be extended after arrival. Because most routes to Lesotho pass through South Africa, visitors should have a multiple-entry visa to South Africa. Tap water in Maseru is considered potable, but many foreigners boil or chemically treat their water, particularly during the rainy season. Rental cars are available. Visitors should be especially cautious driving on mountainous roads and at night. The border crossings to South Africa are closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Liberia. Use extreme caution taking photographs because restricted areas are not easily identifiable. Tourists have had their camera and film confiscated and have been detained for simply possessing a camera in areas which are off-limits for photography. Tourist facilities are adequate in and around Monrovia, but limited elsewhere. The international airport is 36 miles from Monrovia. Unpaved roads make travel difficult, particularly in the rainy season. Travelers should carry proof of identity documents at all times. Visas must be obtained in advance and exit permits are issued upon arrival. Madagascar. International air service is limited but domestic air connections are good. Some sections of the country may be visited by train, bus, or rural taxi. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel on rural roads. Malawi. Visas are not required for visits up to 1 year. Travelers' luggage may be searched upon arrival and books and video tapes may be held for clearance by the censorship board. Visitors are subject to the government dress code which prohibits women from wearing shorts, trousers, or skirts that expose the knee in public. Such attire is allowed, however, at beaches, game parks, and for athletic activities. Men are prohibited from wearing hair long enough to touch their collars. Journalists and writers will be refused entry unless prior government clearance has been obtained. Mali. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Taxis are available in Bamako. The road from Bamako to Mopti and a few other roads branching to the south are paved; travel on other roads is difficult, particularly in the rainy season. Mauritania. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Mauritania is a Muslim country and conservative dress is recommended; this means garments with sleeves, dress length to cover the knee, and no shorts. Taxis are plentiful in Nouakchatt. Local currency may not be imported or exported. Mauritius. Visas not required for a stay of up to 3 months, provided visitor has an onward/return ticket. Tap water is potable; avoid uncooked vegetables. Rental cars and taxis are plentiful and bus service between towns is good. Mozambique. Due to insurgent activities of the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), road and rail travel outside major cities can be hazardous. On certain highways, visitors should be careful of occasional roadblocks and searches. Keep your valid entry permit and passport with you at all times. Entry permits must be obtained before arrival in Mozambique. Obtain current security information at the U.S. Embassy, particularly if planning travel outside of Maputo. Food is scarce, consumer goods are in short supply, and there are disruptions in utilities. Bills must usually be paid in dollars or travelers checks. Bring sufficient cash for your stay as U.S. dollars are not available through local banks. Currency should be exchanged only at authorized locations. Namibia. Several areas in Namibia have experienced bombings, mine explosions, shootings, and other acts of terrorism. Most of northern Namibia should be avoided. South Africa administers Namibia, therefore your visa for South Africa is good for Namibia. Check security conditions with U.S. Consulate in Capetown before traveling to Namibia. Photography is not permitted at military installations, at diamond mining areas, or anywhere in the north. Niger. Visas must be obtained in advance as they are not available at the airport. Taxis are the only form of public transport easy to obtain. Roadside checkpoints should be respected. A permit is required to take pictures. Photographing the airport or government facilities is prohibited. Continued.... Sub-Saharan travel (more) false marked Sub-Saharan travel (more) showNameProp Sub-Saharan travel (more) R(Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Specific Countries Continued... Nigeria. Although it is not required for a visa, yellow fever vaccinations are recommended, especially for travel outside of urban areas. All currency must be declared in writing upon arrival and a minimum of $100 must be exchanged into local currency. Currency control regulations should be strictly observed because violations are punishable by arrest, prosecution by military tribunal, and prolonged detention. Air travel is adequate for both international and domestic flights but is often overcrowded, overbooked, and subject to unscheduled cancellations and delays. In Lagos and other cities, beware of high crime areas and avoid traveling at night. Export of antiquities and ceremonial objects must be approved by the Nigerian Department of Antiquities. Rwanda. Although there are some shortages, food supplies are adequate. A permit is needed to export game trophies. Visits to the gorillas in Parc de Volcans must be booked at least a month in advance. Sao Tome and Principe. Tourist visas are available upon arrival. There is no U.S. Embassy in this country, but the American Ambassador to Gabon is also accredited to Sao Tome and Principe. Consular services for U.S. citizens are handled through the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon. Senegal. To avoid delays upon arrival, obtain visas in advance. Although Dakar is a major port of entry into western Africa, international air service is often overcrowded, overbooked, and subject to unscheduled cancellations and delays. Seychelles. Visas are issued upon arrival and may be extended for up to one year, provided visitors have an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay. Firearms and spearfishing equipment may not be imported. Sierra Leone. Visitors must declare all foreign currency on an official exchange control form. This form is certified, stamped, and used to record all currency exchanges while in the country. You must exchange $100 of hard currency upon arrival. Allow extra time for the river ferry on the route between the airport and Freetown. Somalia. All foreign currency must be declared upon entering the country. Banks are the only legal place to exchange money. Private currency transactions and trading on the black market are illegal, and offenders are prosecuted. Prices can be high and consumer goods are often scarce. Outside of Mogadishu, tourist accommodations are rustic. Unnecessary travel to the northern and central provinces of Somalia should be avoided because of occasional dissident activity. Check security conditions with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival. South Africa. Obtain visas in advance. Strict government security measures are in effect and travel in regular tourist areas is generally safe. However, the security situation should be considered. The greatest unrest has been in urban black townships, although city centers and some shopping areas have experienced random terrorist bombings and sporadic unrest. Daylight muggings and robberies are also common in some areas. Avoid travel to the so-called "independent homelands" of Bophuthatswana, Venda, Ciskei, and Transkei. Consult the U.S. Embassy or consulates if you plan to visit these areas. Severe restrictions are imposed on reporting or photographing demonstrations, funerals, and any incident of civil unrest. South African emergency regulations allow the arrest and indefinite detention of persons considered a threat to public order. If you are detained for any reason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer. Despite security problems, air travel is efficient. You can travel throughout the country by plane, train, or highway. There are no shortages or disruptions in services and utilities, and the tap water is potable. Sudan. When visiting Khartoum exercise caution because of the potential for terrorism. Travelers should avoid Equatoria, Upper Nile, and Bahr El-Ghazal, the three provinces of southern Sudan. The latter two are usually off-limits to foreigners. The U.S. Embassy is not able to provide normal consular protection and services in these areas. Visitors are required to register their place of residence with the local police within three days of arrival, to obtain police permission to change residence, and to register within 24 hours of arriving at a new location. Consult the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum on security conditions during your stay. Travelers by air are advised to purchase round-trip tickets before traveling to Sudan. When leaving the country, arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance. Unforeseen circumstances, such as sandstorms and electrical outages may cause flight delays. Disruptions of water and electricity are frequent and telecommunication is slow. Because of shortages, travelers should bring adequate supplies of medicine and personal items for their stay. The possession, sale, and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden in Sudan. Persons with alcoholic beverages in their possession at the port of entry are subject to immediate arrest. A license to take photographs must be obtained from the Department of Hotels and Tourism. Photographing military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, and slum areas or beggars is prohibited. Swaziland. No visa is needed for a visit of up to 2 months. For longer stays, temporary residence permits are available after arrival in Mbabane. Visitors entering from South Africa must report to Immigration authorities or police station within 48 hours, unless lodging in a hotel. Tap water is potable in the cities. Tanzania. Visitors must obtain visas before arrival or they may be denied entry. Travelers with a multiple-entry South African visa in their passports or other evidence of prior or planned travel to South Africa may be detained for many hours, threatened with deportation, denied entry for several days or altogether. Even tourists with new passports have been delayed at Tanzanian immigration because they were suspected of concealing second passports with South African markings. All foreign currency must be declared upon entering the country. Undeclared currency may be confiscated. Visitors must exchange a minimum of $50 into local currency. Nonresidents must pay hotel bills and game park fees in foreign currency. Banks are the only legal place to exchange money. Private currency transactions and trading on the black market are illegal, and offenders are prosecuted. Tourists should not change more money than they will use because it may be confiscated on departure. Departure tax must be paid in hard currency. Travel in Tanzania is generally safe. Beware of street crime, especially after dark. Be cautious at public beaches and avoid secluded areas. Consult authorities before traveling to remote regions and obtain updated information on conditions in the country from the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens have had problems on a number of occasions when they attracted the suspicion of authorities, violated laws, or entered the country in private aircraft without adequate notice or clearance. Police, immigration officers and prison officials are sensitive to matters that may affect national security, such as travel near the Mozambique border. If you are detained for any reason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer. Visitors have been detained or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of military installations, hospitals, schools, industries, airports, harbors, railway stations, bridges, government buildings, and similar facilities. These structures are often picturesque and not clearly identified as being off-limits for photography. Photography in game parks is unrestricted. Conservative dress is recommended. Outside of Dar es Salaam, some consumer goods are in short supply. Togo. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months; however, travel to some remote areas may require a permit. Uganda. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Visitors must declare all currency and exchange $150 for local currency upon arrival. Travel in Kampala is generally safe. Travelers should have no difficulty at the roadblocks outside of Kampala and Entebbe if they carry their passports with them. The southern and southwestern districts of Uganda are normally safe for travel. Travel to the northern regions of the country should be avoided. Consult the U.S. Embassy for updated information on security conditions in those areas. Zaire. Credit cards are not widely accepted. To cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must obtain a special permit from the Immigration Department in Zaire and a visa for the country of Congo. Most intercity roads are difficult to impassable in the rainy season. Certain mining areas are off-limits to foreigners. When driving in cities, keep windows rolled up and doors locked; at roadblocks, open your window only partially and display your passport through the window. Photography of public buildings or installations is strictly forbidden. Zambia Visas must be obtained in advance. Foreign currency cannot be obtained locally. If possible, carry travelers checks since credit cards are seldom accepted outside of major hotels. Use cameras only in tourist areas or other locations specifically approved by Zambian authorities. Avoid clothing that could be mistaken as military apparel. Visitors should be cautious when traveling in Zambia. Because several military incidents have occurred in the south, Zambian police and security forces are suspicious of foreigners. Foreigners have sometimes been detained for no apparent reason and authorities have been slow in informing embassies of their citizens' detention. If you are detained, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer. Major roads are open but police roadblocks are common, and vehicles and passengers are searched. Take precautions against crime and avoid travel at night. Also avoid driving off major roads because military restricted zones are often unmarked. In the north, be cautious in the area of the Zambia-Zaire border because of police and military actions aimed at curbing smuggling. Flying directly from Lusaka to the Luangwa Valley game park or its major attraction, Victoria Falls is safe, but travel to the west of the Zambezi River is discouraged. Zimbabwe. No visa is required. However, you must have both an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds for the stay. Prices are high in Zimbabwe. There are no shortages of food but occasional spot shortages of consumer goods occur. All currency must be declared upon arrival. Failure to declare currency can result in confiscation and a fine. Exchange money only where authorized and save all receipts until departure. Hotel bills must be paid in hard currency. Due to periodic unsafe security conditions, travelers should avoid certain roads and rail routes in Zimbabwe. Security conditions are particularly uncertain along the Mozambique border. The tourist destinations of Victoria Falls, the Hwange safari area, and Matopos National Park have been safe, although some areas of the park have been off-limits for visitors. You should travel to unsettled areas by air. If road travel is unavoidable, stay on the main roads, travel only in daylight and avoid unnecessary stops. Consult with the U.S. Embassy and the local police before setting out. Hitchhiking or off-road travel is strongly discouraged. There are police and military roadblocks throughout the country. Photography is off-limits in certain regions of the Zambezi Valley where anti-poaching operations are in progress. Zimbabwe authorities are also extremely sensitive about photographing certain buildings, such as government offices, official residences, and embassies. FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND MISSIONS IN THE UNITED STATES: Permanent Mission of ANGOLA to the U.N. 747 3rd Avenue 18th Floor New York, NY 10017 Embassy of BENIN 2737 Cathedral Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 232-6656 Embassy of BOTSWANA 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 404 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 244-4990 Embassy of BURKINA FASO 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 332-5577 Embassy of BURUNDI 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 212 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 342-2574 Embassy of CAMEROON 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-8790 Embassy of CAPE VERDE 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 965-6820 Embassy of CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 1618 22d Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-7800 Embassy of CHAD 2002 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 462-4009 Permanent Mission of COMOROS to the U.N. 336 East 45th Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10017 (212) 972-8010 Embassy of the CONGO 4891 Colorado Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 726-5500 Embassy of COTE D'IVOIRE 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 797-0300 Embassy of DJIBOUTI 1430 K Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 347-0254 Embassy of EQUATORIAL GUINEA 801 Second Avenue, Suite 1403 New York, NY 10017 (212) 599-1523 Embassy of ETHIOPIA 2134 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 234-2281 Embassy of GABON 2034 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 797- Embassy of GAMBIA 1030 15th Street, NW Suite 720 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 842-1356 Embassy of GHANA 2460 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 462- Embassy of GUINEA 2112 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (212) 483- Permanent Mission of GUINEA-BISSAU to the U.N. 211 East 43rd Street Suite 604 New York, NY 10017 (212) 661-3977 Embassy of KENYA 2249 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 387-6101 Embassy of LESOTHO 2511 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 797-5533 Embassy of LIBERIA 5201 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (212) 723-0437 Embassy of MADAGASCAR 2374 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-5525 Embassy of MALAWI 2408 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 797-1007 Embassy of MALI 2130 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (212) 332-2249 Embassy of MAURITANIA 2129 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (212) 232-5700 Embassy of MAURITIUS 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 134 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 244-1491 Embassy of MOZAMBIQUE 1990 M Street, NW Suite 570 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 293-7146 Embassy of NIGER 2204 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-4224 Embassy of NIGERIA 2201 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 (202) 822- Embassy of RWANDA 1714 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-2882 Embassy of SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE 801 Second Avenue, Suite 1504 New York, NY 10017 (212) 697-4211 Embassy of SENEGAL 2112 Wyoming Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 234-0540 Permanent Mission of SEYCHELLES to the U.N. 820 Second Avenue, Suite 203 New York, NY 10017 (212) 687-9766 Embassy of SIERRA LEONE 1701 19th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 939-9261 Embassy of SOMALIA 600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Suite 710 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 333-5908 Embassy of SOUTH AFRICA 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 337-3452 Embassy of SUDAN 2210 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 338-8565 Embassy of SWAZILAND 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 362-6683 Embassy of TANZANIA 2139 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939- Embassy of TOGO 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 234-4212 Embassy of UGANDA 5909 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 726- Embassy of ZAIRE 1800 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-7690 Embassy of ZAMBIA 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-9717 Embassy of ZIMBABWE 2852 McGill Terrace, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202) 332-7100 U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ABROAD Note: Workweek is Monday-Friday except where noted. Mail to APO and FPO addresses must originate in the United States; the street address must not appear in an APO or FPO address. BENIN American Embassy Rue Caporal Anani Bernard B.P. 2012 Cotonou Tel: (229) 300-650 BOTSWANA American Embassy P.O. Box 90 Gaborone Tel: (267) 353-982 BURKINO FASO American Embassy B.P. 35 Ouagadougou Tel: (226) 306-723 BURUNDI American Embassy Avenue du Zaire, B.P. 1720 Bujumbura Tel: (257)(2) 23454 CAMEROON American Embassy Rue Nachtigal, B.P. 817 Yaounde Tel: (237) 234-014 CAPE VERDE American Embassy Rua Hojl Ya Yenna 81 C.P. 201 Praia Tel: (238) 614-363, 614-253 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC American Embassy Avenue President Dacko B.P. 294 Bangui Tel: 610-200, 612-578, 614-333 CHAD American Embassy Ave. Felix Eboue, B.P. 413 N'Djamena Tel: (235) 516-211, 516-233 COMOROS American Embassy B.P. 1318 Moroni Tel: 731-203 CONGO American Embassy Avenue Amilcar Cabral B.P. 1015, Box C Brazzaville Tel: 832-070, 832-624 COTE D'IVOIRE American Embassy 5 Rue Jesse Owens 01 B.P. 1712 Abidjan Tel: (225) 320-979 DJIBOUTI American Embassy Plateau de Serpent, Blvd. Marechal Joffre B.P. 185 Djibouti Tel: (253) 353-849, 353-995, 352-916 Workweek: Sunday-Thursday EQUATORIAL GUINEA American Embassy Calle de Los Ministros P.O. Box 597 Malabo Tel: 2406, 2507 ETHIOPIA American Embassy Entoto St., P.O. Box 1014 Addis Ababa Tel: (251)(01) 551-002 GABON American Embassy Blvd. de la Mer B.P. 4000 Libreville Tel: (241) 762-003, 743-492 GAMBIA American Embassy Fajara, Kairaba Ave; P.M.B. No. 19, Banjul Banjul Tel: (220) 92856, 92858, 91970 GHANA American Embassy Ring Road East P.O. Box 194 Accra Tel: 775-347 GUINEA American Embassy 2d Blvd. and 9th Ave, B.P. 603 Conakry Tel: 441-520 GUINEA-BISSAU American Embassy Avenida Domingos Ramos C.P. 297 Bissau Tel: (245) 212-816 KENYA American Embassy Moi/Haile Selassie Ave. P.O. Box 30137 Nairobi Tel: (254)(2) 334-141 American Consulate Palli House, Nyerere Ave. P.O. Box 88079 Mombasa Tel: (254)(11) 315-101 LESOTHO American Embassy P.O. Box 333, Maseru 100 Maseru Tel: (266) 312-666 LIBERIA American Embassy 111 United Nations Dr. P.O. Box 98 Monrovia Tel: (231) 222-991 MADAGASCAR American Embassy 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola B.P. 620 Antananarivo Tel: (261)(2) 21257, 20956, 20089 MALAWI American Embassy P.O. Box 30016 Lilongwe Tel: (265) 730-166 MALI American Embassy Rue Testard and Rue Mohamed V B.P. 34 Bamako Tel: (223)(22) 225-834 MAURITANIA American Embassy B.P. 222 Nouakchott Tel: (222)(2) 52660, 52663 MAURITIUS American Embassy Rogers Bldg. (4th Fl.) John Kennedy Street Port Louis Tel: 082-347 MOZAMBIQUE American Embassy Avenida Kaunda 193, P.O. Box 783 Maputo Tel: (258)(11) 742-797, 743-167, 744-163 NIGER American Embassy B.P. 11201 Niamey Tel: (227) 722-661 NIGERIA American Embassy 2 Eleke Crescent, P.O. Box 554 Lagos Tel: (234)(1) 610-097 American Consulate General 2 Maska Rd., P.O. Box 170 Kaduna Tel: (234)(1) 201-070 RWANDA American Embassy Blvd. de la Revolution, B.P. 28 Kigali Tel: (205) 75601, 72126 SENEGAL American Embassy Avenue Jean XXIII, B.P. 49 Dakar Tel: (221) 214-296 SEYCHELLES American Embassy Box 148 Victoria Tel: (248) 23921 SIERRA LEONE American Embassy Corner Walpole and Siaka Stevens St. Freetown Tel: 26481 SOMALIA American Embassy Corso Primo Luglio, P.O. Box 574 Mogadishu Tel: (252)(01) 20811 Workweek: Sunday-Thursday SOUTH AFRICA American Embassy Thibault House, 225 Pretorius St. Pretoria Tel: (27)(12) 284-266 American Consulate General Broadway Industries Center Heerengracht, Foreshore Cape Town Tel: (27)(21) 214-280, 214-287 American Consulate General Durban Bay House, 29th Fl. 333 Smith St. Durban 4001 Tel: (27)(31) 304-4737 American Consulate General Kine Center, 11th Fl., Commissioner and Krulis Sts., P.O. Box 2155 Johannesburg Tel: (27)(11) 331-1681 SUDAN American Embassy Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, P.O. Box 699 Khartoum Tel: 74700, 75680, 74611 Workweek: Sunday-Thursday SWAZILAND American Embassy Central Bank Bldg., Warner Street P.O. Box 199 Mbabane Tel: (268) 22281 TANZANIA American Embassy 36 Laibon Rd. (off Bagamoyo Rd.) P.O. Box 9123 Das Es Salaam Tel: (255)(51) 37501 TOGO American Embassy Rue Pelletier Caventou & Rue Vauban, B.P. 852 Lome Tel: (228)(21) 212-991, 213-609 UGANDA American Embassy Parliament Ave., P.O. Box 7007 Kampala Tel: (256)(41) 259-791, 259-795 ZAIRE American Embassy 310 Avenue des Aviateurs Kinshasa Tel: (243)(12) 25881 American Consulate General 1029 Blvd. Kamanyola, B.P. 1196 Lubumbashi Tel: (243) 222-324 ZAMBIA American Embassy Corner of Independence and United Nations Aves. P.O. Box 31617 Lusaka Tel: (260)(1) 214-911 ZIMBABWE American Embassy 172 Rhodes Ave., P.O. Box 3340 Harare Tel: (263)(4) 794-521 Planning Another Trip? Travel advisories tips false marked Travel advisories tips showNameProp Travel advisories tips (Consular Affairs Topics) State Department Travel Advisories The State Department issues travel advisories to inform traveling Americans of conditions abroad which may affect them adversely. Travel advisories are generally about physical dangers, unexpected arrests or detentions, serious health hazards, and other conditions abroad with serious consequences for traveling Americans. Travel advisories which describe a potential for violence and physical danger usually reflect a trend or pattern of violence over a period of time in which the government of the country involved is unwilling or unable to afford normal protection. For that reason, isolated international terrorist of criminal attacks - which can and do occur virtually anywhere at any time - do not generally trigger travel advisories. Travel advisories are issued on the basis of objective evidence about emerging or existing circumstances and are modified or cancelled when those circumstances change. Travel advisories are issued only after careful review of information from our diplomatic post in the affected country, and in coordination with various bureaus of the Department of State and other concerned federal agencies. How To Access Travel Advisories Travel advisories for specific countries are available at any of the 13 regional passport agencies, field offices or the U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They are also available by writing the Citizens Emergency Center, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, N.S., U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, 20520. Travel advisories may be heard anytime by dialing the Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. The recording is updated constantly. By Computer Network If you have a personal computer and a modem, you can also access travel advisories electronically. The Official Airlines Guide (OAG) provides the full text of travel advisories on many online computer services. To obtain information on accessing travel advisories through OAG on any of the following computer services, call the OAG Electronic Edition at 800-323-4000. CompuServe* General Videotex-Delphi NewsNet Dialcom GEnie IP Sharp Dialog iNet-America Telenet Dow Jones News/Retrieval iNet-Bell of Canada Western Union-Easylink *CompuServe subscribers may type GO STATE at any "!" prompt. Infosys America Inc. also provides the full text of travel advisories through Travel Online BBS on the SmartNet International Computer Network in the U.S., Canada and overseas. The (modem) telephone number for Infosys America is (314) 625-4054. Interactive Office Services, Inc. offers online travel information in Travel+Plus through the networks listed below. For information on access, call Travel+Plus at (617) 876-5551 or 800-544-4005. Delphi, MCI (RCA Hotline) Bell South TUG GraphNet Unison FTCC Answer Bank The Overseas Security Electronic Bulletin Board (EBB) provides State Department travel advisories as a free service (purchase of necessary software required) for American firms doing business overseas. Apply to the Executive Director, Overseas Security Advisory Council (DS/OSAC), Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-1003. The Computer Information Delivery Service (CIDS) also provides the text of State Department travel advisories. For information, call Edward Decowski of Martin-Marietta at 703-802-5700. How To Access State Department Travel Advisories by Computer Reservation System (CRS) The following computer reservation systems (CRS) maintain State Department travel advisory information. The information can be accessed by entering the CRS codes listed below. APOLLO - For the travel advisory index, enter: S*BRF/TVLADV For the full text of travel advisories and travel notices, enter: TD*DS/ADV DATAS II - For full text of travel advisories, enter: G* _ (country)_ PARS - For the travel advisory index, enter: G/AAI/TVL Travel Document Systems, Inc. provides the full text of travel advisories and notices to the following reservation systems: SABRE - Enter: N*/ADVISORY INDEX SYSTEM ONE - Enter: GG SUP TD ADV In Western Europe, SYSTEM ONE is accessed through the AMADEUS system and APOLLO through the GALILEO system. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trips abroad false marked Trips abroad showNameProp Trips abroad (Consular Affairs Topics) YOUR TRIP ABROAD Before You Go There is a lot you can do to prepare for your trip, depending upon where, how long and why you are going. LEARN ABOUT THE PLACES YOU WILL VISIT Here are some good sources: A travel agent can provide brochures and tourist information about the countries you plan to visit. Your travel agent should also be able to provide you with the Department of State travel advisory for any country you plan to visit, if an advisory has been issued for the country. If your travel agent cannot provide travel advisories, you can obtain them 24-hours a day by calling (202) 647-5225 (see page 4). Look in your local bookstore and public library for books on foreign travel. Many countries have tourist information offices in large cities that can give you brochures and, in some cases, maps. International airlines may also supply you with travel brochures on the countries they serve. Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States can provide up-to-date information on their countries. Addresses and telephone numbers of the embassies of foreign governments are listed in the Congressional Directory, available at most public libraries. In addition to their embassies, some countries also have consulates in major U.S. cities. Look for their addresses in your local telephone directory, or find them in the publication, Foreign Consular Offices in the United States, available in many public libraries. Check on Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizens to conditions overseas that may affect them adversely. There are three types of travel advisories: Warning: recommends deferral of travel to all or part of a country. Caution: advises about unusual security conditions, including the potential for unexpected detention, unstable political conditions, or serious health problems. It is not intended to deter travel to a country. Notice: provides information on situations that do not present a broad scale risk, but which could result in inconvenience or difficulty for traveling Americans. Travel advisories are posted at U.S. passport agencies, Department of Commerce field offices, and at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. They are distributed to the travel and airline industry and can be found through airline computer reservation systems. If you plan travel to an area or country where there is some concern about existing conditions, find out if there is a travel advisory by contacting the nearest passport agency or your travel agent or airline. You may also listen to recorded travel advisories, 24-hours a day. Call the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center on 202-647-5225. THINGS TO BE SURE YOU HAVE Travel document requirements vary from country to country, but you will need the following: a passport or other proof of citizenship, plus a visa or a tourist card. You may also need evidence that you have enough money for your trip and/or have ongoing or return transportation tickets. A VALID PASSPORT WHO NEEDS A PASSPORT? A U.S. citizen needs a passport to depart or enter the United States and to enter and depart most foreign countries. Exceptions include short-term travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, and some countries in the Caribbean. Your travel agent or airline can tell you if you need a passport for the country you plan to visit. WARNING! Even if you are not required to have a passport to visit a country, U.S. Immigration requires you to prove your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States. Make certain that you take with you adequate documentation to pass through U.S. Immigration upon your return. A U.S. passport is the best proof of U.S. citizenship. Other documents to prove U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity, either a valid driver's license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is adequate. With the number of international child custody cases on the rise, several countries have instituted passport requirements to help prevent child abductions. For example, Mexico has a law that requires a child traveling alone or with only one parent to carry written, notarized consent from the absent parent or parents. No authorization is needed if the child travels alone and is in possession of a U.S. passport. A child traveling alone with a birth certificate requires written, notarized authorization from both parents. Beware of a Passport That Is About to Expire! Certain countries will not permit you to enter and will not place a visa in your passport if the remaining validity is less than 6 months. If you return to the United States with an expired passport, you are subject to a passport waiver fee of $100, payable to U.S. Immigration at the port of entry. All persons must have their own passport. Since January 1981, family members are not permitted to be included in each others' passports. WHEN TO APPLY Every year, demand for passports becomes heavy in January and begins to decline in August. You can help reduce U.S. Government expense and avoid delays by applying between September and December. However, even in those months, periods of high demand for passports can occur. Apply several months in advance of your planned departure, whenever possible. If you need visas, allow additional time approximately two weeks per visa. HOW TO APPLY IN PERSON For your first passport, you must appear in person with a completed Form DSP-11, Passport Application, at one of the 13 U.S. passport agencies or at one of the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications. You may be able to find the addresses of passport acceptance facilities in your area in the government listings of your telephone book. If you cannot find a listing, contact one of the 13 U.S. passport agencies listed on page 39 at the end of this pamphlet. Applicants between age 13 and 18 must appear in person, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For children under age 13, a parent or legal guardian may appear on their behalf. If you have had a previous passport and wish to obtain another, you may be eligible to apply by mail (see page 10 below for details). WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU APPLY 1. A properly completed, but unsigned, passport application (DSP-11). Do not sign it! 2. Proof of U.S. citizenship (a, b, or c): a. Use your previously issued passport or one in which you were included. If you are applying for your first passport or cannot submit a previous passport, you must submit other evidence of citizenship. b. If you were born in the United States, you should produce a certified copy of your birth certificate. This must show that the birth record was filed shortly after birth and must be certified with the registrar's signature and raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal. Certified copies of birth records can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the city, state, county, or territory where you were born. (Notifications of Birth Registration or Birth Announcements are not normally accepted for passport purposes.) A delayed birth certificate (one filed more than one year after the date of birth) is acceptable provided it shows a plausible basis for creating this record. If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, submit a notice from a state registrar stating that no birth record exists, accompanied by the best secondary evidence possible. This may include a baptismal certificate, a hospital birth record, affidavits of persons having personal knowledge of the facts of your birth, or other documentary evidence such as an early census, school records, family Bible records, and newspaper files. A personal knowledge affidavit should be supported by at least one public record reflecting birth in the United States. c. If you were born abroad, you can use: -- A Certificate of Naturalization. -- A Certificate of Citizenship. -- A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240). -- A Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350). If you do not have any of these documents and are a U.S. citizen, you should take all available proof of citizenship to the nearest U.S. passport agency and request assistance in proving your citizenship. 3. Proof of identity. You must also establish your identity to the satisfaction of the person accepting your application. The following items are generally acceptable documents of identity if they contain your signature and if they readily identify you by physical description or photograph: -- A previous U.S. passport. -- A certificate of naturalization or citizenship. -- A valid driver's license. -- A government (federal, state, municipal) -- identification card. The following are NOT acceptable: -- Social Security card. -- Learner's or temporary driver's license. -- Credit card of any type. -- Any temporary or expired identity card or document. -- Any document that has been altered or changed in any manner. If you are unable to present one of the first four documents to establish your identity, you must be accompanied by a person who has known you for at least 2 years and who is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien of the United States. That person must sign an affidavit in the presence of the same person who executes the passport application. The witness will be required to establish his or her own identity. You must also submit some identification of your own. 4. Photographs. Present two identical photographs of yourself that are sufficiently recent (normally taken within the past 6 months) to be a good likeness. Passport Services encourages photographs where the applicant is relaxed and smiling. The photographs must not exceed 2x2 inches in size. The image size measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair) must be not less than 1 inch or more than 1-3/8 inches with your head taking up most of the photograph. Passport photographs may be either black and white or color. Photographs must be clear, front view, full-face, and printed on thin white paper with a plain, white or off-white background. Photographs should be portrait-type prints taken in normal street attire without a hat and must include no more than the head and shoulders or upper torso. Dark glasses are not acceptable except when worn for medical reasons. Head coverings are only acceptable if they are worn for religious reasons. Applicants may use photographs in military uniform only if they are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are proceeding abroad in the discharge of their duties. Newspaper, magazine and most vending machine prints are not acceptable for use in passports. 5. The correct fee. Applicants age 18 and over who are required to appear in person, must pay $65 for their passport. This includes a $10 execution fee. Their passport is valid for 10 years. Applicants under age 18 must pay $40 for their passport. It is valid for 5 years. You may pay in person by check, bank draft, or money order. You may also pay in cash at a passport agency and at some, but not all post offices and clerks of court. HOW TO APPLY BY MAIL You may apply by mail if all of the following are true: -- You have been issued a passport within 12 years prior to your new application. -- You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your new application. -- Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday. -- You use the same name as that on your most recent passport or you have had your name changed by marriage or court order. HOW TO PROCEED Obtain Form DSP-82, Application for Passport by Mail, from one of the offices accepting applications or from your travel agent, and complete the information requested on the reverse side of the form. (1) Sign and date the application. (2) Include your date of departure. If no date is included, passport agents will assume that your travel plans are not immediate, and your passport will be processed in about two to three weeks. (3) Enclose your previous passport. (4) Enclose two identical 2x2 photographs (Specifications listed later in this file.). (5) The $55 passport fee. (The $10 acceptance fee is not required for applicants eligible to apply by mail.) (6) If your name has changed, submit the original or certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change of name. (7) For processing, mail the completed application and attachments to one of the passport agencies listed at the back of this pamphlet. An incomplete or improperly prepared application will delay issuance of your passport. HOW TO PAY THE PASSPORT FEE The following forms of payment are acceptable when you apply by mail: -- Bank draft or cashier's check. -- Check: either certified, personal, or travelers (for exact amount). -- Money order: U.S. postal, international, currency exchange, or bank. Do NOT send cash through the mail! WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR PASSPORT Sign it right away! Then fill in page 4, the personal notification data page. Your previous passport and the original documents that you may have submitted will be returned to you with your new passport. OTHER PASSPORT INFORMATION OBTAINING A PASSPORT IN AN EMERGENCY Passport agencies will expedite issuance in cases of genuine, documented emergencies. If you are leaving within five days and need a passport, you can pay to have your passport delivered to you by express mail. But you must arrange and pay for this in advance. Check with the post office or court house that accepts your application or with the nearest passport agency for specific details. If you plan to travel abroad frequently or if you stay overseas for long periods of time, your relatives or associates in the United States should have valid passports as well. That way, should you become seriously ill or involved in some other emergency, they could travel without delay. DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS If you are being assigned abroad on U.S. government business and are eligible to apply by mail for a no-fee passport (no-fee regular, official, diplomatic), you must submit the mail-in application form, your authorization to apply for a no-fee passport, your previous passport, and two photographs to the Passport Agency in Washington, D.C. for processing. ADDITIONAL VISA PAGES If you require additional visa pages before your passport expires, obtain them by submitting your passport to one of the passport agencies listed at the back of this pamphlet. If you travel frequently to countries requiring visas, you may request a 48-page passport at the time you apply. There is no additional charge for extra pages or for a 48-page passport. CHANGE OF NAME If you have changed your name, you will need to have your passport amended. Fill out Form DSP-19, Passport Amendment/Validation Application, which is available from any office that is authorized to accept passport applications. Submit the DSP-19 along with proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certified court order) to the nearest passport agency. There is no fee for this service. AN ALTERED OR MUTILATED PASSPORT If you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport in any way (other than changing the personal notification data), you may render it invalid, cause yourself much inconvenience, and expose yourself to possible prosecution under the law (Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code). Mutilated or altered passports should be turned in to passport agents, authorized postal employees, or U.S. consular officers abroad. LOSS OR THEFT OF A U.S. PASSPORT Safeguard your passport. Its loss could cause you unnecessary travel complications as well as significant expense. If your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, report the loss or theft immediately to Passport Services, 1425 K Street, N.W., Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20524 or to the nearest passport agency. Should your passport be lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you can provide the consular officer with the information contained in your passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport. Therefore, photocopy the data page of your passport and keep it in a separate place. In addition, leave the passport number, date, and place of issuance with a relative or friend in the United States. OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT PASSPORTS? Additional passport information may be obtained from the passport agencies listed at the end of this pamphlet. OBTAIN VISAS A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit that country for a specified purpose and a limited time for example, a 3-month tourist visa. It is advisable to obtain visas before you leave the United States because you will not be able to obtain visas for some countries once you have departed. Apply directly to the embassy or nearest consulate of each country you plan to visit, or consult a travel agent. Passport agencies cannot help you obtain visas. "Foreign Entry Requirements" Department of State publication M-264, Foreign Entry Requirements, gives entry requirements for every country and tells where and how to apply for visas and tourist cards. It can be ordered for $0.50 from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. Note: The publication is updated annually but may not reflect the most current requirements. It is advisable to verify the latest visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit. Because a visa is stamped directly onto a blank page in your passport, you will need to give your passport to an official of each foreign embassy or consulate. You will also need to fill out a form, and you may need one or more photographs. Many visas require a fee. The process may take several weeks for each visa, so apply well in advance of your trip. TOURIST CARD If the country you plan to visit only requires a tourist card, obtain one from the country's embassy or consulate, from an airline serving the country, or at the port of entry. There is a fee for some tourist cards. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP Check with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what proof of citizenship is required of visitors. Even if a country does not require a visitor to have a passport, it will require some proof of citizenship and identity. Remember that no matter what proof of citizenship a foreign country requires, U.S. Immigration has strict requirements for your reentry into the United States. Information on U.S. Immigration requirements are later in this file.. IMMUNIZATIONS Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and cholera. Typhoid vaccinations are not required for international travel, but are recommended for areas where there is risk of exposure. Smallpox vaccinations are no longer given. Check your health care records to insure that your measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunizations are up-to-date. Medication to deter malaria and other preventative measures are advisable for certain areas. No immunizations are needed to return to the United States. Information on immunization requirements, U.S. Public Health Service recommendations, and other health hints are included in the book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $5.00 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. You may also obtain such information from local and state health departments or physicians. This information is also available on the Centers for Disease Control 24-hour hotline: 404-639-2572. It is not necessary to be vaccinated against a disease you will not be exposed to and few countries refuse to admit you if you arrive without the necessary vaccinations. Officials will either vaccinate you, give you a medical follow-up card, or, in rare circumstances, put you in isolation for the incubation period of the disease you were not vaccinated against. Check requirements before you depart. If vaccinations are required, they must be recorded on approved forms, such as those in the booklet PHS-731, International Certificates of Vaccination as Approved by the World Health Organization. If your doctor or public health office does not have this booklet, it can be obtained for $2 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or Government Printing Office bookstores. Keep it with your passport. Some countries require certification from long-term visitors that they are free of the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). Generally, this has little bearing on tourists and short-term visitors. Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit for the latest information. HEALTH INSURANCE For travelers who become seriously ill or injured overseas, obtaining medical treatment and hospital care can be costly. The Social Security Medicare program does not cover hospital and medical services outside the United States. Before you leave the United States, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover abroad. If your health insurance policy does not cover you abroad, you are urged to purchase a temporary health policy that does. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. You can find the names of such companies from your travel agent, your health insurance company, or from advertisements in travel publications. In addition to health insurance, many policies include trip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel accident insurance in the same package. Some travelers check companies have protection policies available for those who purchase travelers checks. MEDICAL EVACUATION One of the chief advantages of health and emergency assistance policies is that they often include coverage for medical evacuation to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $5000 depending upon your location and medical condition. Even if your regular health insurance covers you for emergencies abroad, consider purchasing a supplemental insurance policy to cover medical evacuation. Whichever health insurance coverage you choose for overseas, remember to bring your policy identity card and claim forms with you. Continued... Trips abroad (more) false marked Trips abroad (more) showNameProp Trips abroad (more) (Consular Affairs Topics) YOUR TRIP ABROAD Continued... HOW TO BRING MONEY TRAVELERS CHECKS Do not carry large amounts of cash. Take most of your money in travelers checks and remember to record the serial number, denomination and the date and location of the issuing bank or agency. Keep this information in a safe and separate place so if you lose your travelers checks you can get replacements quickly. CREDIT CARDS Some credit cards can be used worldwide, even for cash advances. Keep track of your credit card purchases so as not to exceed your limit. Travelers have been arrested overseas for mistakenly exceeding their credit limit! Leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. Record the numbers of the credit cards that you do bring and keep the list in a separate place from the cards. Always report the loss or theft of your credit cards or travelers checks immediately to the companies and notify the local police. If you will stay in one place for some time, consider opening an account for check cashing and other transactions at a U.S. bank that has an overseas affiliate. U.S. embassies and consulates cannot cash checks for you. PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY FUNDS Keep the telephone number for your bank in the United States with you in the event you run out of cash and need to transfer money. In some countries, major banks and certain travel agencies can help you arrange a transfer of funds from your account to a foreign bank. If you do not have a bank account from which you can obtain emergency funds, make arrangements in advance with a relative or friend to send you emergency funds should it become necessary. If you find yourself destitute, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance in arranging a money wire transfer from a relative or friend in the United States. FOREIGN CURRENCY Before departing, you may wish to purchase small amounts of foreign currency to use for buses, taxis, phones, or tips when you first arrive. Foreign exchange facilities at airports may be closed when your flight arrives. You can purchase foreign currency at some U.S. banks, at foreign exchange firms, or at foreign exchange windows or even vending machines at many international airports in the United States. Some countries regulate the amount of local currency you can bring into or take out of the country; others require that you exchange a minimum amount of currency. For currency regulations, check with a bank, foreign exchange firm, your travel agent, or the embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit. If you leave or enter the United States with more than $10,000 in monetary instruments of any kind, you must file a report, Customs Form 4790, with U.S. Customs at the time. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal proceedings. VALUABLES DON'T BRING THEM! Do not bring anything on your trip that you would hate to lose such as expensive jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value. If you bring jewelry, wear it discreetly to help avoid grab-and-run robbery. OTHER THINGS TO ARRANGE AHEAD LODGING RESERVE IN ADVANCE Many travelers wait until they reach their destination before making hotel reservations. Some train stations and airports have travel desks to assist you in finding lodging. However, when you arrive, you may be tired and unfamiliar with your surroundings, and could have difficulty locating a hotel to meet your needs. Therefore, when possible, reserve your lodging in advance and reconfirm your reservations along the way. During peak tourist season, it is important have a hotel reservation for at least the first night you arrive in a foreign city. An alternative to hotels and pensions is the youth hostel system, offering travelers of all ages clean, inexpensive, overnight accommodations in more than 6,000 locations in over 70 countries worldwide. Hostels provide dormitory-style accommodations with separate facilities for males and females. Some hostels have family rooms that can be reserved in advance. Curfews are often imposed and membership is often required. You may write to: American Youth Hostels, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613. ORGANIZED PROGRAMS The majority of private programs for vacation, study, or work abroad are reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide working conditions far different from those advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations can be poorly administered. Be cautious. Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the organization and what it offers. STUDENT TRAVELERS Students can save money on transportation and accommodations, and obtain other discounts if they have an International Student Identity Card. This card is available with proof of student status and a small fee from: Council on International Educational Exchange; 205 East 42nd Street; New York, New York 10017. Membership also provides some accident and health insurance while abroad. TRANSPORTATION At the time of publication, U.S. citizens traveling abroad are required to pay a $12 federal inspection fee and a $6 federal departure tax that are included in the price of the air ticket. CHARTER FLIGHTS AND AIRLINES There have been occasions when airlines or companies that sell charter flights or tour packages have gone out of business with little warning, stranding passengers overseas. If you know from the media or from your travel agent that an airline is in financial difficulty, ask your travel agent or the airline what recourse you would have if the airline ceased to operate. Some airlines may honor the tickets of a defunct airline, but they usually do so with restrictions. Before you purchase a charter flight or tour package, read the contract carefully. Unless it guarantees they will deliver services promised or give a full refund, consider purchasing trip insurance. If you are unsure of the reputation of a charter company or tour operator, consult your local Better Business Bureau or the American Society of Travel Agents at 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Tel. (703) 739-2782, to learn if the company has a complaint record . DRIVER'S LICENSE/AUTO INSURANCE If you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their driver's license, road permit, and auto insurance requirements. If possible, obtain road maps before you go. Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license. Most, however, accept an international driver's permit. Before departure, obtain one at a local office of an automobile association. You must be at least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographs and your valid U.S. license. Certain countries require road permits instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers without a permit. Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, but in some countries, the required coverage is minimal. A good rule of thumb when renting a car overseas is to purchase insurance coverage that is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home. In general, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad. However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries that neighbor the United States. Check with your insurer to see if your policy covers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico. Even if your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meet its minimum requirements. For instance, in most of Canada, you must carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requires that if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensive insurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50% of the value of the vehicle. If you are under-insured for a country, auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border. U.S. CUSTOMS PRE-REGISTRATION Learn about U.S. Customs regulations. Foreign-made personal articles taken abroad are subject to duty and tax unless you have proof of prior possession such as a receipt, bill of sale, an insurance policy, or a jeweler's appraisal. If you do not have proof of prior possession, items such as foreign-made watches, cameras, or tape recorders that can be identified by serial number or permanent markings may be taken to the Customs office nearest you or at the port of departure for registration before departing the United States. The certificate of registration provided can expedite free entry of these items when you return. DOCUMENTATION FOR MEDICATIONS If you go abroad with preexisting medical problems, carry a letter from you doctor describing your condition, including information on any prescription medicines you must take. You should also have the generic names of the drugs. Leave medicines in their original, labeled containers. These precautions make customs processing easier. A doctor's certificate, however, may not suffice as authorization to transport all prescription drugs to all foreign countries. Travelers have innocently been arrested for drug violations when carrying items not considered to be narcotics in the United States. To ensure you do not violate the drug laws of the countries you visit, consult the embassy or consulate of those countries for precise information before leaving the United States. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a similar warning. Several private organizations provide listings of physicians to international travelers. Membership in these organizations is generally free, although a donation may be requested. Membership entitles the traveler to a number of traveler's medical aids, including a directory of physicians with their overseas locations, telephone numbers and doctors' fee schedules. The physicians are generally English-speaking and provide medical assistance 24 hours a day. The addresses of these medical organizations are in travel magazines or may be available from your travel agent. PLACES TO RECEIVE MAIL If you are traveling for an extended period, you may want to arrange to pick up mail or messages. Some banks and international credit card companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches. General Delivery (Poste Restante) services at post offices in most countries will hold mail for you. U.S. embassies and consulates do not handle private mail. LEARN ABOUT DUAL NATIONALITY Whether you are a U.S. citizen from birth or were naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a foreign country may claim you as its citizen if: -- You were born there. -- Your parent is or was a citizen of that country. -- You are married to a citizen of that country. If any of the possibilities for dual nationality applies to you, check on your status (including military obligations) with the embassy or consulate of the country that might claim you as a citizen. In particular, Americans may have problems with dual nationality in certain countries in the Middle East, in South America, and in Africa. Some foreign countries refuse to recognize a dual national's U.S. citizenship and do not allow U.S. officials access to arrested Americans. SOME THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND YOUR ITINERARY LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL Leave a detailed itinerary (with names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons and places to be visited) with relatives or friends in the United States so you can be reached in an emergency. Also include a photocopy of your passport information page. OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS It is a good idea to make a list of all important numbers your passport information as well as your credit card, travelers checks, and airline ticket numbers. Leave a copy at home and carry a copy with you, separate from your valuables. WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS HOW TO DEAL WITH THE UNEXPECTED If you change your travel plans, miss your return flight, or extend your trip, be sure to notify relatives or friends back home. Should you find yourself in an area of civil unrest or natural disaster, let them know as soon as you can that you are safe. In addition, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to register your presence and to keep the U.S. consul informed of your whereabouts. SAFETY TIPS PROTECT YOUR PASSPORT Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates. When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for traveling. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. PASSPORT FRAUD Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for illegal entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions may involve some delay before a new passport is issued. SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSPORT Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you because either you need to show it when you cash travelers checks or the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room or packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry all the passports for the entire family. GUARD AGAINST THIEVES Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet. These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something on your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold! Prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner. Consider not carrying a purse or wallet when going on crowded streets. Women who carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm and held securely by the strap. Men should put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets. A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove undetected. Be especially cautious in a large crowd in the subway, marketplace, at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Do not make it easy for thieves! FINANCIAL AND SHOPPING TIPS CURRENCY Local banks usually offer better rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores. Rates are often posted in windows. Above all, avoid private currency transactions. In some countries, you risk more than being swindled or stuck with counterfeit currency you risk arrest. Avoid the black market learn and obey the local currency laws wherever you go. SHOPPING MAIL SMALL ITEMS When you purchase small items, it is a good idea to mail them personally to your home or to carry them in your luggage. This will help prevent misdirected packages, nonreceipt of merchandise, or receipt of wrong merchandise. When you mail purchases, be sure to ask about insurance. American embassies and consulates abroad cannot serve as post offices. They cannot accept, hold, or forward mail for U.S. citizens abroad. THE VALUE ADDED TAX Some European countries levy a value added tax (VAT) on the items you buy. In some places, if you ship your purchases home, the VAT can be waived. Other places may require you to pay the VAT, but have a system to refund it to you by mail. Ask the store clerk for an application to apply for the refund. The VAT refund is only for items you can ship or carry with you. It does not apply to food, hotel bills, or other services. Because the rules for VAT refunds vary from country to country, check with the country's tourist office to learn the local requirements. THINGS TO BEWARE OF PURCHASING WILDLIFE SOUVENIRS Be careful when you buy articles made from animals and plants or purchase live wild animals to bring back as pets. Some items, such as those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather, or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannot be brought into the United States legally. Your wildlife souvenirs could be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could face other penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States. Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain they are legal for import into the United States. More information follows later. GLAZED CERAMICS Beware of purchasing glazed ceramic ware abroad. It is possible to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that are stored or served in improperly glazed ceramics. Unless the ceramics are made by a firm with an international reputation, there is no immediate way to be certain a particular item is safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your return or be used for decorative purposes only. More information later on in this file. ANTIQUES Some countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the "inalienable property of the nation." In some countries, customs authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation and may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted for purchasing antiques. Americans have even been arrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendors because a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure. Protect yourself. In countries where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they are authentic, secure the necessary export permit. The documentation or export permit may be available through the country's national museum. A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or information on how to secure one. If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country's tourist office can guide you. If you still have doubts, consult the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In places where Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular Section is well aware of the situation. They can tell you about the local laws and the correct procedures to follow. CUSTOMS Keep all receipts for items you buy overseas. They will be helpful in making your U.S. Customs declaration when you return. LEGAL TIPS OBEY FOREIGN LAWS When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Learn about local laws and regulations and obey them. Avoid areas of unrest and disturbance. Deal only with authorized outlets when exchanging money or buying airline tickets and travelers checks. Do not deliver a package for anyone unless you know the person well and are certain the package does not contain drugs or other contraband. Before you sell personal effects, such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry, learn the local regulations regarding such sales. Adhere strictly to local laws because the penalties you risk are severe. Some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs. In general, refrain from photographing police and military installations and personnel; industrial structures including harbor, rail, and airport facilities; border areas; and scenes of civil disorder or other public disturbance. Taking such photographs may result in your detention, in the confiscation of your camera and films, and the imposition of fines. For information on photography restrictions, check with the country's tourist office or its embassy or consulate in the United States. Once abroad, check with local authorities or at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. DRUG ARRESTS About 3000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximately one-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence. Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. You are subject to foreign, not U.S. laws overseas, and you will find, if arrested, that: -- Few countries provide a jury trial. -- Most countries do not accept bail. -- Pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last months. -- Prisons may lack even minimal comforts bed, toilet, wash basin. -- Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives and friends. -- Officials may not speak English. -- Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading or inhumane treatment, and extortion are possible. If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of: -- 2-10 years in many countries. -- A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries. -- The death penalty in some countries. Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas. It can spoil more than your vacation. It can ruin your life! LEGAL AID Because you are subject to local laws abroad, there is little that a U.S. consul can do for you if you encounter legal difficulties. For example, a consular officer cannot get you out of jail. What American officials can do is limited by both foreign and U.S. laws. The U.S. Government has neither funds nor authority to pay your legal fees or related expenses. Although U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice, they can provide a list of local attorneys and help you find adequate legal representation. The lists of attorneys are carefully compiled from local bar association lists and responses to questionnaires, but neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassies or consulates abroad can assume responsibility for the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of the attorneys. If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Under international agreements and practice, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul. If you are denied this right, be persistent and try to have someone get in touch for you. When alerted, U.S. officials will visit you, advise you of your rights according to local laws, and contact your family and friends if you wish. They will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate interests and to ensure you are not discriminated against under local law. Consuls can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prison authorities from your family or friends. They will try to get relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthy conditions or treated less favorably than others in the same situation. HELP FROM AMERICAN CONSULS ABROAD WHEN TO REGISTER WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY REGISTER AT THE CONSULAR SECTION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE: If you find yourself in a country or area that is experiencing civil unrest, has an unstable political climate, or is undergoing a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane. If you plan to go to a country where there are no U.S. officials. In such cases, register in an adjacent country, leave an itinerary, and ask about conditions in the country you will visit and what third country may represent U.S. interests there. If you plan to stay in a country for longer than one month. Registration makes your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary for a consular employee to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers offer assistance to Americans and can even assist in evacuation when that becomes necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where your are. Registration also makes it easier to apply for a replacement passport if yours is lost or stolen. If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas experiencing political uncertainty or other problems, find out if registration is being done for you by your tour operator. If it is not, or if you are traveling on your own, leave a copy of your itinerary at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate soon after arrival. WHAT U.S. CONSULS CAN DO U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help you if you are in any serious trouble. DESTITUTION If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you how to arrange for them to send funds for you. These funds can sometimes be wired to you through the Department of State. IF ILL OR INJURED Should you become ill while abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists, clinics and hospitals. If your illness or injury is serious, the consul can help you find medical assistance from that list and, at your request, will inform your family or friends of your condition. If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is your responsibility. Consular officers cannot supply you with medication. In an emergency when you are unable to communicate, the consul will check your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend, or legal representative whom you wish to have notified. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisable to have private medical insurance to cover this. MARRIAGE ABROAD U.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authority to perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must be performed in accordance with local law. There are always documentary requirements, and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement before a marriage may take place. Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepare to marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions, but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities. BIRTH ABROAD A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generally acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. The U.S. parent or parents should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared. This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for most other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof of citizenship. ADOPTION ABROAD The Department of State and its embassies and consulates abroad have become increasingly concerned about international adoptions because of an increase in illegal activities by some intermediaries and adoption agencies. Illegal adoption practices can cause great difficulty, financial strain, and emotional upheaval for adopting parents. If you are a prospective adopting parent, beware of any agency or attorney claiming to be able to streamline established procedures. Because of irregular activities, foreign governments sometimes determine that an adoption in process is illegal and refuse to finalize the adoption. For more information, you may write for a free pamphlet, International Adoptions. Send a self-addressed, triple-stamped 9"x12" envelope to: Citizens Consular Services (CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. If you are planning to adopt from a particular country, mention that in your request, because Citizens Consular Services has specific information on the adoption process in certain countries. Continued... Trips abroad (+more) false marked Trips abroad (+more) showNameProp Trips abroad (+more) (Consular Affairs Topics) YOUR TRIP ABROAD Continued... DEATH ABROAD When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the consular officer reports the death to the next of kin or legal representative and arranges to obtain from them the necessary private funds for local burial or return of the body to the United States. Before you begin your trip, complete the address page in the front of your passport. Provide the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency. Do not give the names of your traveling companions in case the entire party is involved in the same accident. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for local burial or shipment of remains to the United States, it is worthwhile to have insurance to cover this. Following a death, a Report of the Death of An American Citizen (Optional Form 180) is prepared by the consular officer to provide the facts concerning the death and the custody of the personal estate of the deceased. Under certain circumstances, a consular officer becomes the provisional conservator of a deceased American's estate and arranges for the disposition of those effects. A VARIETY OF NONEMERGENCY SERVICES Consular employees provide nonemergency services as well. These include information on Selective Service registration, travel advisories, absentee voting, and the acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship. They arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other federal benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, and notarize documents. Consuls can also provide information on how to obtain foreign public documents. WHAT U.S. CONSULS CANNOT DO Consular officers will do their best to assist U.S nationals abroad. However, they must devote priority time and energies to those Americans who find themselves in the most serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. Because of limited resources, consuls cannot provide routine or commercial-type services. They cannot act as travel agents, information bureaus, banks, or law enforcement officers. U.S. federal law forbids a consular officer from acting as your lawyer. Consular officers cannot: find you employment; get you visas, residence permits or driving permits; act as interpreters; search for missing luggage; call your credit card company or bank; replace stolen travelers checks; or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can, how-ever, tell you how to get assistance on these and other matters. WHEN YOU RETURN RETURN TRANSPORTATION Reconfirm your return reservation at least 72 hours before departure. Whenever possible, obtain a written confirmation. If you do it by phone, record the time, day, and the agent's name who took the call. If your name does not appear on the reservations list, you have no recourse and may find yourself stranded. DEPARTURE TAX Some countries levy an airport departure tax on travelers that can be as high as $50. Ask the airline or a travel agent about this. Make certain to have enough money at the end of your trip to be able to get on the plane. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS If a passport was required for your trip, have it ready when you go through Immigration and Customs. If you took other documents with you, such as an International Certificate of Vaccination, a medical letter, or a Customs certificate of registration for foreign-made personal articles, have them ready also. Have your receipts handy in case you need to support your customs declaration. When returning to the United States by car from Mexico or Canada, have your certificate of vehicle registration handy. It is a good idea to pack your baggage in a way to make inspection easier. For example, pack the articles you acquired abroad separately. U.S. Customs currently allows each U.S. citizen to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free, provided the traveler has been outside the United States for at least 48 hours, has not already used this exemption within 30 days, and provided the traveler can present the purchases upon his or her arrival at the port of entry. The next $1000 worth of items brought back for personal use or gifts is subject to duty at a flat rate of 10%. There are two groups of destinations from which the duty-free exemption is higher. These are a group of 24 countries and dependencies in the Caribbean and Central America from which the exemption is $600 and a group of U.S. insular possessions (the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam) from which the exemption is $1,200. For details, consult your travel agent or the U.S. Customs Service publication, Know Before You Go, listed directly below. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION CUSTOMS Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents contains information on key U.S. Customs regulations and procedures, including duty rates. Single copies are free from any local Customs office or write: U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into the United States lists entry requirements for these items from most parts of the world. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted from entry into the United States. The publication is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 613 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782. WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS Buyer Beware! provides general guidelines governing restrictions on imports of wildlife and wildlife products into the United States. For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Additional information on importing wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained through TRAFFIC USA, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. GLAZED CERAMIC PURCHASES The article, An Unwanted Souvenir, Lead in Ceramic Ware, explains the danger of lead poisoning from some glazed ceramic ware sold abroad. For a free copy, write: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HFI-40, Rockville, MD. 20857. U.S. EMBASSY ADDRESSES Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives the names of key officers and the addresses for all U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. This publication is updated three times a year. The single copy price is $1.75. To obtain a copy, write to: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402. FOREIGN COUNTRY INFORMATION Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets, one for each country of the world and some for selected international organizations. The approximately 170 Notes contain information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and political conditions. Background Notes also include a reading list, travel notes, and maps. Single copies are available for $1 from the U.S. Government Printing Office. BROCHURES ON CONSULAR SERVICES FOR AMERICANS ABROAD Single copies of the following brochures can be obtained free by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to: CA/PA, Room 5807; Department of State; Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Crisis Abroad What the State Department Does summarizes the work of the State Department during a crisis. For example, for concerned relatives and friends in the U.S., the Department attempts to obtain information from local authorities abroad about Americans located in the disaster area. The Citizens Emergency Center gives information about the assistance the Center provides to American citizens in four major categories: deaths, arrests, welfare/whereabouts inquiries, and financial/medical emergencies. US Consuls Help Americans Abroad explains the emergency and nonemergency services that consular officers abroad provide to U.S. citizens. OTHER INFORMATION SHEETS ON CONSULAR MATTERS The Department of State has information on other subjects of interest to traveling Americans. Single copies of the following information sheets are free. Please send a SASE to: CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817; Department of State; Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Ask for any of the following: Dual Nationality (U.S./Other) Loss of U.S. Citizenship Marriage Abroad Foreign Military Service Claims to Inheritance Abroad Estates Abroad Tourist and Trade Complaints. PASSPORT AGENCIES Apply Early For Your Passport! Boston Passport Agency Thomas P. O'Neill Fed. Bldg., Room 247 10 Causeway Street Boston, Massachusetts 02222 *Recording: 617-565-6698 Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990 Chicago Passport Agency Suite 380, Kluczynski Federal Bldg. 230 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564 *Recording: 312-353-5426 Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155 or 7163 Honolulu Passport Agency Room C-106, New Federal Bldg. 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 *Recording: 808-541-1919 Public Inquiries: 808-541-1918 Houston Passport Agency Suite 1100, Mickey Leland Fed. Bldg. 1919 Smith Street Houston, Texas 77002 *Recording: 713-653-3159 Public Inquiries: 713-653-3153 Los Angeles Passport Agency Room 13100, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90024-3614 *Recording: 310-575-7070 Public Inquiries: 310-575-7075 Miami Passport Agency 3rd Floor, Federal Office Bldg. 51 Southwest First Avenue Miami, Florida 33130-1680 *Recording: 305-536-5395 (English) 305-536-4448 (Spanish) Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681 New Orleans Passport Agency Postal Services Building 701 Loyola Avenue, Rm. T-12005 New Orleans, Louisiana 70013-1931 *Recording: 504-589-6728 Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161 New York Passport Agency Room 270, Rockefeller Center 630 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10111-0031 *Recording: 212-541-7700 Public Inquiries: 212-541-7710 Philadelphia Passport Agency Room 4426, Federal Bldg. 600 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684 *Recording: 215-597-7482 Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480 San Francisco Passport Agency Suite 200, Tishman Speyer Bldg. 525 Market Street San Francisco, California 94105-2773 *Recording: 415-744-4444 Public Inquiries: 415-744-4010 Seattle Passport Agency Room 992, Federal Office Bldg. 915 Second Avenue Seattle, Washington 98174-1091 *Recording: 206-553-7941 Public Inquiries: 206-553-7945 Stamford Passport Agency One Landmark Square Broad and Atlantic Streets Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2767 *Recording: 203-325-4401 Public Inquiries: 203-325-3538, 3530 Washington Passport Agency 1425 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20524-0002 *Recording: 202-647-0518 Public Inquiries: 202-326-6020 *Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information, passport agency location, hours of operation, and information regarding emergency passport services during non-working hours. West bank travel false marked West bank travel showNameProp West bank travel (Travel Advisories) WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP, EAST JERUSALEM - WARNING March 12, 1992 Summary: The Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip until further notice. U.S. citizens traveling to East Jerusalem should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions and exercise caution at all times. In general, Americans should avoid demonstrations and protest activities. Israel's strict security measures, particularly at Ben Gurion Airport and Allenby Bridge, may affect visitors. Americans arrested in the West Bank or Gaza on security offenses are often denied timely communication with consular officials. End Summary. I. Travel and Safety TRAVEL TO THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Due to recurrent disturbances and tension in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas until further notice. U.S. citizens who must travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone- throwing, which can affect visitors. If travel to the West Bank is unavoidable, travelers should consult with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. In the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, travelers should consult with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Americans residing in these areas should exercise particular caution. They should also register with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. TRAVEL TO EAST JERUSALEM: There have been occasional disturbances in East Jerusalem. U.S. citizens who travel to East Jerusalem should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone-throwing, which can affect visitors. Travelers to all areas of East Jerusalem, including the walled city, should exercise caution. Travelers should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions. Because of the potential for violent incidents, tourists should be vigilant while using public transportation and while traveling by car in areas of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists. DEMONSTRATIONS: Under all circumstances, Americans should avoid demonstrations, protest activities, and other situations that have the potential to lead to violence. American tourists should carry their U.S. passports at all times II. Consular Matters, Security, and Arrests SECURITY MEASURES: Israel has strict security measures which may affect visitors. Prolonged questioning and detailed searches may take place at the time of entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben Gurion Airport. At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab surnames may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or electronics equipment. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed. During searches and questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or family members. Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, Americans should telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at 253-288. If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, Americans should phone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at 517-4338. ARRESTS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Americans arrested or detained in the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses often are not permitted to communicate with consular officials, lawyers, or family members in a timely manner during the interrogation period of their case. Youths who are over the age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. The U.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is delayed. No. 92-044 This updates the previous advisory, dated October 8, 1990, to reflect changes in conditions in East Jerusalem. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- nformation regarding emergency passport services during non-working hours. West bank travel false marked Crime false marked Crime showNameProp Crime (Travel Advisories) Crime - Notice June 29, 1992 The U.S. Department of State provides the following travel notice for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide. Tourists are particularly targeted by criminals because they are usually carrying cash and are often easy to distract. Any traveler can become a victim of crimes such as pick-pocketings, robberies, sexual assaults and muggings. To keep yourself safe while traveling, follow the same common-sense precautions you would exercise at home: -- Do not take valuable items on your trip. Carry travelers checks and major credit cards, not large amounts of cash. -- Hide your valuables on your person. Wrapping rubber bands around your wallet makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove. Don't carry money or identification in a handbag; all too often, thieves simply take the bag, sometimes breaking arms in the process. If possible, don't carry a handbag at all. -- Before leaving, make a copy of the identification page of your passport. Take the copy with you on your trip, keeping it separate from the passport itself. While traveling, leave your passport and any money you don't expect to need that day locked in a hotel safety deposit box. If local law does not require you to keep your passport with you, carry only the photocopy of your passport when you leave your hotel. -- Find out which parts of town local inhabitants consider risky. If you are out alone at night, stay in well-lit areas; don't use short cuts or narrow alleys. -- Be especially alert in crowds. The most common sites for purse, bag or camera snatching are the central train stations, crowded shopping areas and places heavily frequented by tourists, such as on public buses, trams and subways. -- Thieves often strike when travelers are distracted. A bag casually left at one's feet or on a cart while checking a train schedule or using a telephone is an easy target. Money belts or pouches worn on the outside of clothing or loosely hung around the neck are easily cut or ripped off. Wearing them on the outside highlights where you keep all your valuables. -- Travel with several passport size photos. It can be hard to get replacement photos on short notice if your passport is lost or stolen. Keep a record of your passport number, and the date and place of issuance separate from the passport itself. -- If driving, keep your car doors locked and suitcases out of sight. -- Don't leave valuables in parked cars. Thieves particularly target rental cars and cars with out of town or foreign license plates. If you should fall victim to crime, remember that the U.S. Embassy is there to help you. Every embassy and consulate has a duty officer on-call around the clock to assist in an emergency. If you need emergency medical care, the duty officer will try to help you get in touch with a doctor or clinic. If you lose your passport, report the loss to the local police and go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the next business day to apply for a new one. If you have a police report, photos and proof of identification (or are accompanied by someone who can identify you), a new passport can often be issued the same day. The following pamphlets are published by the Department of State to assist Americans traveling abroad. Single copies of these publications are available for $1.00 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Please send checks or money orders. Your Trip Abroad A Safe Trip Abroad Travel Tips for Older Americans Tips for Americans Residing Abroad Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean Tips for Travelers to Central and South America Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe (under revision) Tips for Travelers to Mexico Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China Tips for Travelers to South Asia Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa Tips for Travelers to the USSR (under revision) No. 92-136 This travel advisory replaces the travel advisory dated May 22, 1991 with minor changes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIV testing false marked HIV testing showNameProp HIV testing (Consular Affairs Topics) HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO FOREIGN COUNTRIES MARCH 6, 1991 An increasing number of countries require that foreigners be tested for HIV (AIDS virus) prior to entry. This is particularly true for students or long-term visitors. The following list of country requirements is based on information available as of March 1990 and is subject to change. Before traveling abroad, check with the embassy of the country to be visited to learn entry requirements and specifically whether or not AIDS testing is a requirement. If the list indicates U.S. test results are acceptable "under certain conditions" in a particular country, prospective travelers should inquire at the embassy of that country for details (i.e., which laboratories in the United States may perform tests and where to have results certified and authenticated) before departing the United States. COUNTRY REQUIRED FOR U.S. TEST ACCEPTED Antigua and University students and those Yes Barbuda suspected of having the HIV virus Australia All applicants for permanent Yes residence over age 16. Students or temporary residents staying over 12 months may be tested Bahrain Foreign workers in certain N/A job categories, i.e. hotel staff, hair dressers, etc. are screened after entry Belize Certain foreign workers Yes,if within past 3 months British Virgin Intending immigrants and those Yes Islands wishing to work must certify they are free of HIV virus Bulgaria Certain groups of foreigners, No such as university students who stay for prolonged periods of time. Holders of tourist passports staying over 30 days may be tested China, Those staying more than 6 months. Yes, under People's certain Republic of conditions* Costa Rica All applicants for temporary No, testing residence permits or permanent performed by resident status and students or Ministry of tourists staying over 90 days Public Health Cuba All foreigners, excluding No, testing to tourists be performed on arrival Cyprus All foreigners working as Yes entertainers Czechoslovakia Students and workers from No, testing countries with high number of required to be AIDS cases performed on arrival Ecuador All foreigners coming as Yes residents, students, or for any other long-term purposes Egypt All foreigners working or No studying in Egypt for more than 30 days German Demo- Those staying over 3 months Yes, under cratic certain Republic conditions* Germany, Federal Applicants for residence No Republic of permits staying over 180 days (Bavaria only) in Bavaria Greece Students receiving Greek No Government scholarships and performing artists working in Greece India All students and anyone over Yes, under 18 staying over 1 year, certain excluding accredited journ- conditions* alists, and those working in foreign missions Iraq Anyone staying over 5 days Yes, under (Failure to have the test certain done will result in a fine conditions* of $1600.) (To avoid $330 fee have test done in the U.S. before departing.) Kuwait Those planning to obtain a Yes residence permit for longer than 6 months Libya Those seeking residence permits, Yes excluding official visitors Marshall Although not yet implemented, Yes, under Islands, regulations would require those certain Republic of the planning to reside over 6 months conditions* to be tested Mongolia Students and anyone planning to Yes stay longer than 3 months must be tested before arrival Pakistan Those staying for over 1 year Yes must certify they are free of HIV Papua New Those planning to work and Yes Guinea those applying for long-term residence visas Philippines Applicants for permanent Yes resident visas Qatar Those going to work or study Yes, if within six months Saudi Arabia Applicants for work permits only Yes South Africa Mine workers Yes St.Kitts and Applicants for work permits or Yes Nevis residency Syria Students and others staying Yes, under over 1 year certain conditions* Taiwan Proposed legislation would Uncertain require those planning to reside over 3 months to be tested Thailand Those suspected or confirmed of N/A carrying AIDS are refused entry Union of Soviet Those staying more than 3 Yes Socialist months Republics United Arab Applicants for work or resi- No, testing Emirates dence permits required to be performed on arrival *Check with embassy in Washington, D.C. for detailed requirements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration numbers false marked Immigration numbers showNameProp Immigration numbers ,(Consular Affairs Topics) IMMIGRANT NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER 1992 A. STATUTORY NUMBERS This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during December. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; the Immigration and Naturalization Service reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations were made, to the extent possible under the numerical limitations, for the demand received by November 6th in the chronological order of the reported priority dates. If the demand could not be satisfied within the statutory or regulatory limits, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. The cut-off date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. Only applicants who have a priority date earlier than the cut-off date may be allotted a number. Immediately that it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a cut-off date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new cut-off date. Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended, sets an annual minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000. The worldwide level for annual employment-based immigrants effective with FY 1992 is at least 140,000. Section 202, as amended, prescribes that the foreign state per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., a minimum of 25,620. The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or a minimum of 7,320. The limit for Hong Kong is set at 10,000 through FY 1993, after which the regular foreign state limit will apply to Hong Kong. Section 203 of the INA, as amended, prescribes preference classes for allotment of immigrant visas as follows: FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES First: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, and any unused first preference numbers: A. Spouses and Children: 87,934 minimum, i.e., 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; B. Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older): 26,266 minimum, i.e., 23% of the overall second preference limitation. Third: Married Sons and Daughters of Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences. Fourth: Brothers and Sisters of Adult Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences. EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences. Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference. Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "Other Workers". Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants: 7.1%, not more than 5,000 of which to the Religious Workers described in INA Section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and (III). Fifth: Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targetted rural or high-unemployment area. INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e), as revised by the Immigration Act of 1990, will apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area in any fiscal year when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas: CHINA-mainland born, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF LEGALIZATION BENEFICIARIES: Section 112 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 55,000 immigrant visas during each of fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994 to spouses and children of persons legalized under the three programs established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-603). The total available for each fiscal year must be reduced, however, by the extent to which immediate relative immigration in the previous year exceeds 239,000. (This category is indicated below by the symbol "LB".) On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are available for all qualified applicants; and "U" means unavailable, i.e., no numbers are available. PREFERENCES All Charge- ability Areas CHINA-Except Those mainland DOMINICAN Listed born REPUBLIC INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES Family 1st C C C C 15NOV91 23MAY85 2A Exempt 08JUL90 08JUL90 08JUL90 08JUL90 08JUL90 08JUL90 from per-country limit 2A Subject 01AUG90 01AUG90 01AUG90 01AUG90 U 01AUG90 to per- country limit LB 08DEC90 08DEC90 08DEC90 08DEC90 08DEC90 08DEC90 2B 15SEP89 15SEP89 08JAN88 15SEP89 08AUG89 01APR86 3rd 01FEB91 01FEB91 01FEB91 01FEB91 08JUL84 26OCT82 4th 15AUG83 15AUG83 15AUG83 15OCT82 15SEP80 27APR77 All Charge- ability Areas CHINA- Except Those mainland DOMINICAN Listed born REPUBLIC INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES Employment- Based 1st C C C C C C 2nd C 08JUN91 C 15AUG91 C C 3rd C 01MAY91 C 01JUN91 C 01MAR88 Other 15OCT87 15OCT87 15OCT87 15OCT87 15OCT87 15OCT87 Workers 4th C C C C C 15JUL92 Certain C C C C C 15JUL92 Religious Workers 5th C C C C C C Targeted C C C C C C Employment Areas The Department of State has available a recorded message with visa availability information which can be heard at: (area code 202) 663-1541. This recording will be updated in the middle of each month with information on cut-off dates for the following month. B. TRANSITION IMMIGRANT VISA CATEGORY FOR EMPLOYEES OF CERTAIN UNITED STATES BUSINESSES OPERATING IN HONG KONG Section 124 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 12,000 immigrant visas during each of fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993 for employees of certain United States businesses operating in Hong Kong, and their spouses and children. Any numbers unused in fiscal years 1991 or 1992 are to be added to the limit for the succeeding year. At the present time immigrant numbers in this category are available to qualified applicants on a "CURRENT" basis. C. TRANSITION IMMIGRANT (AA-1) CATEGORY FOR NATIVES OF CERTAIN "ADVERSELY AFFECTED" FOREIGN STATES Section 132 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 40,000 immigrant visas during each of fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994 for natives of certain countries which had been identified as "adversely affected" for purposes of the "NP-5" immigrant program established under Section 314 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-603). At least 40 percent of AA-1 numbers are designated for natives of the country which received the greatest number of visas under the NP-5 program (i.e., Ireland). Everyone selected for AA-1 visa status during the recent application period has been registered, and the last of the notification letters will be mailed by the end of November. (Persons who were NOT selected for registration will NOT be sent any response to their AA-1 application.) For December immigrant numbers in the AA-1 category are available to qualified applicants chargeable to all AA-1 countries on a "CURRENT" basis. ENTITLEMENT TO VISA STATUS BASED ON THE RECENT REGISTRATION PERIOD WILL LAST ONLY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993, AND SINCE AA-1 VISA NUMBERS COULD BE EXHAUSTED EVEN BEFORE SEPTEMBER IF RESPONSE TO VISA LETTERS IS VERY HEAVY, APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR AA-1 REGISTRATION ARE URGED TO RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE VISA NOTIFICATION LETTER. D. TRANSITION IMMIGRANT VISA CATEGORY FOR DISPLACED TIBETANS Section 134 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 1,000 immigrant visas over the three fiscal year period 1991 through 1993 for natives of Tibet residing in India or Nepal, and their spouses and children. The processing of applications for visas in this category, including the allocation of visa numbers under its numerical limitation, is under the control of the United States Embassy at New Delhi, India. E. AVAILABILITY OF ASYLEE NUMBERS FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS CASES The following information has been provided by the Refugees, Asylum and Parole Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service: Asylees who filed their application to adjust on or before October 1, 1992 and whose names are included on the Immigration and Naturalization Service centralized computer list may be adjusted at this time. F. RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE VISA PORTION OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MANUAL (FAM) Transmittal Letter (TL) No. VISA-66 dated September 30, 1992 which updates the visa portion (Vol. 9) of the FAM, is now available. VISA-66 amends Part III, Sections 42.81 Notes, Procedural Notes, and Exhibits, 42.82 Procedural Notes; and 42.83 Notes, Procedural Notes, and Exhibits. These sections have been amended primarily as a result of the Immigration Act of 1990. There is a charge of $3.00 per copy of VISA-66. A check payable to the Department of State must accompany the order. This TL may be obtained from: Distribution Services (OIS/PS/PR) Room B845 NS Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520-0845 VISA BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS INFORMATION: Additions or changes to the mailing list should be sent to: Visa Bulletin, Visa Office, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20522-0113. Only addresses within the U.S. postal system may be placed on the mailing list. Please include a recent mailing label when reporting changes or corrections of address; the Postal Service does NOT automatically notify the Visa Office of address changes. Department of State Publication 9514 CA/VO:November 6, 1992 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Medical tips false marked Medical tips showNameProp Medical tips (Consular Affairs Topics) Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad If an American becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer, when notified of the problem, can assist in locating appropriate medical services and help in informing the next-of-kin, family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States, but payment of hospital and other expenses is your responsibility. Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can easily cost $5,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition. THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL SERVICES OUTSIDE THE U.S.A. The American Association of Retired Persons offers foreign medical care coverage at no extra charge with its Medicare supplement plans. This coverage is restricted to treatments considered eligilble under Medicare. In general, it covers 80% of the "customary and reasonable" charges, subject to a $50 deductible for the covered care during the first 60 days. There is a ceiling of $25,000 per trip. This is a reimbursement plan so you must pay the bills first and obtain receipts for submission to the plan. To facilitate identification in case of an accident, complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency. The name given should not be the same as your traveling companions in case the entire party is involved in the same accident. Travelers going abroad with any preexisting medical problems should carry a letter from their attending physician. The letter should describe their condition and include information on any prescription medications, including the generic name of any prescribed drugs, that they need to take. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics. A listing of addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is contained in "Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts." This booklet may be obtained through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, for $1.75 (Publication No. 7877). An annual global rundown of disease and immunization advice and other health guidance, including risks in particular countries, by the Centers for Disease Control may also be obtained from the Government Printing Office in "Health Information for International Travelers" (Publication No. HHS-CDC 90-8280, $5.00 ). The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta also maintains a travelers hotline that can be reached by calling 404-332-4559. For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative reference is the "Directory of Medical Specialists" published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its 22 certifying member boards. This publication should be available in your local library. If abroad, a list of hospitals and physicians can be obtained from the nearest American embassy or consulate. A number of countries require foreign visitors to be tested for the AIDS virus as a requirement for entry. This applies mostly to those planning to reside overseas. Before traveling, check the latest entry requirements with the foreign embassy of the country to be visited. A listing of "Foreign Entry Requirements" is available for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009. The Citizens Emergency Center maintains a travel notice on HIV/AIDS entry requirements. Call 202-647-5225 to obtain these requirements. Several private organizations will provide medical information and insurance for overseas travelers. The following is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of State: PUBLISHED MEDICAL INFORMATION BOOKS: How to Stay Healthy Abroad, Dr. Richard Dawood, Penguin U.S.A., P.O. Box 999, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 How To Stay Healthy While Traveling: A Guide For Today's World Traveler by Bob Young, M.D., Box 567, Dept. 2, Santa Barbara, CA 93102 DIABETES TRAVEL SERVICES, INC., 39 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 - Worldwide information on diabetic treatments and physicians. EMERGENCY MEDICAL PAYMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES c/o your nearest American Express Office. Available to American Express CARDHOLDERS ONLY: 1) A directory of "U.S. Certified Doctors Abroad" (Price: $3.00) 2) A health insurance plan is available through the Firemens Fund Life Insurance Company, 1600 Los Gamos Rd., San Raphael, CA 94911, Attention: American Express Card Service. IAMAT, 736 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 Phone 716-754-4883 International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers: A medical directory, clinical record, and a malaria risk chart are sent without charge; however, a contribution is requested for World Climate Charts. IMMUNIZATION ALERT, P.O. Box 406, Storrs, CT 06268 Phone 203-487-0611 For $25 a traveler is provided with an up-to-date, detailed and personalized health report on up to 6 countries to be visited. It will tell you what diseases are prevalent and what precautions are recommended or advisable. AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES AERO AMBULANCE INTERNATIONAL Executive Airport Philadelphia, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL San Juan, Puerto Rico 305-776-6800 800-443-8042 (U.S., Canada & Caribbean) Service Area: Worldwide AIR AMBULANCE NETWORK Miami, FL 305-447-0458 AIR AMBULANCE OF AMERICA Chicago, IL 800-321-4444 NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE Ft. Lauderdale, FL 305-525-5538 Service Area: Caribbean & Central America AIR MEDIC Pittsburgh, PA 800-423-2667 Service Area: Canada & Caribbean ALPHA AVIATION, INC. Dallas, TX 214-352-4801 INTERNATIONAL SOS ASSISTANCE Philadelphia, PA 800-523-8930/215-244-1500 Service Area: Worldwide MERCY MEDICAL AIRLIFT Reston, VA 703-361-1191 (Caribbean and Canada only. Will meet commercial incoming patient flights at JFK International Airport in New York/New Jersey area and at Miami International Airport, other airports if necessary.) WORLD CARE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 1150 S. Olive St. Suite T-2233 Los Angeles, CA 90015 800-253-1877 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mexico travel false marked Mexico travel showNameProp Mexico travel 2q2q(Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO Between 4 and 6 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year, while more than 300,000 Americans reside there. Although the majority thoroughly enjoy their stay, some experience difficulties and serious inconvenience. The Department of State and its Foreign Service posts in Mexico offer a wide range of services to assist U.S. citizens in distress. U.S. consular officials meet regularly with Mexican authorities to promote the safety of U.S. citizens in Mexico. To keep you among the happy majority who do not experience difficulties, here are some precautions you can take. How to Have a Safe and Healthy Trip Before You Go Give your family or friends in the United States a copy of your proposed itinerary -- and keep them informed if your travel plans change. This will help them find you in an emergency. Carry a photo identification with you and include with it the name of a person to contact in the event of serious illness or other emergency. Safety begins before you leave home. Do not bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry at home. Bring travelers checks, not cash. Use a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, cash, and other valuables.It is also wise to photocopy your airline or other tickets and your list of travelers checks, leave a copy with someone at home, and carry an extra copy with you. Learn about your route from an auto club, guide book, or a Mexican government tourist office. Some routes have heavy truck and bus traffic, some have poor or nonexistent shoulders, and many have animals on the loose. Also, some of the newer roads have very few restaurants, motels, gas stations, or auto repair shops. You may not be able to avoid all problems, but at least you will know what to expect if you have done some research. Caution: See page 4 for routes to avoid because of highway crime. For your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum condition before you leave for Mexico. Pack a basic first-aid kit and carry an emergency water supply in your vehicle. Be aware that unleaded gasoline may not be available away from the main highways. Bring a flexible funnel to fill your gas tank because some gas stations have nozzles too large to fit unleaded gas tanks. After You Arrive -- Emergency Help In an emergency, call {91} (5) 250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. The hotline is for immediate assistance, but it can give you general, nonemergency guidance as well. It is an important number to keep with you. If necessary, in an emergency, you may also call the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. (See addresses at the end of this pamphlet.)If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism's hotline to obtain help from the "Green Angels," a fleet of radio-dispatched trucks with bilingual crews that operate daily. Services include protection, medical first aid, mechanical aid for your car, and basic supplies. You will not be charged for services, only for parts, gas and oil. The Green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until sunset. If you are unable to call them, pull well off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good that they will find you. Safety Tips As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your new surroundings. Hazards in Mexico may be different from those you are used to, and safety regulations and their enforcement are generally not equivalent to U.S. standards. By Foot Watch out for irregular pavement and open manholes.In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city. Avoid dark alleys, crowds, and marginal areas. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket; carry your purse tucked securely under your arm; and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the street. By Car and, if at all possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock can appear at any time. Construction sites or stranded vehicles are often unmarked by flares or other warning signals. Sometimes cars have only one headlight; bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors. Be prepared for a sudden stop at any time. Mexican driving conditions are such that, for your safety, you must drive more slowly than you do at home.. In Mexico, a blinking left turn signal on the vehicle in front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and you may pass, or it could mean the driver is making a left turn. An outstretched left arm may mean an invitation for you to pass. When in doubt, do not pass.An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is a warning for you to slow down or pull over because you are both approaching a narrow bridge or place in the road. The custom is that the first vehicle to flash has the right of way and the other must yield.C to a crawl. Freshly wet roads are dangerous because oil and road dust mix with water and form a lubricant. Until this mixture washes away, driving is extremely hazardous. Beware of sudden rains. Stop, or go extremely slowly, until conditions improve. To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night and never drive alone at night. Never sleep in vehicles along the road. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it and wait for the police or the Green Angels. Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers who not only pose a threat to your physical safety, but also put you in danger of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are transporting marijuana or other narcotics. There are checkpoints and temporary roadblocks where vehicles are checked. Beware of Highway 15 in the state of Sinaloa and of Highway 40 between the city of Durango and the Pacific coast, areas that are particularly dangerous and where a number of criminal assaults have occurred. Avoid express Highway 1 (limited access) in Sinaloa altogether -- even in daytime -- because it is remote and subject to bandits. On Public Transport Be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport. Do not accept beverages from other passengers. On occasion, tourists have been drugged and robbed while they slept. On Streets and Highways Be aware of persons representing themselves as Mexican police or other local officials. Some Americans have been the victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by criminals masquerading as officials. Mexican authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases. You must, however, have the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Make a note of this information if you are ever involved with police or other officials. Do not be surprised if you encounter several types of police in Mexico. The Preventive Police, the Transit Police, and the Federal Highway Police all wear uniforms. The Judicial Police who work for the public prosecutor are not uniformed. At the Pool or Beach Do not leave your belongings on the beach while you are swimming. Keep your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe. Carefully assess the risk potential of recreational activities. Sports equipment that you rent or buy may not meet the safety standards to which you are accustomed. For example, unless you are certain that scuba diving equipment is up to standard, do not use it. Inexperienced scuba divers should beware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a few hours instruction. Safe diving requires lengthy training. Do not use pools or beaches without lifeguards, or, if you do, exercise extreme caution. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Some Mexican beaches, such as those in Cancun, have warning signs about undertow; take them seriously. Be aware that the newer resorts may lack comprehensive medical facilities. Reporting a Crime If You are in Danger Call the Mexican Ministry of Tourism's emergency hotline,{91} (5) 250- 0123, for immediate assistance. Or, in Mexico City, dial 06 for police assistance. If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime. Immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. For addresses and telephone numbers, see the end of this pamphlet. Also, immediately report the crime to the local police. If you have difficulty filing this report, the Mexican police have a complement to the Green Angels, called the Silver Angels. This group helps tourists who are victims of crime file a police report. Call the Silver Angels on (5) 588-5100. Avoiding Legal Problems Tourists who commit illegal acts have no special privileges and are subject to full prosecution under the Mexican judicial system. Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases. Under Mexican law, possession of and trafficking in illegal drugs are federal offenses. For drug trafficking, bail does not exist. Mexican law does not differentiate between types of narcotics: heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines, for example, are treated the same. Offenders found guilty of possessing more than a token amount of any narcotic substance are subject to a minimum sentence of seven years, and it is not uncommon for persons charged with drug offenses to be detained for up to one year before a verdict is reached. Remember, if narcotics are found in your vehicle, you are subject to arrest and your vehicle can be confiscated. Avoid Public Drunkeness It is against the law in Mexico. Certain border towns have become impatient with teenaged (and older) Americans who cross the border to drink and carouse. This behavior can lead to fights, arrests, traffic accidents, and even death. Do not bring firearms or ammunition of any kind into Mexico unless you have first obtained a consular firearms certificate from a Mexican consulate. To hunt in Mexico, you must obtain a hunting permit , also available from the consulate. Travelers carrying guns or ammunition into Mexico without a Mexican certificate have been arrested, detained, and sentenced to stiff fines and lengthy prison terms. The sentence for clandestine importation of firearms is from 6 months to 6 years. If the weapon is greater then .38 caliber, it is co0nsidered of military type, and the sentence is from 5 to 30 years. When you enter Mexico, make certain that Mexican customs officials check both the firearms and your certificate. When you reach your destination, register your firearms with the appropriate military zone headquarters. Be aware that, even when you enter Mexican waters on your private boat, you are subject to the ban on importing firearms. NOTE: Before you leave the United States, you must register your firearms and ammunition with U.S. Customs if you wish to bring them back with you. In some areas of Mexico, it is not wise to carry anything that might be construed as a weapon. Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo, have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives and similar weapons. Tourists have even been arrested for possessing souvenir knives. Most arrests for knife possession occur in connection with some other infraction, such as drunk and disorderly behavior. Failure to pay hotel bills or failure to pay for other services rendered is considered fraud under Mexican law. Those accused of these offenses are subject to arrest and conviction with stiff fines and jail sentences. Be Cautious When Purchasing Real Estate. There are various restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in Mexico. Before you invest money, be certain that you are in compliance with Mexican law and that you are dealing with a reputable developer, time-share company, or real estate agent. For information and for names of Mexican lawyers, contact the American Society of Mexico or the American Chamber of Commerce. You may also obtain a list of Mexican lawyers from the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate or from the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Inter-American Division, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, (202) 647-3712. If your investment in Mexican property is illegal, you risk confiscation by the government of Mexico. Be aware that most time-share condo companies are not registered in the U.S. and do not abide by U.S. rules. For instance, there is no day or two "remorse period" in which you can change your mind and back out of a contract that you have signed. To Avoid Disputes With Merchants, Ba a Careful Shopper. Make sure the goods you buy are in good condition and always get a receipt. There is a federal consumer protection office, the Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor, to assist you if you have a major problem with a faulty product or service. However, if the problem is with a service of the tourist industry, you should bring the matter to the Mexican Government Tourist Office (Secretaria de Turismo). Staying Healthy In some places, particularly at resorts, medical costs can be as high or higher than in the United States. If your insurance policy does not cover you in Mexico, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a policy that does. There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Medical facilities in Mexico differ from those in the United States, and treatment for some types of illnesses or injuries may be only remedial. Some remote areas or coastal islands may have few or no medical facilities. For these reasons, in addition to medical insurance that you can use in Mexico, consider obtaining insurance or joining a membership organization that will cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. As part of the coverage, medical evacuation companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly for help for you; they may translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. The cost of medical evacuation coverage can be as low as $50 for a trip of 30 days. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical evacuation company, look for information on them in travel magazines. The U.S. government cannot pay to have you medically evacuated to the United States. Immunizations are recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. For visitors coming directly from the United States, no vaccinations are required to enter Mexico. If you are traveling from an area known to be infected with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required. Malaria is found in some rural areas of Mexico, particularly those near the southwest coast. Travelers to malarial areas should consult their physician or the U.S. Public Health Service and take the recommended dosage of chloroquine. Although chloroquine is not considered necessary for travelers to the major resort areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, travelers to those areas should use insect repellent and take other personal protection measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes, particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria transmission is most likely. Drink Only Bottled Water or Water That Has Been Boiled for 20 Minutes. Avoid ice cubes. Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution. A good rule of thumb is, if you can't peel it or cook it, don't eat it. Medication to prevent travelers' diarrhea is not recommended. If symptoms present themselves and persist, seek medical attention because diarrhea is potentially dangerous. Air pollution in Mexico City is severe. It is the most dangerous during thermal inversions which occur most from in December to May. Air pollution plus Mexico City's high altitude are a particular health risk for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia, or respiratory or cardiac problems. If this applies to you, consult your doctor before traveling to Mexico City. In high altitude areas, such as Mexico City, most people need a short adjustment period. Spend the first few days in a leisurely manner, with a light diet and reduced intake of alcohol. Avoid strenuous activity -- this includes everything from sports to rushing up the stairs. Reaction signs to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency to tire easily, shortness of breath, occasional dizziness, and insomnia. U.S. Assistance in Mexico Where to Turn If You Have Serious Legal, Medical or Financial Difficulties Legal Problems. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while in Mexico, contact a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate for assistance. U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under Mexican laws. Worldwide, Mexico has the highest number of arrests of Americans abroad -- over 2,000 per year -- and the highest prison population of U.S. citizens outside of the United States -- about 425 at any one time. If you are arrested, ask permission to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. Under international agreements and practice, you have the right to contact an American consul. Although U.S. consuls are restricted by Mexican law on what they can do to assist you in legal difficulties, they can monitor the status of detained U.S. citizens and make sure they are treated fairly under local laws. They will also notify your relative or friends upon request. An individual is guaranteed certain rights under the Mexican constitution, but those rights differ significantly from U.S. constitutional guarantees. The Mexican judicial system is based on Roman and Napoleonic law and presumes a person accused of a crime to be guilty until proven innocent. There is no trial by jury nor writ of habeas corpus in the Anglo-American sense. Trial under tthe Mexican system is a prolonged process based largely on documents examined on a fixed date in court by prosecution and defense counsel. Sentencing usually takes 6 to 10 months. Bail can be granted after sentencing if the sentence is less than 5 years. Pre-trial bail exists but is never granted when the possible sentence upon conviction is greater than 5 years. Medical or Financial Problems. If you become seriously ill, U.S. consular officers can assist in finding a doctor and in notifying your family and friends about your condition. Consular officers can also help arrange the transfer of emergency funds to you if you become destitute as a result of robbery, accident, or other emergency. Advice on Dual Nationality U.S. law recognizes that Americans may also be citizens of other countries. Under Mexican law, an individual born in Mexico of an American parent or parents may acquire both nationalities at birth. Also, a U.S. citizen born in the United States of a Mexican father -- or after December 26, 1969, of a Mexican mother -- may have dual nationality. If you are a U.S.-Mexican dual national, you must have evidence of your U.S. citizenship with you when you travel between the United States and Mexico. Such evidence can be a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship, or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate. If you are a dual national, be aware that you could lose your U.S. nationality if you obtain a Certificate of Mexican Nationality. The Mexican Government recognizes a child's dual nationality from birth to age 18 without requiring an oath of allegiance. Starting at age 18, in order to obtain a Mexican passport or to obtain other benefits such as the right to own property in a restricted zone, to pay a favorable resident tuition rate at a Mexican university, or to vote in a Mexican election, a dual national is required by Mexican law to obtain a Certificate of Mexican Nationality (CMN). To obtain a CMN, a person must complete an application in which he or she subscribes to an oath of allegiance to Mexico and renounces any other nationality that he or she might possess. Under U.S. law, subscribing to this oath and obtaining a CMN normally results in the loss of U.S. nationality. If you contemplate obtaining a CMN, it is strongly recommended that you first consult the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate. A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations Getting Into Mexico U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and remaining within 20 kilometers of the border do not need a permit to enter. Those transiting Mexico to another country need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days. Tourist Cards. All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or study for up to 180 days need a document, called a tourist card in English or FMT in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico. The tourist card is free and may be obtained from Mexican consulates, Mexican tourism offices, Mexican border crossing points, and from most airlines serving Mexico. If you fly to Mexico, you must obtain your tourist card before boarding your flight ; it cannot be obtained upon arrival at an airport in Mexico. The tourist card is issued upon presentation of proof of citizenship such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate, plus a photo I.D. such as a driver's license. Tourist cards are issued for up to 90 days with a single entry, or if you present proof of sufficient funds, for 180 days with multiple entries. Upon entering Mexico, retain and safguard the pink copy of your tourist card so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist card expires or you are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration service (Direccion General de Servicios Migratorios). Visas. If you wish to stay longer than 180 days, or if you wish to do business or conduct religious work in Mexico, contact the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate to obtain a visa or permit. Persons conducting religious work on a tourist card are subject to deportation. Residing or Retiring in Mexico. If you plan to live or retire in Mexico, consult a Mexican consulate on the type of long-term visa you will need. As soon as possible after you arrive in the place you will live, it is a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate or consular agent. Bring your passport or other identification with you. Registration makes it easier to contact you in an emergency. (Registration information is confidential and will not be released to inquirers without your express authorization.) Travel Requirements for Children A child under age 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent. A child traveling alone or in someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that that parent is the only custodial parent. Driving Your Car to Mexico Permits. When you drive to Mexico, you must obtain a temporary vehicle import permit. You must show: your proof of ownership or notarized authorization from the owner to bring the car into Mexico, a valid driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance, and current registration and plates. The permit is issued free at border entry points and is generally valid for the same period of time as your tourist card (up to 180 days). You must remove your motor vehicle from Mexico before the permit expires or have the permit extended by the Temporary Importation Department of a Mexican customs office. If you do not do so, your motor vehicle may be confiscated. You may not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a motor vehicle brought into Mexico on a temporary importation permit, nor may you leave Mexico without the vehicle. In case of emergency, or following an accident where the vehicle cannot be removed, the owner may request permission to depart Mexico without the vehicle through the Mexican Customs Office in Mexico City, or the local office of the Treasury Department (Hacienda) in other cities. If you bring spare auto parts to Mexico, declare them when you enter the country. When you leave, be prepared to show that you are taking the unused parts with you or that you have had them installed in Mexico. Save your repair receipts for this purpose. If you wish to authorize another person to drive your car, record the authorization with Mexican officials when you enter Mexico -- even if you expect to be a passenger when the other person drives. Do not, under any circumstances, allow an unauthorized person to drive your vehicle when you are not in the car. Such a person could have to pay a fine amounting to a substantial percentage of the vehicles's value, or your vehicle could be confiscated. Insurance. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Therefore, when you cross the border, purchase auto insurance adequate for your needs in Mexico. A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the U.S. Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless of whether you have insurance, if you are involved in an accident, you will be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any judgment. If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction has been received. There may also be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages are serious. Rental Cars Renting in the United States. Many car rental companies in the U.S. have clauses in their contracts which prohibit drivers from traveling out of the country. The Mexican police are aware of these regulations, and will sometimes impound rental vehicles driven from the United States. When renting a vehicle in the United States, check with the company to see if your contract allows you to drive it into Mexico. Renting a Car in Mexico. The standard insurance included with many car rental contracts in Mexico provides only nominal liability coverage, often as little as the equivalent of $200. Because Mexican law permits the jailing of drivers after an accident until they have met their obligations to third parties and to the rental company, renters should read their contracts carefully and purchase additional liability and comprehensive insurance if necessary. Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to Mexico Private aircraft and boats are subject to the same Mexican customs regulations as are motor vehicles. When you arrive at a Mexican port in your private boat, you can obtain a temporary import permit for it similar to the one given for motor vehicles. Flying your own plane to Mexico, however, is more complicated. Well before your trip, inquire about private aircraft regulations and procedures from a Mexican consulate or Mexican Government Tourist Office. Operation of Citizen's Band (CB) Equipment American tourists are permitted to operate CB radios in Mexico. You may obtain a 180 day permit for a nominal fee by presenting your U.S. citizen's band radio authorization at a Mexican consulate or Mexican Government Tourist Office. This permit cannot be obtained at the border. Transmissions on CB equipment are allowed only on channels 9, 10, and 11, and only for personal communication and emergency road assistance. Any device which increases transmission power to over 5 watts is prohibited. CB equipment may not be used near radio installations of the aeronautical and marine services. Continued.... Mexico travel (more) false marked Mexico travel (more) showNameProp Mexico travel (more) (Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO++ Continued... What You May Bring Into Mexico Customs Regulations. Tourists should enter Mexico with only the items needed for their trip. Entering with large quantities of an item a tourist might not normally be expected to have, particularly expensive appliances, such as televisions, stereos, or other items, may lead to suspicion of smuggling and possible confiscation of the items and arrest of the individual. Unless you prepare ahead, you may have difficulty bringing computers or other expensive electronic equipment into Mexico for your personal use. To prevent being charged an import tax, write a statement about your intention to use the equipment for personal use and to remove it from Mexico when you leave. Have this statement signed and certified at a Mexican consulate in the United States and present it to Mexican customs as you enter Mexico. Land travelers should verify from Mexican customs at the border that all items in their possession may be legally brought into Mexico. You will be subject to a second immigration and customs inspection south of the Mexican border where unlawful items may be seized, and you could be prosecuted regardless of whether or not the items passed through the initial customs inspection. Firearms. Do not bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico without first obtaining a permit from a Mexican consulate in the United States. See the previous section concerning firearms for more information Currency. In 1982, the Mexican government lifted currency controls and modified its exchange rate system, permitting tourists to exchange dollars for pesos at the fluctuating free market rate. There are no restrictions on the import or export of bank notes and none on the export of reasonable quantities of ordinary Mexican coins. However, gold or silver Mexican coins may not be exported. Take travelers checks with you because personal U.S. checks are rarely accepted by Mexican hotels or banks. Major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops, and restaurants. An exchange office (casa de cambios) usually gives a better rate of exchange than do stores, hotels, or restaurants. Pets. U.S. visitors to Mexico may bring a dog, cat, or up to four canaries by presenting the following certificates at the border: (1) a pet health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian in the United States and issued not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico; and (2) a pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal has been treated for rabies, hepatitis, pip, and leptospirosis. Certification by Mexican consular authorities is not required for the health or vaccination certificate. A permit fee is charged at the time of entry into Mexico. Shopping - Some Things To Beware of Buying Wildlife and Wildlife Products. Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Mexican markets and stores abound with wildlife and wildlife products, almost all of it prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife from Mexico. In particular, watch out for and avoid: --All products made from sea turtles, including such items as turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics. --Fur from spotted cats. --Mexican birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots, parakeets, or birds of prey. --Crocodile and caiman leather. --Black coral jewelry. --Wildlife curios, such as stuffed iguanas. When driving across state lines within Mexico, you can expect to be stopped at agricultural livestock inspection stations. Antiques. Mexico considers all pre-Columbian objects are the "inalienable property of the Nation" and considers the unauthorized export of such objects as theft and is punishable by arrest, detention, and judicial prosecution. Under U.S. law, to import pre-Columbian monumental and architectural sculpture and murals, you must present proof that they were legally exported from the country of origin. U.S. law does not prohibit the import of nonmonumental or nonarchitectural artifacts from Mexico. Glazed Ceramics. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is possible to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that have been stored or served in improperly glazed ceramicware. Analysis of many ceramic pieces from Mexico has shown them to contain dangerous levels of lead. Unless you have proof of their safety, use glazed ceramics purchased in Mexico for decorative purposes only. Returning to the United States You must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your point of departure from Mexico. If you are returning to the United States by motor vehicle, you will need to show your registration certificate when you cross the border. At the time of publication, the airport departure tax is $10 or the equivalent in Mexican currency for those returning by commercial airline. The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning from international travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including 1 liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1000 worth of items brought back is subject to a duty of 10%. In addition to U.S. customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor, wine, and beer imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring back alcoholic beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the liquor control office of the state through which you plan to return. Mideast/North Africa travel false marked Mideast/North Africa travel showNameProp Mideast/North Africa travel (Consular Affairs Topics) Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa Foreword One of the pleasures of traveling to the Middle East or North Africa is the chance to be introduced to ancient civilizations rich in history and traditions. Depending upon your destination, you can see peoples whose language, dress, and customs vary greatly from those of the United States. The information in this pamphlet has been gathered for you by our consular officers, both here in the Department of State and at our posts in the Middle East and North Africa, to help steer you through what may be unfamiliar territory. We hope our tips will help make your trip safe and enjoyable. Most trips are. Remember, however, that whenever and wherever you are abroad, if you come into serious difficulties, contact the U.S. consul at the nearest United States embassy or consulate. Elizabeth M. Tamposi Assistant Secretary Bureau of Consular Affairs How to Prepare for a Safe Trip The policies of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa toward foreign visitors vary greatly from country to country. Some countries encourage tourism and put very few restrictions on visitors. Other countries do not allow tourism and carefully regulate business travel. Some areas in the region have experienced military conflict over an extended period of time. A little planning and knowledge will go a long way toward making your trip to the Middle East and North Africa go smoothly. If you learn about the countries you will visit and obey the laws and respect the customs of those places, you can make your stay as pleasant and incident-free as possible. Consular Information Sheets For travel information on any country, see the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for the country. Consular Information Sheets cover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas of instability. In addition, there are a number of Travel Warnings which advise Americans to defer travel to particular countries. Travel Warnings are under continuous review by the Department of State. Before you depart for a country that has a Travel Warning, make certain that you have the most recent revision of the warning. There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings. You can listen to them 24-hours a day by calling 202-647- 5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receive copies of them by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countries on the outside of the envelope.) You can also find Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings at the l3 regional passport agencies and at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed through an airline or travel agent's computer reservation system or through many computer bulletin boards, including the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). You may call the CABB on modem number 202-647-9225. Set your communications software to: no parity, 8 bits, one stop bit (N-8-1). Registration As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more than a short stay in one place, or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or relative in the United States in case of an emergency. Your U.S. Passport Make a record or photocopy of the data from your passport's identification page and from your visas. Also make a copy of the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassy and consulates in the countries you will visit (see pages 35-36). Put this information along with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport to be available in case of loss or theft of your passport. Visa and Other Entry Requirements A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the region. U.S. citizens are not required to have visas for tourist or business travel to Israel, Morocco, or Tunisia, but may need to supply proof of sufficient funds for the trip and proof of onward or round trip travel arrangements. All other countries in the Middle East and North Africa require U.S. citizens to have visas. If you plan to travel extensively in the region, entry and exit stamps could quickly fill the pages of your passport. Before you go, you may wish to ask the nearest passport agency to add extra pages to your passport. Or, if applying for a new passport, you can request one with 48 pages instead of the usual 24. Each country has its own set of entry requirements. For authoritative visa information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. See the end of this document for a list of foreign embassies in the United States. When you make inquiries, ask about the following: Visa price, length of validity, number of entries. Financial requirements/proof of sufficient funds and proof of onward/return ticket. Immunization requirements. Yellow fever immunization is often required if arriving from a yellow fever infected area. Currency regulations. Import/export restrictions and limitations. Several countries prohibit the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Departure tax. Be sure to keep enough local currency to be able to depart as planned. Some Arab countries will not allow travelers to enter if their passports show any evidence of previous or expected travel to Israel. This is not currently the case for Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, and Tunisia. Other Arab countries apply the ban inconsistently, sometimes refusing and at other times allowing entry when a passport shows evidence of travel to Israel. The U.S. government has informed the members of the Arab League that it objects to restrictive policies regarding U.S. passports containing Israeli markings. If passport restrictions imposed by other countries may be a problem for you, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency, embassy, or consulate for guidance. Some Arab countries also refuse to admit persons with passports indicating travel to South Africa. Again, consult a U.S. passport agency, embassy, or consulate for guidance if this applies. Several Arab countries ask visa applicants to state their religious affiliation. The U.S. government is opposed to the use of this information to discriminate against visa applicants, and has made its views known to the governments concerned. In turn, the United States has received assurances that visa applications are not denied on the basis of religious affiliation. Special Entry Requirements for Countries That Permit No Tourists Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia do not permit tourism. All business visitors must be sponsored by a company in the country to be visited. Private visitors must be sponsored by a relative or friend native to the country. To visit a foreigner working in a country where tourism is not permitted, you must be sponsored by the same local company that sponsors the person you are visiting. Entry is by visa or the non-objection certificate (NOC) system. An NOC is obtained by a visitorUs sponsor and filed with the appropriate foreign government authorities before the planned visit. For more information, see the individual country sections later in this document. Exit Permits Countries that require visitors to be sponsored usually also require them to obtain exit permits from their sponsors. U.S. citizens can have difficulty obtaining exit permits if they are involved in business disputes. A U.S. citizen who is the wife or child of the local sponsor needs the sponsor's permission to leave the country. Do not accept sponsorship to visit a country unless you are certain you will also be able to obtain an exit permit. U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign Nationals In many Islamic countries, even those that give tourist visas and do not require sponsorship, a woman needs the permission of her husband, and children need the permission of their father, to leave the country. If you travel or allow your children to travel, be aware of the laws of the country you plan to visit. The Department of State is aware of many American citizen children who have been abducted to, or wrongfully retained in countries of the Middle East and North Africa notwithstanding a U.S. custody order. Although some of these children were taken abroad illegally by one of their parents, many originally traveled abroad with the consent of both parents. Do not visit or allow your children to visit unless you are completely confident that you and they will be allowed to leave. Once overseas, you are subject to the laws of the country where you are; U.S. law cannot protect you. Dual Nationality Some countries in the Middle East and North Africa do not recognize acquisition of U.S. citizenship by their nationals. Unless the naturalized U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of the country of origin, he or she may still be considered a citizen of that country. A person born in the United States with a parent who was a citizen of another country may also be considered a citizen of that country. If arrested, a dual national may be denied the right to communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Another consequence could be having to serve in the military of oneUs former country. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual national, or have any reason to believe another country may claim you as their national, check with the embassy of that country as to your citizenship status and any obligations you may have while visiting. Dual nationals who have not researched their citizenship status before traveling have sometimes, to their surprise, encountered difficulties, such as not being allowed to depart. Even countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship may consider their former citizens as having resumed original citizenship if they take up residence in their country of origin. This can happen even if the embassy of the country of origin stamps a visa in the U.S. passport of its former citizen. Dual nationals may find that they are required to use a passport from their country of origin in order to enter or leave that country. The U.S. government does not object to the use of a foreign passport by a dual national to enter or depart a foreign country in compliance with the requirements of that country. U.S. regulations require, however, that U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, use a U.S. passport to depart from and enter the United States. If you have any questions about dual nationality or the use of foreign passports, contact the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Room 48l7, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, (202-647-3926) before you travel. Recorded information on dual nationality and other citizenship matters is available 24-hours a day by calling 202-647- 3444. Currency and Customs Regulations Some countries in the region have no restrictions on currency imports or exports. Some prohibit Israeli currency. Most countries in the Middle East and North Africa, however, have detailed currency regulations, including a requirement to declare all currency, including travelers checks, upon entry. In those countries, the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount that was imported and declared. Be sure to make the required currency declaration, have it validated, and retain it for use at departure. Buy local currency only at banks or other authorized exchange places and retain your receipts for use at departure. Currency not accounted for may be confiscated. Several countries prohibit the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most countries restrict the entry of products containing pork as well as any literature, videotapes, and cassette tapes deemed pornographic. Also, some countries will not permit the import of books or other goods from Israel. Shopping-Be Wary of Antiques Americans have been arrested in some countries in the region for the unauthorized purchase of antiques or other important cultural artifacts. If you purchase such items, always insist that the seller provide a receipt and the official museum export certificate required by law. Travelers have also been detained at customs for possessing reproductions of antiques. The safest policy is to purchase copies of antiques from reputable stores and have them documented as such. Obtain receipts for all such purchases. Health Immunizations Information on immunizations and health precautions for travelers can be obtained in the United States from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. Information is also available from the Centers for Disease Control's 24-hour hotline on 404-332-4559 and from the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $6.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Chloroquine prophylaxis against malaria is recommended for travel to some areas of the region. An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and students. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plant to visit for the latest information. Review Your Health Insurance Policy If your health insurance does not provide coverage overseas, consider buying temporary insurance that does. In addition, consider obtaining insurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an illness or for the return of remains in case of death. Insurance companies and some credit card and travelers check companies offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Medical facilities vary in the region; in some countries they are similar to U.S. standards. U.S. embassies or consulates can furnish you with a list of recommended local hospitals and English- speaking physicians. Precautions In the hot and dry climates that prevail in the Middle East and North Africa, it is important to avoid water depletion and heat stroke. Safe tap water is available in many areas. In some places, however, it is highly saline and should be avoided by persons on sodium-restricted diets. In many rural and some urban areas, tap water is not potable, and travelers should drink only boiled or chemically treated water or bottled carbonated drinks. In these areas, avoid fresh vegetables and fruits unless they are washed in a purifying solution and peeled. Diarrhea is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical attention. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is present in the area of the Nile and in several other areas in North Africa and the Middle East. These parasites are best avoided by not swimming or wading in fresh water in endemic areas. Drug Offenses Drug enforcement policies in the region are strict. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics, including substances such as marijuana or amphetamines, can lead to arrest. If found guilty, drug offenders are subject to lengthy prison sentences. Because what is considered to be 'narcotics' varies from country to country, learn and obey the laws in the places you will visit. Keep all prescription drugs in their original containers clearly labeled with the doctorUs name, pharmacy and contents. In addition, if you take an unusual prescription drug, carry a letter from your doctor explaining your need for the drug and a copy of the prescription. Dress and Local Customs Islam The Islamic religion is the pre-eminent influence on local laws and customs in much of the Middle East and North Africa. The extent of this influence varies. Some Islamic countries have secular governments, but in certain other countries, particularly those in the Arabian peninsula, Islam dictates a total way of life. It prescribes the behavior for individuals and society, codifying law, family relations, business etiquette, dress, food, personal hygiene, and much more. Among the important values is a family-centered way of life, including a protected role for women and clear limits on their participation in public life. In traditional societies, Muslims believe open social relations between the sexes result in the breakdown of family life. Contact between men and women, therefore, is rigidly controlled in traditional societies. In the traditional societies of the region, it is considered rude to face the soles of oneUs feet toward other people. At traditional meals, the left hand is not used for eating. Apparel Western street clothing (except for shorts) is appropriate in most areas. In more traditional societies, however, attire for women should be more conservative, garments should have sleeves, and dress length should be below the knee. On the other hand, in some areas of the region visited by many tourists Q for example, the beaches of Israel and Morocco Q attire similar to that worn in the United States is acceptable. The Workweek In many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the weekend is either Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday. Workweek information is included in the list of U.S. embassies at the end of this document. Older Americans travel tips false marked Older Americans travel tips showNameProp Older Americans travel tips o(Consular Affairs Topics) TRAVEL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan a safe and healthy trip. American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there to help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels. They are happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport at the consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate. But it is also their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--at hospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is written in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from arising. Preparation for Your Trip Start Early. Apply for your passport as soon as possible. Three months before your departure date should give you plenty of time. See the section, "Passports and Visas," on page 6 for details on how to apply. Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit. The countries you visit will seem like old friends if, before you go, you read up on their culture, people, and history. Bookstores and libraries are good resources. Travel magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount airfares to international health insurance. Many travel agents and foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad. Travel Advisories. The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning serious health or security conditions that may affect U.S. citizens. If you are traveling to an area where there may be problems, you may contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center on (202) 647-5225 to learn whether there are travel advisories in effect for the countries you plan to visit. Charter Flights. Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package, read your contract carefully and see what guarantee it gives that the company will deliver the services that it is trying to sell you. Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of a season, leaving passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets and unable to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their trip. Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentials with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB maintains complaint files for a year. You can also check with the consumer affairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. (703) 739-2782 to learn if a travel company has a complaint record. Trip Insurance. One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose money because an emergency forces you to postpone or cancel your trip. Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any travel package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and some companies will give no refund at all. Regularly scheduled airlines usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forces you to cancel. They require a note from the doctor or a death certificate. Take careful note of the cancellation penalty for any other large travel purchase you make such as a tour package, charter flight, or cruise. Unless you can afford to lose that amount, protect yourself by buying trip insurance. If you invest in trip insurance, make sure your policy covers all reasonable possibilities for your having to cancel. For instance, if an emergency with a family member would force you to cancel, insure against that as well. Some trip insurance policies will also give a refund if the company goes out of business or otherwise does not make good on its offering. The best insurance against company default is to choose a reputable company that guarantees a refund if they do not deliver the goods. If, however, you are tempted to purchase a tour at a great bargain price and you can't find a guarantee of delivery in the fine print, protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers company default. Shop around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits. Some credit card and traveler's check companies offer travel protection packages for an additional fee. Benefits may even include accident and illness coverage while traveling. Health Insurance. The Social Security Medicare program does not provide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outside the U.S. However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered eligible under Medicare. These are reimbursement plans. You must pay the bills first and obtain receipts in order to submit them later for compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip. Review your health insurance policy. Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive. If your Medicare supplement or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling outside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage that does. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies called medical assistance programs that are designed specifically for travelers. Medical Assistance Programs. One strong advantage of medical assistance programs is that they also cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. As part of the coverage, these companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly for help for you. If you need an interpreter, they may translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. Another benefit that is normally part of such coverage is payment for the return of remains to the United States in case of death. If your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expenses abroad, you can buy a medical assistance program that offers all the consultative and evacuation services listed above except for the health insurance itself. The cost of medical assistance coverage can be as low as $25 for a 2-week trip without health insurance coverage or $49 for the complete medical assistance program including health insurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars. If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company, look for information on such services in travel magazines. Once you have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy identity cards and claim forms with you when you travel. Medication. If you require medication, bring an ample supply in its original containers. Because of strict laws concerning narcotics throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and, if you have an unusual prescription, carry a letter from your physician explaining your need for the drug. As an extra precaution, carry the generic names of your medications with you because pharmaceutical companies overseas may use different names from those used in the United States. If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and a third pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a "medical alert" bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining desired treatment should you become ill. Immunizations. Information on immunizations and health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel. To order this book, see page 12. Passport. Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement passport in case yours is lost or stolen. To make a kit: photocopy the data page at the front of your passport; write down the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you plan to visit; and put this information along with two passport-size photographs in a place separate from your passport. Leave a Detailed Itinerary. Give a friend or relative your travel schedule. Include: names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons and places to be visited; your passport number and the date and place it was issued; and credit card, traveler's check, and airline ticket numbers. Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separate place from your purse or wallet. If you change your travel plans--for example, if you miss your return flight to the United States or extend your trip--be sure to notify relatives or friends at home. Don't Overprogram. Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself. Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have to fill every available minute. If you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activity can be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, consult your physician before you depart. What to Pack. Carefully consider the clothing you take. Don't pack more than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Wash-and-wear clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas. Consider the climate and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit for unexpectedly warm or cool weather. A sweater or shawl is always useful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels. Dress conservatively--a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal may attract the attention of thieves or con artists. Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise, if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your luggage--an average of 72 hours. Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value. PASSPORTS AND VISAS Passports. It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan to travel. If you also need visas, allow more time as you must have a valid passport before applying for a visa. If this is your first passport, you must apply in person, bringing with you proof of U.S. citizenship (usually a certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad); 2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2"); a completed passport application (Form DSP-11); proof of identity such as a valid driver's license or other photo or physical-description I.D.; and the fee of $42 for a passport valid for 10 years. You may apply at any passport agency (see list at the end of this pamphlet) or at one of the many clerks of court or post offices designated to accept passport applications. Your birth certificate or other documents will be returned to you by mail, along with your new passport. You may be eligible to apply for a passport by mail. If you have had a full-validity passport issued within the past 12 years and you are able to mail the passport with your application, you can use Form DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail," to apply. Obtain this form from any office that accepts passport applications or from your travel agent. Follow the instructions on the back of the form. The renewal passport fee is $35. When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it on page 1 and to pencil in on page 4 the requested information. This wi1l help us notify your family or friends in case of an accident or other emergency. Do not designate your traveling companion as the person to be notified in case of an emergency. Visas. Many countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit that country for a specified purpose and a limited time. Many countries require you to obtain a visa from their consular office nearest to your residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices can be found in telephone directories of large cities or in the Congressional Directory, available in most libraries; or you may write to the appropriate embassy in Washington, D.C. and request the address of their consulate that is nearest to you. Apply for your visa directly to the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit or ask your travel agent to assist you with visas. U.S. passport agencies cannot obtain visas for you. An increasing number of countries are establishing entry requirements regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and students. Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit for the latest information. MONEY AND VALUABLES Don't Take Your Money in Cash. Bring most of your money in traveler's checks. Have a reasonable amount of cash with you, but not more than you will need for a day or two. Convert your traveler's checks to local currency as you use them rather than all at once. You may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognized credit card. Before you leave, find out what your credit card limit is and do not exceed it. In some countries, travelers who have innocently exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud. Leave unneeded credit cards at home. If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults to store them. It is wise to register such items with U.S. Customs before leaving the United States to make customs processing easier when you return. It is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit with that country's currency. Check with a travel agent or the embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency restrictions. Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed, to purchase small amounts of foreign currency and coins to use for buses, taxis, telephone calls, and other incidentals when you first arrive in a country. You may purchase foreign currency from some banks or from foreign exchange dealers. Most international airports also have money exchange facilities. Once you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores for converting your U.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency. YOUR TRIP Driving. U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside of the United States and Canada. When you drive in any other country, be sure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When renting a car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your contract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage in an amount similar to that which you carry at home. Flying. On long flights, break up long periods of sitting. Leave your seat from time to time and also do in-place exercises. This will help prevent your arriving tired and stiff-jointed. Also, get some exercise after a long flight. For example, take a walk or use your hotel's exercise room. Reconfirm. Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward reservations. When possible, obtain a written confirmation. International flights generally require confirmation 72 hours in advance. If your name does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself stranded. Register. If you plan to be in a location for 2 weeks or more or in an area where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation, register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will help in locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm your safety and welfare or need to contact you urgently. Practical Safety Tips Respect the Local Laws and Customs. While abroad, you are subject to the laws and regulations of your host country and are not protected by the U.S. Constitution. If you should be detained by local authorities, ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer. Under international agreements and practice, you have a right to contact an American consul. Although U.S.consuls cannot act as your attorney or get you out of jail, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys and inform you of your rights under local laws. They will also monitor the status of detained Americans and make sure they are treated fairly under local laws. Guard your Passport. Your passport is the most valuable document you carry abroad. It confirms that you are an American citizen. Do not carry your passport in the same place as your money, use it as collateral for a loan, or pack it in your luggage. Remember to keep your passport number in a separate location in case it is lost or stolen. In some countries, you may be required to leave your passport overnight or for several days with the hotel management. This may be local practice--do not be concerned unless the passport is not returned as promised. If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, immediately report it to the local police, obtain a copy of the report, and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport. Be Alert. Move purposefully and confidently. If you should find yourself in a crowded area, such as in an elevator, subway, marketplace, or at a parade, exercise special caution to avoid theft. Robbery. Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely. Carry purses tucked under an arm and not dangling by a strap. Carry valuables in an inside front pocket or in a money belt, not in a hip pocket. You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands to make it more difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed. Money belts or pouches that fit around your shoulder or waist are available through travel magazines and at some luggage shops and department stores. Assistance From U.S. Embassies and Consulates Emergencies. If you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties or other problems abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Although, as mentioned above, consular officers cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal assistance. Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money, or act as travel agents. However, in an emergency, they can help you get in touch with your family back home to inform them on how to wire funds to you and to let them know of your situation. They can also provide you with the latest travel advisories to alert you to adverse conditions abroad. Nonemergencies. Consular officers can also provide nonemergency services such as information on absentee voting and acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship. They can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other benefits to Americans residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, notarize documents, and advise U.S. citizens on property claims. Safeguarding Your Health. If you are injured or become seriously ill abroad, a U.S. consular officer will assist you in finding a physician or other medical services, and, with your permission, will inform your family members or friends of your condition. If needed, consular officers can assist your family in transferring money to the foreign country to pay for your treatment. Death Abroad. Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad. Two thirds of them are Americans who live overseas, but approximately 2,000 Americans per year die while traveling abroad. Consular officers will contact the next of kin in the United States and will explain the local requirements. It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance that covers the cost of local burial or shipment of remains home to the United States (see information on medical assistance programs on page 3). Otherwise, this cost must be borne by next of kin and can be extremely expensive. The U.S. Government cannot pay for shipment of remains to the United States. Shopping--Some Things to Avoid Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Much wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S. or foreign laws from import into the United States. You risk confiscation and a possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch out for and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items: -- All products made from sea turtles. -- All ivory, both Asian and African. -- Furs from spotted cats. -- Furs from marine mammals. -- Feathers and feather products from wild birds. -- All live or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and some Caribbean countries. -- Most crocodile and caiman leather. -- Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry. When You Return Be Prepared. On arrival in the United States, have your passport ready when you go through immigration and customs controls. Keep receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bring back and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty free. The next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Check with U.S. Customs for further information. Currency. There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiable instruments which can be brought into or taken out of the United States. However, any amount over $10,000 must be reported to U.S. Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into the United States. Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables. Such items will be confiscated. Useful Travel Publications For the official word on immunizations, customs, and what you can legally bring into the United States, you may order one of the following U.S. Government publications: Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listing of immunization requirements of foreign governments. In addition, it gives the U.S. Public Health Service's recommendations on immunizations and other health precautions for the international traveler. Copies are available for $4.75 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238. Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents gives detailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including duty rates. Single copies are available free from any local Customs office or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044. Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into the United States lists the regulations on bringing these items into the United States from most parts of the world. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted. Obtain the publication free from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. The following publication is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund: Buyer Beware! tells about restrictions on importing wildlife and wildlife products. For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240; (202) 343-5634. The following three publications from the Department of State may be ordered for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238: Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports, visas, immunizations, and more. It will help you prepare for your trip and make it as and trouble-free as possible. A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler, but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism. Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than 2 million Americans who live in foreign countries. The following three publications are also from the Department of State (see ordering information below): Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirements of foreign countries and tells you how to apply for visas and tourist cards. Order this publication for 50 from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 438T, Pueblo, CO 81009. Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone, telex, and FAX numbers for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. (NOTE: When writing to a U.S. embassy or consulate, address the envelope to the appropriate section, such as Consular Section, rather than to a specific individual.) This publication is updated 3 times a year and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238. Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on each of 170 countries. They give current information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and political condition. They also include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country map, and a suggested reading list. For information on their price and to order copies contact: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238. Passport Agencies APPLY EARLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT! Boston Passport Agency Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building, Room 247 10 Causeway Street Boston, Massachusetts 02222 *Recording: 617-565-6998 Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990 Chicago Passport Agency Kluczynski Federal Building, Suite 380 230 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564 *Recording: 312-353-5426 Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155 or 7163 Honolulu Passport Agency New Federal Building, Room C-106 300 Ala Moana Boulevard P.O. Box 50185 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 *Recording: 808-541-1919 Public Inquiries: 808-541-1918 Houston Passport Agency Concord Towers 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1100 Houston, Texas 77002 *Recording: 713-653-3159 Public Inquiries: 713-653-3153 Los Angeles Passport Agency 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 13100 Los Angeles, California 90024-3615 *Recording: 213-209-7070 Public Inquiries: 213-209-7075 Miami Passport Agency Federal Office Building, 16th Floor 51 Southwest First Avenue Miami, Florida 33130-1680 *Recording: 305-536-5395 (English) 305-536-4448 (Spanish) Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681 New Orleans Passport Agency Postal Services Building, Room T-12005 701 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1931 *Recording: 504-589-6728 Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161 New York Passport Agency Rockefeller Center, Room 270 630 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10111-0031 *Recording: 212-541-7700 Public Inquiries: 212-541-7710 Philadelphia Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 4426 600 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684 *Recording: 215-597-7482 Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480 San Francisco Passport Agency 525 Market Street, Suite 200 San Francisco, California 94105-2773 *Recording: 415-974-7972 Public Inquiries: 415-974-9941 Seattle Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 992 915 Second Avenue Seattle, Washington 98174-1091 *Recording: 206-442-7941 Public Inquiries: 206-442-7945 Stamford Passport Agency One Landmark Square Broad and Atlantic Streets Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2767 *Recording: 203-325-4401 Public Inquiries: 203-325-3538 or 3530 Washington Passport Agency 1425 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20524-0002 *Recording: 202-647-0518 Public Inquiries (M-F 8-4:45): 202-647-0518 *Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information, passport agency location, and hours of operation. OSAC organization false marked OSAC organization showNameProp OSAC organization (Special Topics) OSAC COUNTRY COUNCILS 09/14/92 ST00002 COUNTRY COUNCILS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: AMMAN, JORDAN MADRID, SPAIN ANKARA, TURKEY MANAMA, BAHRAIN ATHENS, GREECE MANILA, PHILIPPINES BANGKOK, THAILAND MILAN, ITALY BONN, GERMANY PARIS, FRANCE BRUSSELS, BELGIUM RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL CAIRO, EGYPT RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA SANTIAGO, CHILE ISTANBUL, TURKEY SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL LIMA, PERU SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA LISBON, PORTUGAL VIENNA, AUSTRIA LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICER (RSO) AT THE APPROPRIATE U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE. 19921218*** Residing abroad false marked Residing abroad showNameProp Residing abroad f(Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR AMERICANS RESIDING ABROAD FOREWORD The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared this publication for Americans considering residence abroad as well as for those U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreign country. Our primary goal is to provide assistance to and protect the welfare of American citizens who live abroad. Before taking up a foreign residence, there are many details that you will need to consider. This brochure will acquaint you with the wide range of services provided to American citizens by U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. We are committed to providing prompt, courteous, and effective assistance. There are approximately two million private U.S. citizens living overseas worldwide. We strongly recommend this publication to all Americans living or planning to reside abroad. Any additional guidance not specifically addressed in this publication may be obtained from the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Department of State or from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are living overseas. BEFORE YOU GO LEARN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRY Read as much as possible about the country where you plan to reside. Learning about a nation's culture, customs, people, and history will make your stay more meaningful. Libraries, bookstores and tourist bureaus are good resources for this information. Keep abreast as well of the international news for the latest political developments in the country where you will live. Although English is spoken in many countries, learning the language of the nation in which you plan to reside will make the transition to your new environment easier. One of the best ways to learn about living in a foreign country is to get advice from U.S. citizens already residing there. Countries with large numbers of U.S. expatriates often have a U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a bicultural organization, or an American women's club that could give you information on living in that country. In countries with fewer U.S. residents, you may be able to meet fellow expatriates through a local international club. The consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to assist you in finding these organizations. Background Notes The Department of State publishes Background Notes on countries around the world. These are brief, factual pamphlets with information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and political conditions. They are available for about 170 countries worldwide and often include a reading list, travel notes, and maps. Single copies are $1. A 1-year subscription for all updated issues is $16. To obtain copies write to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or call (202) 783-3238. Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas to potential problems that could adversely affect them. The advisories are available through U.S. passport agencies, travel agents' computer reservation systems, major airlines, and American embassies and consulates abroad. If you are contemplating establishing residence in a country where there may be concern about existing conditions, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Washington, D.C. 20520 at (202)647-5225 to learn if there is a travel advisory in effect. You can call this number 24 hours a day to hear recorded travel advisories. Tips for Travelers The Department of State publishes a series of pamphlets on travel to specific regions of the world. The brochures cover topics such as entry requirements, currency and customs regulations, import and export controls, dual nationality, and photography restrictions. The following publications are available for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean Tips for Travelers to Central and South America Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China Tips for Travelers to Cuba Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia Tips for Travelers to Mexico Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa Tips for Travelers to South Asia Tips for Travelers to the USSR REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Passports U.S. citizens should have a valid passport before taking up residence abroad. Once living overseas, Americans should continue to maintain a valid passport. Applying in Person for a Passport In the United States, application for a U.S. passport may be presented in person at a passport agency or at one of the several thousand Federal or state courts or post offices which accept passport applications. If you are overseas, you may apply at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens who must appear in person need to bring a certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a previous U.S. passport. This should be accompanied by a completed DSP-11, Passport Application, two recent 2x2 inch identical photographs, proof of identity (a valid driver's license or other valid photo i.d. will suffice), and the $42 application fee. For more information on obtaining a U.S. passport, you may wish to obtain a copy of the publication Your Trip Abroad. This brochure provides basic information on preparation and travel overseas, and is available for $1 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Passports-by-Mail You can apply for a passport by mail (without a personal appearance) if you meet the following requirements: l You have had a passport issued within 12 years prior to the date of a new application; l You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your new application; and l Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday. For further information and to obtain Form DSP-82, Application for Passport by Mail, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or, if you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Not all embassies and consulates abroad are authorized to accept passport applications by mail or via a third party courier. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your consular district to find out if it accepts passport applications by mail or via a third party courier. Your previous passport, two identical photographs (2"x2"), and the $35 passport fee must accompany your application. Since it may take several days to prepare and mail your new passport to you, do not wait until it expires to apply for it. Visas All governments require foreigners to have an appropriate visa in order to reside in their country. This endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreign government permits you to enter that country for a specified purpose. If you are planning to reside in a country for an indefinite period of time, most countries will require you to seek residence status. See the section on Citizenship to learn what effect this may have on your U.S. citizenship. Applying for a Visa In most instances you must obtain the necessary visa before you leave the United States. Apply for your visa directly from the embassy or nearest consulate of the country in which you plan to reside. The publication Foreign Consular Offices in the United States lists all foreign diplomatic offices in the United States and is for sale from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 for $6.50. The Department of State cannot help you obtain visas or work permits. HEALTH MATTERS Health Insurance The Social Security Medicare Program does not cover hospital or medical services outside the United States. The Department of Veterans Affairs will only pay for hospital and medical service outside the United States if you are a veteran with a service-related disability. When considering medical insurance, first find out how citizens of the country where you will reside pay their medical bills and if the same coverage is available to resident foreigners. Some countries have government-sponsored health insurance that may also provide coverage to foreign residents, while others have a dual system with national health supplemented by private insurance. In countries where many American expatriates reside, such as Mexico, you may find that local private international health insurance companies will offer coverage to U.S. citizen residents. Once you arrive, check with organized groups in the American community to learn about these companies. Wherever possible, try to get the best medical insurance available. If good coverage is not available where you will live, you may have to rely on a U.S. medical insurance company. Before taking up residence abroad, learn which U.S. medical services or health insurance plans provide coverage for Americans living overseas. Check with the insurance company on whether the coverage offered abroad includes both routine and emergency medical treatment, hospitaliza-tion, and medical evacuation should it be necessary. Once you obtain health insurance, remember to carry your policy's identity card and to keep a supply of insurance claim forms handy. The U.S. Government cannot pay for hospital or medical services for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuate you for treatment in the United States. There are a number of emergency medical assistance companies operating internationally who offer urgent medical treatment for their member travelers. Although the service is designed primarily for tourists who encounter a medical or personal emergency while on vacation, some companies offer yearly memberships which may be available to Americans residing overseas. To learn about these emergency assistance companies contact a travel agent. Medication For your protection, leave all medicines in their original, labeled containers. If you require medication containing habit-forming drugs or narcotics, carry a copy of the doctor's prescription attesting to that fact. These precautions will make customs processing easier and also will ensure you do not violate the laws of the country in which you live. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a similar warning at all times. Immunizations Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, some countries require International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever from international travelers. A few countries still require a certificate of cholera immunization as well. A helpful guide to immunizations and preventive measures for international travel is the booklet, Health Information for International Travel. It is available for $5.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Specific information may also be obtained from local and state health departments, physicians, or travel clinics that advise international travelers. You may also call the U.S. Public Health Service's Quarantine division on (404) 639-2572 for immunization recommendations. AIDS Testing Many countries require long-term foreign residents and students to submit proof that they are free of the HIV virus. Some of the countries that require this proof may accept certified test results from the United States. Consult the embassy of the country you will be residing in on whether an AIDS test is required and if test results from the United States are accepted. If not, check on the type of test to be performed and if it is permissible to supply your own disposable needle. If you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information and advice, keeping in mind that you are in a foreign country and are subject to its laws and requirements. PRACTICAL MATTERS Federal Benefits If you are receiving monthly benefits from a Federal or state agency (Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, etc.), contact the appropriate agency prior to your departure from the United States to advise them of your residence abroad and to inquire about the procedures for having your benefits checks sent overseas. Customs Hints The pamphlet Know Before You Go contains information about U.S. Customs regulations and procedures. Single copies are available from any U.S. Customs office abroad or by writing to U.S. Customs, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044. Taking A Pet Overseas If you decide to bring your pet with you overseas, check specific requirements with the country's embassy. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. LIVING OVERSEAS HELP FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT Assistance From American Consuls U.S. consular officers are located in over 250 foreign service posts abroad. They are available to advise and help you, especially if you are in any kind of serious trouble. In addition, consular agents in approximately 35 foreign cities without U.S. consulates provide a limited range of emergency and other consular services. Consular officers are responsive to the needs of Americans traveling or residing abroad. However, the majority of their time is devoted to assisting Americans who are in serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. They can provide the names of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists, and attorneys, and give you information about travel advisories. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, including information on absentee voting, selective service registration, and acquisition and loss of U.S. citizenship. They can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other U.S. Government benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, and notarize documents. They may also provide information on how to obtain foreign public documents. Because of the limited number of consular officers and the growing number of U.S. tourists and residents abroad, consuls cannot provide tourism or commercial services. For example, consuls cannot perform the work of travel agencies, lawyers, information bureaus, banks, or the police. They cannot find you jobs, get residence or driving permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle commercial disputes. Registration at U.S. Embassies or Consulates As soon as you arrive abroad, you should register in person or by telephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to inquirers without your express authorization. If you register in person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you. Your passport data will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby making it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it be lost or stolen. Missing Persons When a U.S. citizen abroad loses contact with friends or relatives in the United States, the U.S. consul is often requested to give information about that individual's welfare and whereabouts. Similar requests often come from American private and official welfare organizations attempting, for example, to track down an errant parent who failed to make child support payments. The U.S. consul tries to comply with such requests after determining carefully the reasons for the inquiry. If the consul has the address of the U.S. citizen about whom the inquiry is being made, the consul will inform the American of the inquirer's interest in getting in touch with them and pass on any urgent messages. Consistent with the Privacy Act, the consul then reports back to the inquirer the results of their search efforts. Except in emergency situations, the consul will not release any details about a U.S. citizen's welfare and whereabouts without the citizen's expressed consent. Arrests Legal Aid for Americans Arrested Abroad When living abroad, you are subject to local i.e. foreign laws. If you experience difficulties with the local authorities, remember American officials are limited by foreign laws, U.S. regulations, and geography as to what they can do to assist you. The U.S. Government cannot fund your legal fees or other related expenses. Should you find yourself in a dispute that may lead to police or legal action, consult the nearest U.S. consular officer. Although consular officers cannot get you out of jail, serve as your attorneys or give legal advice, they can provide lists of local attorneys and help you find legal representation. However, neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassies or consulates can assume any responsibility for the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of these attorneys. If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to the consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Under international agreements and practice, you have a right to get in touch with the U.S. consul. If you are turned down, keep asking politely, but persistently. If unsuccessful, try to have someone get in touch for you. Consular officers will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against under local law. Upon learning of your arrest, a U.S. consular officer will visit you, provide a list of local attorneys and, if requested, contact family and friends. In cases of arrest, consuls can help transfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends to you. They also try to get relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthful conditions or being treated less equitably than others in the same situation. Drug Arrests Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions of American citizens are still a problem. If you are caught with any type of narcotics overseas, you are subject to local not U.S. laws. Penalties for possession or trafficking are often the same. If you are arrested, you will find the following: l Few countries provide a jury trial. l Most countries do not accept bail. l Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last many months. l Prisons may lack even minimal comforts bed, toilet, washbasin. l Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives and friends. l Officials may not speak English. l Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading or inhumane treatment, and extortion are possible. If you are convicted, you may face one of the following sentences: l Two to ten years in most countries. l A minimum ofsix year's hard labor and a stiff fine. l The death sentence in some countries. Learn what the local laws are and obey them. Marriage Abroad Consular officers abroad cannot perform a marriage for you. Marriages abroad are generally performed by local civil or religious officials. Once your marriage is performed overseas, U.S. consular officers can authenticate your foreign marriage documents for a fee (currently $36). A marriage which is valid under the laws of the country where the marriage was performed is generally recognized by most states in the United States. If you are married abroad and need confirmation that your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consult the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States. Marriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of the country where the marriage is performed. There is almost always a lengthy waiting period. Some countries require that the civil documents which are presented to the marriage registrar abroad be translated and authenticated by a foreign consular official in the United States. This process can be time consuming and expensive. Unlike in the United States, civil law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. If it is necessary to obtain this proof overseas, you can execute an affidavit of eligibility to marry at a U.S. embassy or consulate for a small fee (currently $4). There are also individual requirements which vary from country to country, i.e. parental consent and blood tests. Before going abroad, check with the embassy or tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry to learn of any specific requirements. In addition, the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 has some general information on marriage in a number of countries overseas. If you are already abroad, consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Divorce Abroad The validity of divorces obtained overseas will vary according to the requirements of an individual's state of residence. Consult the authorities of your state of residence in the United States for these requirements. Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen Most children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. As soon as possible after the birth, the U.S. citizen parent should contact the nearest American embassy or consulate. When it is determined that the child has acquired U.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America. This document is recognized by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school, and most other purposes. Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate should be notified as soon as possible. Upon notification, the consular officer, in accordance with local laws, may do the following: l Require proof of the decedent's citizenship (for example, U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). l Report the death to the next of kin or legal representative. l Obtain instructions and funds from the family to make arrangements for local burial or return of the body to the United States. l Obtain the local death certificate and prepare a Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad (Form OF-180) to forward to the next of kin or legal representative. (This document may be used in U.S. courts to settle estate matters.) l Serve as provisional conservator of a deceased American's estate and arrange for disposition of those effects. Because the costs for local burial or transporting a deceased body back to the United States can be quite expensive, you may wish to obtain insurance to cover this cost. Otherwise, your relative or next of kin must bear these expenses. The U.S. Government cannot pay to have your body buried overseas or returned to the United States. Federal Benefits Services Abroad Federal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from the Department of the Treasury to the U.S. embassies or consulates in the countries where the beneficiaries are residing. When you move overseas, report your change of residence to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The usual procedure is for the embassy or consulate to then forward the check through the local mail system to you. It may be possible to make arrangements to have your check deposited directly into a bank account located in the United States or in the country where you reside. Check with the benefits paying agency or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further information. If your check does not arrive or you have other questions about your benefits, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If they cannot answer your inquiry, they will contact the appropriate paying agency, such as the Social Security Administration, and make inquiries on your behalf. If you move, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at least 60 days before the move. This will enable the Federal agency to update its records so your checks are sent to the correct address. Assistance In Voting in U.S. Elections Americans who reside abroad are usually eligible to vote by absentee ballot in all Federal elections and may also be eligible to vote in many state and local U.S. elections. Eligibility depends upon the laws and regulations of your state of residence in the United States. To vote absentee, you must meet state voter registration requirements and apply for the ballot as early as possible from the state of your last domicile. Should your state ballot not arrive in sufficient time, you may be eligible to use a Federal write-in ballot known as a F.W.A.B. You should consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for additional information. Selective Service Registration Section I-202 of the Presidential Proclamation of July 2, 1980, reinstituting registration under the Military Selective Service Act, states: Citizens of the United States who are to be registered and who are not in the United States on any of the days set aside for their registration, shall present themselves at a U.S. embassy or consulate for registration before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States or before a registrar duly appointed by a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States. Continued... Residing abroad (more) false marked Residing abroad (more) showNameProp Residing abroad (more) U(Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR AMERICANS RESIDING ABROAD Continued... FAMILY MATTERS Adopting A Child Overseas If you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that the U.S. Government considers foreign adoptions to be a private legal matter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation where the child is residing. U.S. authorities have no right to intervene on behalf of American citizens in the courts in the country where the adoption takes place. However, there are a number of ways that U.S. embassies and consulates can assist prospective parents. The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information on the adoption process in the country where you reside. Consular officers can make inquiries on your behalf regarding the status of your case in the foreign court and will assist in clarifying documentary requirements if necessary. Embassies and consulates will also ensure that as an American you are not being discriminated against by foreign courts and will provide you with information on the visa application process for your adopted child. Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationals of the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with local laws. One way to achieve this is by dealing only with a reputable international adoption agency experienced in handling adoptions in the country where you are living. In the case of a private adoption, you should hire a local attorney with expertise in adoptions. Because of the potential for fraud in international adoptions, you need to be aware of the pitfalls. The U.S. embassy or consulate can offer you advice on what problems you might encounter. Foreign children adopted overseas by U.S. citizens can gain U.S. citizenship if the adoptive parents apply for the child's naturalization after they return to the United States. In most cases, the adoptive parents would merely apply for a Certificate of Citizenship from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after the adoption. However, until they return to the United States, the adopted child remains a national of their country of origin. Before returning to the United States with your adopted child, you will need to petition the INS for your child's immigrant visa. For further information on adoption procedures, obtain INS Form M-249 entitled, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children. You can also contact the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services, Washington, D.C. 20520 to learn more about U.S. citizenship requirements and adoption procedures. International Child Custody Disputes For parents involved in a child custody dispute, there are limits on the assistance that U.S. authorities can provide. In cases where an American child is abducted overseas by a parent, the U.S. Government's role is confined to helping the remaining parent locate the child, monitoring the child's welfare, and providing general information about child custody laws and procedures in the country where the abduction took place. Consular officers overseas can issue a U.S. passport to a child involved in a custody dispute if the child appears in person at the U.S. embassy or consulate and there is no court order issued by the foreign court of that country which bars the child's departure from the country. U.S. consuls cannot take custody of a child, force the child's return to the United States, or attempt to influence child custody proceedings in foreign courts. If the parents cannot work out an amicable settlement of a child custody dispute, the only recourse is usually court action in the country where the child is residing. A custody decree originating in the United States is not automatically recognized overseas. On the contrary, foreign courts will decide custody in accordance with the laws of that country. If you are involved in a custody dispute, you will need to obtain a foreign attorney to represent you in court. You can obtain a list of such attorneys from the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where your child has been taken. If you are a parent involved in a custody battle overseas find out whether the country you are in is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Under the Hague Convention, a child who has been wrongfully removed may be returned to his or her place of habitual residence. For further information on the Hague Convention contact the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State, Room 4817, Washington, D.C. 20520. That office also has copies of the booklet International Parental Child Abduction which contains helpful information on what U.S. citizen parents can do to prevent their child from becoming a victim of parental child abduction. If you are overseas and would like information on this subject, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. PRECAUTIONS Safeguarding Your Passport Your passport is a valuable document which should be carefully safeguarded. When living overseas, the Department of State recommends that you keep your passport at home in a safe, secure place. Although a passport kept at an available storage facility outside the home might offer maximum security, keep in mind that an emergency requiring immediate travel may make it difficult or impossible to obtain your passport before departure. In such a case, it may not be possible to obtain a replacement or temporary passport in time to make the intended travel. Loss or Theft of a U.S. Passport If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately to the nearest foreign service post and to local police authorities. If you can provide the consular officer with the information in the passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport. Therefore, you should photocopy the data page of your passport and keep it in a separate place where it can be easily retrieved. Passport Fraud Multiple and fraudulent U.S. passports are used in many types of criminal activity, including illegal entry into the United States. In processing lost passport cases, the Department of State must take special precautions that may delay the issuance of a new passport. If you suspect a U.S. passport is being used fraudulently, do not hesitate to contact the nearest passport agency in the United States or American foreign service post overseas. Glazed Ceramic Purchases Be careful when purchasing ceramic tableware and clay pottery while overseas. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that there are dangerous levels of lead found in the glazes of some ceramic dinnerware and pottery sold abroad. Because there is no way of knowing whether a particular item is safe, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that you use such wares for decorative purposes only. CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY U.S. Citizenship and Residence Abroad U.S. citizens who take up residence abroad or who are contemplating doing so frequently ask whether this will have any effect on their citizenship. Residence abroad, in and of itself, has no effect on U.S. citizenship. However, a person who becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization and then takes up a permanent residence abroad within 1 year thereafter is subject to possible revocation of naturalization on the grounds that he/she did not intend to reside permanently in the United States when the petition for naturalization was filed. Each particular case is judged on its own merits. Clearly, some persons may have intended to reside in the United States but due to unexpected circumstances, it became necessary for them to take up residence abroad. Revocation of naturalization is the responsibility of the court where the naturalization occurred. The initial steps leading to revocation are taken by the Departments of State and Justice. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you have any questions about nationality. Acquisition and Loss of Citizenship U.S. citizenship may be acquired by birth in the United States or by birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents. However, there are certain residency or physical presence requirements that U.S. citizens may need to fulfill before the child's birth in order to transmit citizenship to their child born overseas. A child born abroad in wedlock to one citizen parent and one alien parent acquires U.S. citizenship only if the citizen parent was physically present in the United States for 5 years prior to the child's birth, at least 2 years of which were after the age of 14. Living abroad in military service or U.S. Government employment, or as an unmarried dependent in the household of someone so employed, can be considered as presence in the United States. A child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother acquires citizenship if the mother was physically present in the United States for 1 year. A child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father must establish a legal relationship to the father before age 18 or be legitimated before reaching age 21, depending on the date of birth, if he/she is to acquire U.S. citizenship through the father. For further information on these legal requirements, consult the nearest foreign service post. Citizenship may also be acquired subsequent to birth through the process of naturalization (see previous page). Loss of citizenship can occur only as the result of a citizen's voluntarily performing an act of expatriation as set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act with the intent to relinquish citizenship. Such acts most frequently performed include the following: l Naturalization in a foreign state; l Taking an oath or making an affirmation of allegiance to a foreign state; l Service in the armed forces of a foreign state; l Employment with a foreign government; or l Taking a formal oath of renunciation of allegiance before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer. If you have any question about any aspect of loss of nationality, contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. Dual Nationality A foreign country might claim you as a citizen of that country if: l You were born there. l Your parent or parents are or were citizens of that country. l You are a naturalized U.S. citizen but are still considered a citizen under that country's laws. If you are in any of the above categories, consult the embassy of the country where you are planning to reside or are presently living. While recognizing the existence of dual nationality, the U.S. Government does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries upon dual-national U.S. citizens often place them in situations where their obligations to one country are in conflict with U.S. law. Dual nationality may hamper efforts by the U.S. Government to provide diplomatic and consular protection to individuals overseas. When a U.S. citizen is in the other country of their dual nationality, that country has a predominant claim on the person. If you have any question about dual nationality, contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of Citizens Consular Services at the address on the previous page. FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS MATTERS U.S. Taxes U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their Federal income tax returns. Living or earning income outside the United States does not relieve a U.S. citizen of responsibility for filing tax returns. However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroad may be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits under U.S. tax laws, as well as under international tax treaties and conventions between the United States and a number of foreign countries. Consult the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for further information. For information on taxes and locations of IRS offices overseas, contact any office of the IRS or write to the Forms Distribution Center, Post Office Box 25866, Richmond, Virginia 23289. That office also has copies of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, Publication 514, Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals and Publication 520, Scholarships and Fellowships. The IRS has also put together a package of forms and instructions (Publication 776) for U.S. citizens living abroad. You can get the package by writing to the Forms Distribution Center at the address on page 22. During the filing period, you can usually obtain the necessary Federal income tax forms from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Foreign Country Taxes If you earn any income while you are overseas, you may be required to pay tax on that income. You should check the rules and regulations with that country's embassy or consulate before you leave the United States, or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Bank Accounts Some countries will permit you to maintain a local bank account denominated in dollars or in another foreign currency of your choice. This may be a good idea if the U.S. dollar is strong and the local currency in the country you reside in is weak. If that country does not permit you to maintain U.S. dollar bank accounts, another idea would be to keep your dollars in a bank in the United States. That way you could convert them to the local currency as you need them rather than all at once. This would protect you in the event that the country you are living in devalues its currency. Wills To avoid the risk of running afoul of foreign laws, if you own property or other assets both in the United States and overseas, consider the idea of having two wills drawn up. One should cover your assets in your adopted country and the other your U.S. assets. Each will should mention the other. Having two wills should ensure that your foreign property is disposed of in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death. Property Investment A major decision that you will have to face when you live abroad is whether or not to purchase a home or property. Because prices in many foreign countries may seem like a bargain compared to the United States, there may be some merit to investing in real estate. However, you will need to keep several things in mind. First, check to see whether the country where you plan to invest permits foreigners to own property. Many foreign countries do not permit foreigners without immigrant status to buy real estate. Also, there may be restrictions on areas in which you may buy property and on the total number of foreigners who may purchase property in any one year. One way for a foreigner to purchase real estate overseas may be to set up a bank trust and then lease the property. For your protection, you should first consult with a local real estate agent and then hire a reputable attorney. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you plan to purchase property to obtain a list of lawyers. A good lawyer will provide you with information about having your real estate contract notarized, registered, and if necessary, translated. Your attorney should also be able to advise you on protection against unscrupulous land deals. Before you make a real estate purchase, learn the customs and laws of the foreign government with regard to real estate. In the event of a dispute, you will have to abide by local and not U.S. laws. A good rule to follow is that before you invest in any real estate take the same precautions which you normally would take before you make a sizeable investment in the United States. RETURNING TO THE U.S. U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS If you leave the U.S. for purposes of traveling, working, or studying abroad, and return to resume U.S. residence, you are considered a returning U.S. resident by the U.S. Customs Service. When you go through immigration and customs at the port of entry, have your passport ready. Where possible, pack separately the articles you have acquired abroad to make inspection easy. Have your receipts handy in case you need to sup port your customs declaration. If you took other documents with you, such as an International Certification of Vaccination, a medical certificate, or a customs certificate of registration for foreign-made personal articles, have them ready also. If you are returning to the U.S. by car from either Mexico or Canada, a certificate of vehicle registration should be available. Articles acquired abroad and brought back with you are subject to duty and internal revenue tax. As a returning U.S. resident, you are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free. However, you must have been outside the United States for at least 48 hours, and you must not have used this exemption within the preceding 30-day period. The next $l,000 worth of items you bring back with you for personal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10% rate. Restrictions on Products Entering the U. S. Fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, plants in soil, and many other agricultural products are prohibited from entering the United States because they may carry foreign insects and diseases that could damage U.S. crops, forests, gardens, and livestock. Other items may also be restricted, so be sure to obtain details of regulations before departing for your trip back to the U.S. These restrictions also apply to mailed products. Prohibited items confiscated and destroyed at U.S. international postal facilities have almost doubled in recent years. For more information and to request the pamphlet, Travelers Tips on Prohibited Agricultural Products contact the agricultural affairs office at the nearest U.S. embassy or con-sulate, or write to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agri-culture, 613 Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. Importing A Car If you plan to bring a car back with you, before pur chasing it, make sure it conforms to U.S. emission standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If your vehicle does not conform to standards, it may be banned from enter ing the country. For further information, obtain the pamphlet, Buying a Car Overseas? Beware! from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Information Center, PM-211B, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Wildlife and Wildlife Products While you were overseas, if you purchased any ar ticles made from endangered animals and plants or any live wild animals to bring back as pets, you need to be aware that U.S. laws and international treaties make it a crime to bring many wildlife souvenirs into the United States. Some prohibited items include those made from sea turtle shell, most reptile skins, crocodile leather, ivory, furs from endangered cat species, and those from coral reefs. Do not buy wildlife souvenirs if you are un sure of being able to bring them legally into the United States. The penalties you risk are severe and your purchases could be confiscated. To learn more about endangered wildlife and guidelines governing restrictions on imports into the United States, you can obtain the pamphlet, Buyer Beware! For a free copy, contact the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Additional information on the import of wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained through TRAFFIC (U.S.A.), World Wildlife Fund U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION U.S. Embassies and Consulates Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts : Guide for Business Representatives has names of key officers and addresses for U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. Updated 3 times a year; a 1-year subscription is $5. Order from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Older Americans Travel Tips for Older Americans provides general information on passports, visas, health, currency, and other travel tidbits for elderly U.S. citizens planning to travel overseas. Copies are available for $1 from the U.S. Government Printing Office. Safe Travel A Safe Trip Abroad contains helpful precautions to minimize the chance of becoming a victim of terrorism and also provides other safety tips for Americans traveling overseas. To obtain a copy, send $1 to the U.S. Government Printing Office. Crisis Abroad Crisis Abroad What the State Department Does summarizes the work by the State Department during a crisis and its efforts to obtain reliable information from local authorities abroad for concerned relatives and friends of Americans located in the disaster area. Copies are free from CA/PA, Room 5807, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. The Citizens Emergency Center The Citizens Emergency Center contains information about the assistance that office provides in four major categories: deaths, arrests, welfare/whereabouts inquiries, and financial-medical emergencies. The leaflet is free from CA/PA at the address above. Russian travel false marked Russian travel showNameProp Russian travel (Consular Affairs Topics) Tips for Travelers to Russia -- including information useful for: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan Introduction In December 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved. In its place emerged 12 independent countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The information in this pamphlet is mainly on Russia. However, much of the information and particularly the sections on health, safety, and travel planning is applicable to the other former Soviet republics. Consular Information Sheets To find specific travel information for any country you plan to visit, see the Department of State Consular Information Sheet for the country. Consular Information Sheets contain information on such matters as the location and telephone number of the nearest U.S. embassy, crime problems, and health or security problems that may affect travel. In addition to Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings may also be issued about certain countries. Travel Warnings advise Americans to defer travel to all or part of a country. There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings. You can listen to them 24 hours a day by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receive copies of them of by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countries on the outside of the envelope.) You can also find Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings posted at the 13 regional passport agencies and at American embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed through an airline or travel agent's computer reservation system or by computer through many electronic bulletin boards. Geography Russia is the largest country that emerged from the former U.S.S.R. It stretches from the Baltic Sea, across the northern Eurasian landmass, to the Bering Strait where a Russian island lies only three miles from an island that is part of Alaska. Russia and the other republics of the former Soviet Union are going through profound political and economic changes. At present, the tourism industry, like other industries that were strictly regulated in the former USSR, is undergoing a transformation that can be confusing to customers as well as to the industry itself. Throughout the entire former Soviet region, major structures of civil authority and service organizations are either being replaced by new bodies or are withering away without replacement. In addition to Consular Information Sheets, a good source of information on current conditions is Intourist, telephone 212-757-3884. Before 1991, Intourist was the official and only Soviet tour operator. It is now a non-governmental body and is still by far the largest tour operator in Russia and the other 11 former Soviet republics. Intourist has contracts with a large network of hotels and restaurants, but it must now compete with other Russian tour operators such as Sputnik and Intratours. There are also a number of specialized tour operators. For example, the Host Family Association and Wild World specialize in, respectively, stays with families and adventure tours. You can book travel with Russian tour operators through U.S. travel agents. Before You Go Visas A U.S. citizen must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa to travel to any country of the former USSR. At present, only Russia and Ukraine are issuing visas. At the time of publication, the other countries of the former USSR had either not established embassies in the United States or, in the case of Armenia and Belarus, had opened embassies but were not yet issuing visas. To travel to a country of the former USSR that is not yet issuing visas, a Russian visa is still required, and it is valid for all such countries. At present, travel between countries that require a Russian visa is still considered internal travel by local authorities, and passports are not normally checked upon arrival or departure. You may obtain a visa for Ukraine from the Ukrainian Embassy (see page 23). All of the following visa information pertains to Russian visas. Travelers arriving without a visa in a country that requires a Russian visa cannot register at a hotel and must leave the country immediately by the same route they entered. Even for a brief transit, you must have a visa. If possible, obtain your Russian visa in the United States, because a Russian visa can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain abroad. In some countries like Ukraine, Estonia, and Lithuania, you cannot obtain a Russian visa. Visas are valid for specific dates. Before starting on your trip, be sure your visa is valid for the dates of your planned entry and departure. Delays caused by illness or changes in plans must be approved in advance by the office that issued your visa. The categories of Russian visa that a U.S. citizen can apply for are transit, tourist, business, or, for a private visit to friends or relatives, a visitor or 'homestay' visa. Tourist, Business, and Transit Visas Most travelers to Russia and the other countries of the former USSR arrange for their visas and accommodations through an American travel agent. A business visa requires a letter of invitation from your foreign business contact. A transit visa requires a copy of your confirmed ticket and visa (if required) to your onward destination. Visitor or 'Homestay' Visas Visas for private trips to stay in a private home are issued by the consular division of either the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC or the Russian Consulate General in either San Francisco or New York (see page 23). You may request application forms by mail. The person you wish to visit must also apply for permission well in advance of your visit. In larger cities, your host can apply at the local visa office (called OVIR, an acronym for Otdel Viz i Registratsii). In smaller towns, your host can apply to the local police. OVIR or police consideration of these applications can be a slow process. Upon approval of your application, your host will be issued a notification of permission (izveshcheniye) for your visit. Your host should send this notification to you. Private Visits During Group Tours An American traveling on a group tour may request permission to visit local acquaintances or take short individual excursions away from the group itinerary to places of personal interest. Arrangements for side trips should be made through your American travel agent and, if possible, before you leave the United States. On your visa application, include the names and addresses of those citizens of countries of the former USSR whom you hope to visit. How to Obtain Visa Information You can obtain visa information from your travel agent. However, authoritative information on visas can only be obtained from the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit. Whatever your source, make certain that your visa information is up to date, because, during this period of transition, visa requirements will change frequently. When you inquire about visas, ask about price, length of validity, and the number of entries that are permitted. Your U.S. Passport Theft of U.S. passports continues to increase rapidly. Stolen passports are reportedly sold for large sums of hard currency. The theft or loss of a passport, particularly when the nearest U.S. consular office is hundreds or thousands of miles away, is a major source of inconvenience and expense to travelers in Russia and the other countries of the former USSR. Before starting your trip, make a record or photocopy of the data from your passport's identification page and from your visa(s). Also make a copy of the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you will visit (see page 24). Put this information along with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport to be available in case of loss or theft. Leave a second copy of your passport information and your itinerary with a relative or friend in the U.S. Complete the address page of your passport in pencil and update it as necessary. While in the former Soviet Union, you may be asked to turn over your passport to hotel personnel or a tour leader for short periods of time for registration with police or for other purposes. Your passport should be returned within two or three days. Be sure to safeguard your passport at all other times, as its loss can cause you delays and problems. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate and then obtain a new or duplicate visa from the nearest visa office (OVIR). If you are with a tour, your guide can assist you with the visa. Planning Your Trip Many geographic names throughout the region are being changed. Try to obtain maps before your trip, but keep in mind that some names of places may be out of date. You may need to correct city names and even some street names. In these countries, if your street sign does not agree with your map, you may not be lost, you may just be dealing with a new name. Previously, in the former Soviet Union, departure and arrival times for planes, trains, and boats were quoted in Moscow time. In the post- Soviet period, that practice has changed, and timetables for travel in and between former Soviet countries usually use local time. Within Russia itself, however, you may still find Moscow time in useQregardless of which of the 11 time zones you are in. Whenever you make reservations or purchase tickets, learn which time zones the schedule refers to and, as you travel, confirm all departure and arrival times. Air Travel Within Russia Aeroflot still dominates air travel in Russia and the region. Although many international airlines have flights to Russia and the other former Soviet republics, and some, like Turkish Airlines, even have flights between a few of the countries, the domestic service of Aeroflot is still the major carrier in and between the countries of the former USSR. Since late 1991, domestic Aeroflot flights have been delayed for hours or days and sometimes canceled because of jet fuel shortages. Travelers should be prepared for long waits or for the possibility that their itineraries will have to be changed with little or no advance notice. In the United States, booking domestic Aeroflot flights can be difficult. You may discover, once you are in Russia or another country of the former USSR, that a domestic Aeroflot flight you booked does not exist, or at least does not exist on the day you are confirmed to go. Or, before you leave the U.S., you may be told flights do not exist to a certain city, when in fact they do. Because of the difficulty in using Aeroflot's domestic service, it is advisable to use international carriers, including Aeroflot, wherever possible when planning your itinerary. While Aeroflot is in transition to meet international standards, flexibility and patience are the keys to successful air travel in Russia and all countries of the former USSR. Overland Travel It is a good idea when traveling by train or automobile in former Soviet countries to bring food and water with you. If you travel overland between Central European countries and countries of the former USSR, be certain that you have visas for all countries through which you will pass. For example, the train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania passes through Grodno, Belarus, and transit visas are not available on the train. On occasion, Americans have been required to leave the train in Grodno and return to their point of departure to obtain a Russian visa for Belarus. (There is a direct rail route, however, that does not pass through Belarus. It goes to Sestokai, Lithuania via Suwalki, Poland.) Auto Travel Driving conditions in Russia and the other former Soviet republics are more rugged than in Western Europe, service stations are few, and fuel may be scarce at those stations. Adhere to all local driving regulations. They are strictly enforced and violators are subject to legal penalties. All tourists entering Russia by automobile are required to sign an obligation guaranteeing the re-export of their automobiles. This obligation also applies to damaged vehicles. Auto Insurance Your automobile should be fully insured under a policy valid for Russia and for any other country you will enter. Insurance policies may be purchased from Lloyds of London or from Ingosstrakh, Kuybyshev Street 11/10, Moscow, a Russian organization that insures foreigners. Auto insurance obtained in Russia is still accepted in some of the other former Soviet republics. Be aware that Russian law allows the company to refuse compensation for damage if a driver is pronounced by the authorities to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of an accident. Such determinations can be made without the benefit of any tests. Health Precautions Travel in the former USSR can be strenuous, particularly for the elderly and individuals with special health problems. When you plan your trip, be careful not to overschedule; leave time for rest and relaxation. Tourists in frail health are strongly advised not to visit. Immunizations No immunizations are required for travelers to the former Soviet Union. However, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and gamma globulin are recommended for the region and in particular for the Central Asian countries. Review Your Health Insurance Policy If your insurance does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing temporary insurance that does. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. Because conditions in many hospitals are not adequate to ensure recovery, medical evacuation is frequently necessary for illnesses or injuries which could be treated locally in other countries. Minimum cost from Moscow to New York on a stretcher is more than $10,000. Medical evacuation by hospital aircraft on the same route approaches $100,000. Insurance companies as well as some credit card and travelers check companies offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads in travel publications. Bring Your Own Medicines Bring with you any necessary medications and keep them in their original, labeled containers in your hand luggage. Because of strict laws on narcotics, carry a letter from your physician explaining your need for any prescription drugs in your possession. Also bring along any toiletries and personal hygiene items that you will need. These items can be difficult to find in major cities and even more scarce elsewhere. About Medical Care in the Region Medical care in the former Soviet Union does not meet Western standards. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, common medications, and antibiotics. X-rays are of poor quality, and advanced diagnostic equipment, such as CAT scan machines, is not widely available. Patient support services, including basic hygiene measures, are inadequate, and travelers may expect the length of hospitalization to exceed the duration of stay they would expect in Western facilities. In addition, full, frank, and empathic discussions between doctor and patient are hampered by language barriers as well as the lack of a tradition of patient rights. If you need medical care, ask your hotel or tour guide to direct you to an appropriate facility. You may also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local medical services. Drinking Water The U.S. Public Health Service warns that many U.S. visitors to Russia, particularly to St. Petersburg, have returned to the United States infected with the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia. This infection is probably contracted by drinking tap water. Some travelers to Russia and surrounding countries bring drinking water with them in their luggage. If you cannot import your drinking water, drink only bottled carbonated drinks or beverages that have been boiled for at least five minutes. Avoid ice cubes, use bottled water for brushing teeth, and avoid salads or uncooked vegetables and fruits which cannot be peeled. In addition, carry iodine tablets to disinfect drinking water. Travelers returning from the region who develop a diarrheal illness lasting more than five days should consult a physician and have a stool specimen examined for parasites. The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident of April 1986 Recent tap water samples from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kiev show no detectable radiation. Background radiation levels in areas outside the immediate accident site and fallout path have been tested periodically and are considered to be within acceptable ranges. Access to the Chernobyl zone is strictly controlled by Ukrainian authorities. Currency Russia, like the other 11 countries of the former Soviet Union, has a cash-only economy. During periodic cash shortages, it can be difficult to impossible to cash travelers checks for dollars, for other convertible (hard) currency, or even for rubles. The fee to cash travelers checks may be high (for example, 5 %). In Moscow, cash may be available at Dialogbank or American Express. In St. Petersburg, rubles may be available but not hard currency. In Kiev, cash may be available at the Agroprombank, Export/Import Bank, or Bank Ukraina. Some travelers avoid a number of the difficulties of the currency shortage by taking a prepaid tour that includes all meals and hotels. Travelers find it useful to bring major credit cards because they are accepted at some hotels and restaurants, particularly those in Moscow. Most travelers, however, solve the problem of the currency shortage by coming to Russia and the other former Soviet republics with a sufficient supply of hard currency to cover their obligations in the country. Some hotel restaurants and shops will accept payment only in dollars or other hard currency. Beware! Make it your practice to keep your excess cash in the hotel safe. Before you leave home, check with your credit card and travelers check companies to learn where these instruments can be used in the former Soviet Union. Customs and currency laws are strict. When you arrive, make an accurate and complete customs declaration of all money, travelers checks, and valuables in your possession. Include all personal jewelry, such as wedding rings and watches. Have your customs declaration stamped by the authorities and keep it with you until you leave the country. Keep your exchange receipts in order to account for your expenditures. Without these records, customs officials could confiscate your cash and valuables upon departure. The Russian ruble is still the currency of the 12 former Soviet republics. In Ukraine, 'coupons' have been introduced in preparation for issuing a national currency. The coupons are used in Ukraine along with the Russian ruble, but cannot be used outside of the country. Customs Regulations Attempts to bring any of the following articles into the former Soviet Union have caused difficulties for U.S. citizens in the past: Narcotics - Drug laws are strict. U.S. citizens have received long sentences for trying to enter or transit with illegal narcotics. Pornography - Magazines with sexually explicit photographs, that may be considered commonplace in Western countries, may be regarded as pornography and are often confiscated. Gifts for Persons in the Former USSR - A high rate of customs duty may be assessed on gifts that you bring into a foreign country. U.S. citizens have had to abandon gifts at the airport because they lacked funds to pay the customs duty. Video Cassettes - Customs regulations allow for the import and re- export of a limited number of blank or commercially recorded video cassettes for personal use. Some travelers with a large number of cassettes have had them confiscated upon departure. Travelers are advised to leave blank video cassettes sealed in their wrappers when entering a country. Customs regulations prohibit the import or export of personally recorded video cassettes. To avoid confiscation of valuable travel memories, travelers should either leave those cassettes some place outside of the country to be picked up later or mail them home before entering the country. Legal Matters Dual Nationality Russia's new citizenship law that went into effect February 6, 1992, recognizes dual nationality only if there is an agreement between the two countries that covers dual nationality. At this time, the United States and Russia do not have a dual nationality agreement. This means that if you are a dual national and encounter problems in Russia, you may not be permitted to leave and the ability of a U.S. consul to assist you may be limited. The U.S. government has notified the governments of the Soviet successor states that the U.S. government considers the U.S.-USSR consular convention of 1968 to be still in force. The United States recognizes as an established principle of international law that every sovereign state has the right to decide under the provisions of its own laws who is and who is not its citizen. The Department of State maintains the following: U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, possess full American citizenship and its accompanying benefits and responsibilities despite any additional entitlement to other citizenships. A U.S. citizen entering a country of the former USSR with a U.S. passport and a valid visa is to be regarded as a U.S. citizen by that country for purposes of the visit, regardless of whether the foreign government might also consider them to be their citizen. U.S. citizens cannot lose their U.S. citizenship because of automatic acquisition of foreign citizenship. However, if a U.S. citizen contemplates voluntarily accepting dual nationality in connection with assuming duties as a government official in one of the Soviet successor states, he or she should first consult with the Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services on 202-647-3445 or with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The countries of the former USSR generally do not prevent a U.S. citizen possessing a U.S. passport and appropriate visas from visiting those countries and returning to the United States, or to his or her country of permanent residence, even if under foreign laws he or she is considered a citizen of a Soviet successor state. Any dual national U.S. citizen traveling in Russia or any other country of the former Soviet Union should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately if any question arises about his or her U.S. or foreign citizenship. To avoid any possible inconvenience or uncertainty, the Department of State urges any U.S. citizen who is or believes they may be a citizen of a country of the former USSR to consider formally renouncing that citizenship before visiting any of the former Soviet republics. For information on how to renounce foreign citizenship, contact, in the United States, the embassy or consulate of the country concerned before traveling. In any case, possible dual nationals who travel to Russia or any of the other countries of the former Soviet Union should register upon arrival in writing or in person at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Give your full name, passport number, date and place of birth, occupation, hotel and room number, phone number, purpose and dates of your visit, home address, and the name, address, and telephone number of any relatives that you have in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Permanent legal U.S. residents should travel with appropriate documentation of their legal permanent residence status in the U.S. Those who are citizens of a country of the former Soviet Union should ensure that they have the correct entry/exit permission from the Russian or other appropriate embassy in the United States before they travel. Adopting A Child Abroad Current law allows adoptions in Russia and Ukraine, although U.S. citizens report the process in these republics to be long and difficult. The status of adoptions in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan remains uncertain. Russia has established a quasi-governmental bureaucratic structure in an attempt to regulate foreign adoptions. The agency, "Rights of the Child" (Pravo Rebyonka), was formed to coordinate international adoptions, ensure that Russian legal procedures are followed, and establish a centralized data bank for information on Russian children adoptable by foreigners. U.S. citizens interested in adopting a child from one of the countries of the former Soviet Union are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country, or, in the United States, the Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services on 202-647-3444 to obtain information on the adoption process in that country. While You Are Abroad Registration All U.S. citizens who visit Russia or any of the other countries of the former Soviet Union are encouraged to register in writing or in person at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see directory, page 24). Registration is especially important if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you are going to a place where communications are poor, or if you plan to stay for any length of time. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, having previously registered at an embassy or consulate can make it easier to issue you a new passport without a delay. Safety Tips Against Crime In Russia and much of the rest of the former USSR, crimes such as robbery, mugging, and pickpocketing are an increasing problem for tourists, particularly in cities and around major tourist sites. Crimes are perpetrated not only by adults, but also by adolescents or even children, often operating in groups. Crime aboard trains has also increased. For example, travelers have been drugged without their knowledge and robbed on the train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Crime is also a problem on trains between Moscow and Warsaw and armed robberies have occurred on the trains between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On some trains, thieves have been able to open locked compartment doors. Although officials in Russia have expressed willingness to cooperate with U.S. officials in emergencies involving U.S. citizens, communications and transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be more than a day's travel away. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, exercise the same precautions that you would in any large city and follow these tips: Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home. Never display large sums of money when paying a bill. Conceal your passport, cash, and other valuables on your person. Do not trust waist packs or fanny packs because pickpockets have learned that is where the valuables are. Do not leave valuables in your hotel room, have them locked in the hotel safe. Be vigilant on public transport and at tourist sites, food markets, flea markets, art exhibitions, and all places where crowds gather. Even slight intoxication is noted by professional thieves. Therefore, if you drink in a public place, do so only with a trusted friend who has agreed to remain sober. If you are the victim of crime, report it immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It is worthwhile to report a theft, because stolen items are sometimes retrieved. Continued.... Russian travel (more) false marked Russian travel (more) showNameProp Russian travel (more) (Consular Affairs Topics) Tips for Travelers to Russia Continued.... Russian Law How to Avoid Legal Problems While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to its laws and regulations. Laws in the countries of the former Soviet Union can differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Exercise caution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may have difficulties with the authorities and may be expelled and forced to forfeit the unused part of a prepurchased tour. Serious transgressions of the law can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Under Article 12 of the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1968 (which the U.S. considers to still be in force, see page 16), government authorities in the Soviet successor states are required to immediately inform the U.S. Embassy or consulate of the arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen and to permit, without delay, communication with the detained citizen. If you are detained by authorities, ask that a U.S. consular officer be informed and that you be allowed to meet with a U.S. consular officer without delay. Avoid breaking the law. Never take 'souvenirs' from local hotels, no matter how insignificant in value they may appear. Pay for your souvenirs, handicrafts, or artwork in local currency, because most vendors do not have permission to accept dollars or other hard currency. Travelers have been arrested by plainclothes police after paying for a souvenir with hard currency. The traveler is usually released after several hours of detention, but both the hard currency and the item purchased are usually confiscated. Only special tourist stores, usually found in large hotels, are permitted to accept hard currency. Marriage Abroad Americans contemplating marriage to a citizen of the former Soviet Union should contact the Consular Section of the nearest American embassy or consulate before the marriage takes place. Consular officers cannot perform marriages, but can provide information about local regulations concerning marriage. Photography Restrictions Regulations on photography are strict, particularly regarding military installations. Because of unwitting violations of these regulations, U.S. citizens have had film confiscated, have been temporarily detained or interrogated, and have even been asked to leave the country. Be sure that your photographs do not contain forbidden subjects, not even in the background. When in doubt, ask your tour guide or someone else in authority. 1. Photographs are permitted of architectural monuments; cultural, educational, and medical buildings; theaters; museums; parks; stadiums; streets and squares; and living quarters and landscape scenes which do not include subjects listed below under item 3. 2. If prior permission is obtained from officials of the institution concerned, photographs may be taken of industrial enterprises which manufacture non-military products, farms, railroad stations, airports, river ports, and governmental, educational, and social organizations. 3. All photographs are prohibited within the 25-kilometer-wide border zones, except in those portions not closed to foreigners. Photographs of the following are forbidden: all military objects, institutions, and personnel; storage facilities for combustibles; seaports; hydroelectric installations (sluices); pumping stations; dams; railroad junctions; railroad and highway bridges; industrial, scientific, and research establishments; electric, telephone, and telegraph stations; and radio facilities. Photographs from airplanes and panoramic shots of industrial cities are prohibited. 4. Foreigners may not mail exposed film out of Russia. Shopping-Be Wary of Antiques Artwork, souvenirs, and handicrafts purchased at special stores for tourists may be taken out of Russia and the other former Soviet republics. However, antiques (defined as virtually anything which may be deemed of historical or cultural value) and artifacts, including samovars, purchased at regular stores and secondhand shops often may not be taken out of these countries without inspection by local cultural authorities and payment of substantial export duty. This procedure is almost prohibitively cumbersome and time consuming. Samovars not purchased at tourist stores and not cleared by cultural authorities are normally confiscated at pre-departure customs inspections. Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States Embassy of ARMENIA 122 C Street, NW Suite 360 Washington, DC 20001 (202) 628-5766 Embassy of BELARUS 1511 K Street, NW Suite 619 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 638-2954 Embassy of RUSSIA Consular Division 1825 Phelps Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-8907/11/13/18 Russian Consulate General 9 East 91 Street New York, NY 10128 (212) 348-0926 Russian Consulate General 2790 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 202-9800 Embassy of UKRAINE 1828 L Street, NW Suite 711 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 296-6960 U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad ARMENIA American Embassy 18 General Bagramian Street Yerevan, ARMENIA Tel. (7-8852) 151-122; 151-144 AZERBAIJAN American Embassy Hotel Intourist 77 Prospekt Neftyanikov Baku, AZERBAIJAN Tel. (7-8922) 926-306/7/8 BELARUS American Embassy Starovilenskaya Ulitsa 46 Minsk, BELARUS Tel. (7-0172) 347-642 GEORGIA American Embassy 25 Atoneli Street Tbilisi, GEORGIA Tel. (7-8832) 989-967/8 kazakhstan American Embassy 551 Seyfullina Alma Ata, KAZAKHSTAN Tel. (7-3272) 631-375 kyrgyzstan American Embassy Erkindik 66 (old name: Derzhinskiy) Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN Tel. (7-3312) 222-693 moldova American Embassy 103 Strada Alexei Mateevich Chisinau, MOLDOVA Tel. (7-0422) 233-494; 233-698 RUSSIA American Embassy Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23 (old name: Chaykovskogo) Moscow, RUSSIA Tel. (7-095) 252-2451 to 9; after hours: 252-1898; 255-5123 American Consulate General Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15 (old name: Ul. Petra Lavrova) St. Petersburg, RUSSIA Tel. (7-812) 274-8235 tajikistan American Embassy Hotel Independence (old name: Oktyabrskaya) 39 Ainii Street Dushanbe, TAJIKISTAN Tel. (7-3772) 248-233 Turkmenistan American Embassy Yubilenaya Hotel Ashgabat TURKMENISTAN Tel. (7-3632) 244-925 Ukraine American Embassy 10 Yuria Kotsyubinskoho 252053 Kiev 53, UKRAINE Tel. (7-044) 244-7349; 244-7354 Uzbekistan American Embassy Chilanzarskaya 82 Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN Tel. (7-3712) 776-986 Safe trip tips false marked Safe trip tips showNameProp Safe trip tips O(Consular Affairs Topics) A SAFE TRIP ABROAD Forward Foreign travel can be a rich and rewarding experience and the odds are very much in your favor for an incident-free trip. The individual traveler's chances of having to face the trials and tribulations of losing valuables or coping with an unexpected illness or injury far from home are considerably greater, for instance, than of becoming involved a victim of violence. You can narrow the chances of becoming involved in an unpleasant incident or in a dangerous situation even further with an increased awareness of potential problems and careful planning. We hope the following suggestions will help. BEFORE YOU GO - Learn about the places you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in those areas. (Consult your library, a travel agent, airline, or the tourist bureaus of the specific countries you plan to visit.) Keep track as well of what is being reported in the media about any recent developments. - Don't take anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry or irreplaceable family objects. - Pack an extra set of eye glasses. Carry these and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. Take along a copy of the prescription for necessary medicines and the generic name of the drug. Keep medicines in their original labeled container to make customs processing easier. If any medications contain narcotics, carry with you a letter from your physician attesting to your need to take the drug in question. - Lock your luggage, and put your name and address inside each piece. - Make photocopies of your airline tickets, passport identification page, driver's license and the credit cards you take with you. Leave one set at home and keep another with you in a separate place from these valuables. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks at home; take another with you separate from the checks themselves and, as you cash in the checks, keep a tally of which ones remain unredeemed. - Leave a copy of your medical and dental records with your family or other contact person - Have your affairs at home in order: an up-to-date will, insurance documents and a power of attorney left with your family, so you can feel secure about traveling and are prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. Consider guardianship arrangements for your children. - Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home should they need to contact you in an emergency. - Find out from your credit card company what your credit limit is and be sure not to charge over that amount on your trip. Americans have been arrested in some countries for innocently exceeding their limit. - Find out whether your own insurance will cover you for loss or theft abroad and in case of accident or illness. If not, consider taking out additional insurance. PRECAUTIONS WHILE TRAVELING Normal common sense should prevail when traveling abroad, just as it would at home. Be especially cautious in, or avoid situations or areas where you are more likely to be victimized such as crowded subways, train stations, elevators, market places and festivals. Do not, for instance, get on an elevator alone if there is a suspicious-looking individual inside. You may wish to consider staying in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Find out about local rules and obey them. American citizenship cannot protect you if you break the laws of the foreign country you are visiting. In addition to these common-sense suggestions, keep track of the news to be aware of any potential problems in areas where you may travel. Your own state of alertness and the precautions you take should increase as you travel in areas where the potential for violence or terrorism is greater. Before continuing on to such areas, inquire at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate whether there are any adverse conditions of which you should be aware. Ask for the American Citizens Service Unit in the consular section. (For general information on travel advisories, see the concluding section of this publication.) In short, assess your situation and surroundings, and try to remain in that healthy gray area between complacency and paranoia. GUARDING YOUR VALUABLES - Carry travelers checks instead of cash. Change some checks for local currency before you leave or upon arrival. Don't flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Only counter sign travelers checks in front of the person who will cash them, and be sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction. - Make sure you receive a claim check for each piece of luggage you check. - Instead of keeping all your money, airline tickets, passport, and other valuables in your wallet, conceal them in several places to prevent easy theft. Keep them in your accompanying hand-luggage, on your person, or in a hotel safety deposit box. Do not leave them in your room while you are out. - Don't leave your bags unattended. (Traveling light will help.) - Women should carry handbags in a secure manner to prevent snatch-and-run type thievery and men should place their wallets in their inside jacket pockets. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk on the inside of sidewalks and carry your purse on the side away from the street. Wrapping rubber-bands around your wallet or keeping it in a zipped portion of a handbag makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove. - Be wary of con artists. They exist around the world. - Keep hotel and car keys on your person. - Be alert to the possibility of street gangs operating in large cities abroad. - If confronted by superior force, don't fight attackers: give up valuables. - If any of your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the police and other appropriate authorities. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. Also report the loss of: - travelers checks to the nearest office of the issuing company or its agent. - airline tickets to the airline company or travel agent. - passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. PERSONAL SECURITY - Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively, Avoiding flashy dress, jewelry, luggage, rental cars or conspicuous behavior which would draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner. - Be polite and low-key. Avoid loud conversations and arguments. - Avoid dangerous areas; don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night. - Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at night. - Don't give your room number to persons you don't know well. Meet visitors in the lobby. - Keep your hotel door locked at all times. - Remember when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are not protected by the U.S. Constitution. Penalties for drug violations, including possession of small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are severe in many foreign countries and rigorously enforced. - Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs; don't make exchanges for local currency at black market rates. In many countries travelers should refrain from photographing police and military personnel and installations, border areas, and transportation facilities. Be wary about selling personal effects such as clothing or jewelry. The penalties you risk may be severe. - If possible, book a room between the second and seventh floors - above ground level to prevent easy entrance from outside and low enough for fire equipment to reach. - Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room, know how to report a fire and make sure you know where the nearest fire exit and an alternate are. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit - this could be a life-saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor. - Make note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand. - Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. VEHICLE SECURITY - Drive the more common kinds of locally available cars; if there are not many American cars in use, don't insist on an American model. - Make sure the car is in good repair. - Keep car doors locked at all times. - Wear seatbelts. - Don't park your car on the street overnight if the hotel has a garage or secure area. If you must park it on the street, select a well-lit area. Don't leave valuables in the car. - Never pick up hitchhikers. - Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals nearby. Drive away. PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF TERRORISM Terrorist acts occur in a random and unpredictable fashion which makes it impossible to protect oneself absolutely. The first and best way is to avoid travel to unsafe areas - areas where there have been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings. The vast majority of foreign states have a good record of maintaining public order and protecting residents and visitors within their borders from terrorism. Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and careful planning. Just as a car-thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for undefended, easily accessible targets who follow predictable patterns. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublicized program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight: the random possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, are not looking for American targets. Nevertheless, the pointers below may help you avoid becoming an American "target of opportunity". They should be considered as adjuncts to the tips listed in the previous section for ways to protect oneself against the far greater likelihood of falling prey to ordinary criminal activity. The following are additional reasonable precautions which may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists. -- Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Consider all of your options for traveling, such as trains. -- Be aware of what you discuss with strangers, or what may be overheard by others. -- Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protectable area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. On arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible. -- Avoid luggage tags, dress, and behavior which may identify you as an American. While sweatshirts and T-shirts with American university logos are commonly worn throughout Europe, leave other obvious U.S. logos or apparel at home. -- Keep an eye out for suspicious abandoned packages or briefcases. Report them to airport security or other authorities and leave the area promptly. -- Avoid obvious terrorist targets and places where Americans and westerners are known to congregate. HIGH-RISK AREAS If you must travel in an area where there has been a history of terrorist attacks or kidnappings, also make it a habit to: - Discuss with your family what they would do in case of an emergency, in addition to making sure your affairs are in order before leaving home. - Register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival. - Remain friendly, but be cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or program. - Leave no personal or business papers in your hotel room. - Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your comings and goings. - Keep a mental note of safehavens, such as police stations, hotels, hospitals. - Let someone else know what your travel plans are. Keep them informed if you make any changes. - Avoid predictable times and routes of travel, and report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. - Select your own taxi cabs at random - don't take a cab which is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the the face of the driver with the one posted on his license. - If possible, travel with others. - Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers at unknown or remote locations. - Refuse unexpected packages. - Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby. - Check for loose wires or other suspicious activities pertaining to your car. - Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition in case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive driving. - Drive with the windows closed in crowded streets; bombs can be thrown through open windows. - If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible and don't move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible shield yourself behind or under a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach. HIJACKING/HOSTAGE SITUATION While every hostage situation is different and the chance of becoming a hostage is remote, some considerations are important. The U.S. Government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists is firm - doing so only increases the risk of further hostage-taking by terrorists. When Americans are abducted overseas, we look to the host government to exercise its responsibility under international law to protect all persons within its territories and to bring about the safe release of the hostages. We work closely with these governments from the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens and other innocent victims are released as quickly and safely as possible. The most dangerous phases of most hijacking or hostage situations are the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end. At the outset, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may behave irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert and manage your own behavior. - Avoid resistance, sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or try to escape unless you are certain of being successful. - Make a concerted effort to relax. Breathe deeply and prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long ordeal. - Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors' actions. - Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little food and drink. - Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not complain, avoid belligerency, and comply with all orders and instructions. - If questioned, keep your answers short. Don't volunteer information or make unnecessary overtures. - Don't try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others. - Maintain your sense of personal dignity, and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts. Make these requests in a reasonable low-key manner. - If you are involved in a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish a rapport with your captors, avoiding political discussions or other confrontational subjects. - Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need or want - medicines, books, pencils, papers. - Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste appetizing. A loss of appetite and weight is normal. - Think positively; avoid a sense of despair. Rely on your inner resources. Remember that you are a valuable commodity to your captors. It is important to them to keep you alive and well. TRAVEL ADVISORIES The Department of State tries to alert American travelers to adverse conditions abroad--including violence--through the travel advisory program. In consultation with our embassies and consulates overseas, and various bureaus of the Department of State, the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs issues travel advisories about conditions in specific countries. Advisories generally do not pertain to isolated international terrorist incidents since these can occur anywhere and at any time. The majority of these advisories deal with short-term or temporary difficulties which Americans may encounter when they go abroad. Some mention conditions of political or civil unrest which could pose a threat to personal safety. These types of advisories may sometimes be short-term in nature, e.g. at the time of a military or political coup. Such advisories are either lifted or amended when the situation no longer poses a threat to travelers. There are only a few advisories in effect which advise avoiding all travel to a particular country because of a high incidence of terrorism within the region or because a long-term problem exists. Most of the security-related advisories do not recommend against travel to an entire country but suggest avoiding specific areas within a country where unrest is endemic. Ask about current travel advisories for specific countries at any of the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies and at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Travel advisories are also widely disseminated to interested organizations, travel associations, and airlines. Assistance Abroad U.S. consular officers are located at American embassies and consulates in most countries abroad. Consular officers can advise you of any adverse conditions in the places you are visiting and can help you in emergencies. If you plan more than a short stay in one place or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, it is advisable to register with nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will make it easier should someone at home need to locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated due to an emergency. It will also facilitate the issuance of a new passport should yours be lost or stolen. Should you find yourself in any legal difficulty, contact a consular officer immediately. Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice but they can provide lists of local attorneys and help you find legal representation. Consular officers cannot get you out of jail. However, if you are arrested, ask permission to notify a consular official -- it is your right. American consular officials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws, ensure that you aren't held under inhumane conditions, and contact your family and friends for you if you desire. They can transfer money, and will try to get relief for you, including food and clothing in countries where this is a problem. If you become destitute overseas, consular officers can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and inform them how to wire funds to you. Additional Information The booklet, "Your Trip Abroad" contains some valuable information on loss and theft of a passport as well as other travel tips. To obtain a copy, write to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The single copy purchase price is $1. South Asia travel false marked South Asia travel showNameProp South Asia travel (Consular Affairs Topics) TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SOUTH ASIA Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka General Information Your trip to South Asia can be a rich and rewarding experience -- there are ancient cultures and artistic traditions to appreciate and a wealth of natural wonders to see -- all of this co-existing with modern societies. However, the customs and local conditions can be as distant from home as the miles, and travelers should plan their trips carefully. The Department of State issues travel advisories when appropriate concerning serious health or security conditions which may affect Americans. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies in the United States, at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad or from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (Tel. 202-647-5225). Travelers to areas where conditions are unsettled or communication is poor are encouraged to register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see list at end of book). All travelers are encouraged to leave a detailed itinerary and their passport numbers at home in case of an emergency. Visa and other Entry Requirements A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the region. India, Pakistan, and most other South Asian countries also require entry visas. Travel to certain areas of many South Asian countries is restricted and special permits may be required for these areas in addition to the entry visa. Prospective travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit for specific information (see list of foreign embassies at end of book). All South Asian countries require travelers who have been in yellow- fever infected areas within the last six days to show valid yellow- fever immunization certificates. Yellow fever is found in some African and some Latin American countries. If you plan to travel from Africa or Latin America directly to South Asia, check with the embassy of the South Asian country where you are going to see if your itinerary makes the yellow-fever certificate required. If the certificate is required and you do not have it, you will be refused entry unless you are inoculated and kept in quarantine for up to six days. Customs and Currency Regulations Most South Asian countries require that foreign currency and valuables be declared upon entry as a means of enforcing restrictions on the importation of items such as gold, electronic equipment, firearms, and prescription drugs. Failure to make an accurate declaration or other violations of these restrictions can lead to high fines and/or imprisonment. Shopping for Antiques Most South Asian countries have strict regulations against the unlicensed export of antiquities. Items that are antique, or even appear to be, may be confiscated by customs officials unless the traveler has proof of authorization from the appropriate government office to export the antique, or proof that the item is not an antique. U.S. Wildlife Regulations The United States prohibits importation of Asian ivory because Asian elephants are an endangered species. Most lizardskin and many snakeskin products cannot be brought into the United States. The penalty for importing products derived from endangered species is seizure of the product and a substantial fine. Health In the United States, local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, and travel clinics can provide information on health precautions for travelers to South Asia. Depending on your destination, immunization is recommended against cholera, diptheria/tetanus, hepatitis, Jap anese B encephalitis, meningitis, polio, and typhoid. Drug prophylaxis against malaria may also be necessary. General guidance may also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service booklet, "Health Information for International Travel," which is available for $4.25 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or from local and state health departments. Travelers should be careful to drink only boiled water (or bottled drinks), to avoid ice cubes in beverages and unpeeled fruits and vegetables, to take precautions against mosquitos, and to guard against overexertion at high altitudes. Trekkers and mountain climbers, in particular, should take precautions to avoid frostbite, hypothermia, and altitude sickness. The latter two can be fatal if not detected in time. Modern health facilities are not always available, particularly in rural areas. Prospective travelers should review their health insurance policies to see if they provide coverage while overseas, including medical evacuation service. Afghanistan All of Afghanistan is effectively a "war zone" in view of the continuing conflict between Soviet occupation forces and the Afghan resistance fighters. All American citizens are urged to avoid travel to Afghanistan. The U.S. Embassy can provide only limited assistance to American citizens in distress in the capital city of Kabul, and no assistance outside the Kabul city limits. Bangladesh No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to two weeks if you have an onward ticket; all business travelers must have visas, however. Bangladesh is an Islamic country, and visitors should dress modestly -- shorts are considered inappropriate. Travelers should pay special attention to preventive health measures because medical facilities, especially in rural areas, are not always available. River ferries are necessary for travel thoughout much of Bangladesh, but travelers should exercise caution when using them, bearing in mind that accidents frequently occur from overcrowding and from hazardous navigation during poor weather. Trekkers may not go to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which are off-limits to foreigners. Kingdom of Bhutan While Bhutan and the United States do not have formal diplomatic relations, informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Tourism to Bhutan is restricted; tourists are admitted only in groups by prearrangement with the Ministry of Tourism in Thimphu. Entry must be via India. For information, contact the Bhutan Travel Service, 120 East 56 Street, New York, NY 10022 (tel. 212-838-6382). India India is the South Asian country most frequently visited by U.S. citizens. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Persons arriving without visas must leave on the next plane. If you plan to travel from India to Nepal or another country and return to India, be sure to request a multiple entry visa. Tourist visas are issued for a maximum of 90 days. Once in India, visitors who wish to extend their stay must apply to a Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Extensions, if granted, may not bring the total visit to more than six months. Customs regulations prohibiting the importation of gold or Indian currency, and regulating importation of electronics, foreign currency, and firearms are strictly enforced. Offenders of these regulations may be jailed, fined and/or charged duty at rates exceeding 300 percent of the item's value. Laws against drug smuggling carry heavy penalties, including a ten-year prison term. Due to the threat of political or ethnic violence, security conditions pose some danger in the State of Punjab and in several other areas. Whether dangerous or not, many areas of India have been declared off- limits to foreigners by the Indian authorities. Permits are required for: Punjab, Sikkim, all of India east of West Bengal, all island territories, and parts of the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Persons of Indian origin can usually obtain permits to visit relatives in restricted areas. Other visitors may have to wait a long time for a permit or be unable to obtain one. Consult the latest Department of State travel advisory on which areas are restricted. Once in India, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on restricted areas and advice on obtaining permits to visit them. With the exception of the Golden Temple, in the Punjab, none of the popular tourist sites in India are in restricted areas. Republic of Maldives The islands of the Maldives have long been popular vacation sites. Diplomatic relations are maintained and consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In emergency situations there is a U.S. consular agent on the capital island of Male (for address, ask at a resort or hotel) who can help travelers communicate with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. A no-fee visa for a tourist visit of up to 30 days is issued upon arrival at the airport. Foreign currency may be taken in or out of the Maldives without restriction. Pork foodstuffs and alcohol may not be imported. Nepal Tourism to Nepal is increasing; over 20,000 Americans visit Nepal each year. A visa valid for one week can be obtained upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport or at any authorized border-crossing point. It can be renewed for an additional three weeks at the nearest immigration office. After that, tourists may renew their month-long visa two consecutive times, allowing a total three-month visit. Departure from Nepal is mandatory at the end of a three month tourist visit. Travelers can avoid initial immigration-processing delays by obtaining a 30-day visa prior to arrival in Nepal. Nepalese customs laws, particularly those forbidding smuggling of drugs, gold and, foreign currency, are strictly enforced. The penalty for smuggling is a stiff fine and/or a prison sentence. Travelers should take adequate funds in the form of travelers checks. It is difficult to obtain additional funds through bank transfers and, except at major Kathmandu hotels, credit cards are rarely accepted. Trekking is very popular in Nepal. Tourists are cautioned to obtain a trekking permit from the Central Immigration Office, to avoid trekking alone, to be alert for signs of altitude sickness, and to obtain a meningococcal meningitis vaccination if trekking outside the Kathmandu Valley. Those wishing to climb the high peaks should write for permission to the Ministry of Tourism to the attention of the mountaineering division, well in advance of planned expeditions. Travelers should note that there are no forms of international communication in rural areas. In the event of an emergency, the U.S. Embassy may assist Americans in contacting family or friends. Americans planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet should be aware that Chinese authorities strictly regulate such trips. Additional information is contained in the State Department's travel advisory on China and in "Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China". Pakistan A visa must be obtained before arrival. Pakistan is an Islamic country, and visitors must respect Islamic standards of behavior. Travelers (especially women) should dress modestly, i.e., wear clothes with high necks and long sleeves; do not wear shorts. The import, manufacture, and consumption of alcohol or drugs are strictly forbidden. Major hotels have special rooms where non-Islamic foreigners may buy and drink alcoholic beverages. A special permit is required for travel to the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, including the Khyber Pass, and to transit the tribal area of Darra Adam Khel. Persons traveling to restricted areas without a perm it are subject to arrest. Onward overland travel to India is difficult because of border crossing restrictions (see travel advisory for India). Major cities in Pakistan are safe for tourists, but travel to remote rural areas, especially in Baluchistan, Sind and the Northwest Frontier Province is not recommended. Security conditions vary; some unsafe areas are considered safe for daytime travel in groups. Because the security situation can change with little warning, visitors should check at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date travel information. Sri Lanka The insurgency of Tamil separatists against the government in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) has caused tension and violence within the country. For this reason, Americans should avoid all travel to the northern and eastern provinces. This includes the cities of Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee. There have been isolated incidents of violence in other parts of Sri Lanka, including Columbo. Because public transportation has often been targeted by terrorists, travel on trains and public buses should be avoided. Travel to the major tourist sites in the southern and western parts of the island has usually been safe. However, security conditions throughout the country can change quickly, and travelers should get current information from the latest travel advisory or from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. Foreign Embassies in the United States Embassy of Afghanistan 2341 Wyoming Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 234-3770 Embassy of Bangladesh 2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 (202) 342-8372 Bhutan Mission to the United Nations New York, NY 10017 (212) 826-1919 People's Republic of China * 2300 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 328-2500 Embassy of India 2107 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-7000 Republic of Maldives Mission to the United Nations 820 Second Avenue, Suite 800C New York, NY 10017 (212) 599-6195 Embassy of Nepal 2131 Leroy Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 667-45503 Embassy of Pakistan 2315 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-6200 Embassy of Sri Lanka 2148 Wyoming Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-4025 * for travel to Tibet U.S. Foreign Service Posts AFGHANISTAN: U.S. Embassy, Wazir Akbar Khan Mina, Kabul Tel: 62230/35 or 62436 (Saturday-Wednesday workweek) BANGLADESH: U.S. Embassy, Adamjee Court Bldg. (5th Fl.), Motijheel Commercial Area, GPO Box 323, Ramna, Dhaka Tel: (880)(2) 235093/9 and 235081/9 Telex: 642319 AEDKA BJ (Workweek: Sunday-Thursday). PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Tibet): U.S. Consulate General, Jinjiang Hotel, 180 Renmin Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan Tel: (86)(1) 24481 Telex: ACGCH CN 60128 INDIA: New Delhi: U.S. Embassy, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021 Tel: (91)(11) 600651 Telex: 031-65269 USEM IN Bombay: U.S. Consulate General, Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Rd. 400026 Tel: (91)(22) 8223611/8 Telex: 011-75425 ACON IN Calcutta: U.S. Consulate General, 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani 700071 Tel: (91)(33) 44-3611/6 Telex: 021-2483 Madras: U.S. Consulate General, Mount Rd. 600006 Tel: (91)(44) 473040 or 477542 MALDIVES: (See Sri Lanka) NEPAL: U.S. Embassy, Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Tel: (977) 411179, 412718, or 411601 Telex: NP 2381 AEKTM PAKISTAN: (All posts have Sunday-Thursday workweek) Islamabad: U.S. Embassy, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 Tel: (92)(51) 826161/79 Telex: 825-864 Karachi: U.S. Consulate General, 8 Abdullah Haroon Rd. Tel: (009)(221) 515081 Telex: 822-611 Lahore: U.S. Consulate General, 50 Zafar Ali Rd., Gulberg 5 Tel: (92)(42) 870221/5 Peshawar: U.S. Consulate, 11 Hospital Road Tel: (92)(521) 79801/3 Telex: 52-364 SRI LANKA: U. S. Embassy, 210 Galle Rd. (P.O. Box 106), Colombo 3 Tel: (94)(1) 548007 Telex: 21305 AMEMB CE South/Central America travel false marked South/Central America travel showNameProp South/Central America travel (Consular Affairs Topics) Tips for Travelers to Central and South America Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela Travelers to Central and South America are usually welcomed with courtesy and warmth. There is great diversity in the region - you can visit some of the largest cities in the world as well as some of the most unspoiled primitive environments. You can have a wonderful trip; however, there are some precautions to take. [Please note that travel to Mexico and the Caribbean is covered in separate publications. See the last page of this pamphlet.] Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning serious health or security conditions that may affect U.S. citizens. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies in the United States and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202-647-5225). Advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. At time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Suriname. Some of the dangers covered in these advisories are guerrilla or terrorist activity, banditry, and areas under control of narcotics producers. If you plan travel to one of these countries, check with the Emergency Center or the nearest passport agency to see if a travel advisory is still in effect. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more than a short stay in one place, if you plan travel to an area where communications are poor, or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and your passport number with a friend or relative in the United States. Getting In and Out All Central and South American countries except Guatemala require U.S. citizens to have a valid U.S. passport. (Guatemala requires proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport.) Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary from country to country: some countries do not require a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or less; some only require that a tourist card be obtained at an airline office or at the destination airport; other countries require you to obtain a visa in advance from their embassy or consulate. Some countries have additional entry requirements such as proof of sufficient funds or proof of onward or return tickets. In addition, all South American countries and most Central American countries require a departure tax. If you are departing to a neighboring country, the tax may be small, but, if you are returning to the U.S., the tax could be as high as $20 per person, regardless of age. Be sure to have enough money at the end of your trip to be able to get on the plane! For authoritative information on a country's entry and exit requirements, contact its embassy or consulate (see list of foreign missions at the end of pamphlet). When you make your inquires, ask about: o where to obtain a tourist card or visa; o visa price, length of validity, and number of entries; o financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward or return ticket; o special requirements for children traveling alone or with only one parent (see below); o yellow fever immunization or other health requirements; o currency regulations--how much local or dollar currency can be brought in or out; o export/import restrictions; and o departure tax--how much and who must pay. Restrictions on Minors Many countries impose restrictions on minor children who travel alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not their parent. A child must present written authorization for travel from the absent parent, parents, or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian traveling with the child is the sole custodian, the court order granting custody may, in some cases, serve as the authorization document. If any of this applies to you, inquire about the following at the embassy or consulate of the country your child plans to visit: o the age of majority at which the restriction no longer applies (e.g., age 15 in Argentina, age 18 in Brazil); o the type of document that can overcome the restriction (e.g., court order, statement of absent parent or parents); o whether notarizing the document is sufficient or if it must also be authenticated by the country's embassy or consulate; o whether the document must be translated. Note: in Brazil, a child may travel with its father without the mother's authorization, but, if traveling alone or with its mother, must have notarized authorization from its father. In Brazil, a woman may authorize a child's travel only when she is the sole legal parent or guardian. Bringing a Car If you plan to drive to Central or South America, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit by private car. Besides title and ownership, at most borders you will need to show insurance coverage effective for the country you are entering. If your U.S. insurance does not cover you abroad, you can usually purchase insurance when you enter a country. In some countries, if you are involved in an accident that causes injury, you will automatically be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the insurance or financial ability to pay any judgment. There may also be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages are serious. If you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to pay import duty on your car, but you may have to post a bond or otherwise satisfy customs officials that you will not sell or dispose of the vehicle in the country. To enter some countries, you must have your car documented at the embassy or consulate of the country before you leave home. Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in compliance with the automobile import regulations of your destination countries. U.S. Wildlife Regulations Endangered species and products made from them may not be brought into the United States. The penalty is confiscation and a possible fine. These items are prohibited from import: virtually all birds originating in Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela; furs from spotted cats; most lizardskin products from Brazil and Paraguay; many snakeskin products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay; skins from the Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle products. Shopping for Antiquities Most countries in Central and South America control the export of objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial heritage. Some countries claim ownership of all such material and consider the export of antiques, without the permission of the government, to be an act of theft. In addition, under U.S. law, importers of all pre-Columbian monumental and architectrual sculpture, murals, and certain archaeological and ethnological materials are required to provide proof to the U.S. Customs Service that these artifacts are legally exported from the country of origin. Beware of purchasing artifacts unless they are accompanied by an export permit issued by the government of origin. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $4.75 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis, polio, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is found in rural areas of every country in the region except Chile and Uruguay. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance measures are recommended. If possible, avoid contact with mosquitoes from dusk to dawn by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin, using a flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters, and using a bed net. Prophylaxis should begin 2 weeks before going to an area where malaria is endemic and should continue for at least 4 weeks after leaving. Chloroquine is the malaria prophylaxis most easily tolerated by humans. However, malaria resistant to chloroquine has been reported in an area beginning east of the Panama Canal and extending through northern South America as far south as the Amazon Basin. If you plan to visit this area, consult a medical expert to work out an additional prophylaxis. Malaria may at times, however, break through any drug or drug combination. If you develop chills, fever, and headaches while taking a malaria prophylaxis, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment of malaria can be effective, but delaying therapy could have serious consequences. Mosquito avoidance measures, if used day and night, may also help prevent other less prevalent insect-borne diseases found in parts of Central and South America such as Chagas' disease, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and yellow fever. Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits and vegetables should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked. Problems of food contamination are less prevalent in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, and tapwater is potable in those countries. Elsewhere water is generally not potable and should be boiled or chemically treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical attention. Certain beaches in the region, including some at Lima and at Rio de Janeiro, are dangerously polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches that might be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces. Avoid swimming in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis is found: Brazil, Suriname, and north-central Venezuela. Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as insomnia, headache, and nausea. If you become sick, wait until your symptoms disappear before you attempt to go higher. Mountaineers should learn about the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema, a condition that is fatal unless remedied by immediate descent. Another hazard of high altitudes is sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases not only as you approach the equator, but also as you ascend in altitude. Sunscreens may help prevent this. Safety Tips - Crime Like many large cities throughout the world, major cities in Central and South American experience assaults, robberies, and thefts. Visitors should take common sense precautions: o Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind. Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Use travelers checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport personal information page and of your airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you. o In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables out of sight. A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window and grab a watch from a person's wrist or a purse or package from the seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic. o When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot, lock the car, and keep valuables out of sight. o When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys, and crowds. Avoid being stopped or approached on the street by strangers, including street vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small children as well as men can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, keep your hand on your purse, and wear the shoulderstap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying your purse away from the street. o Do not travel alone when you can avoid it. If you visit an isolated area, go with a group or a reputable guide. o Avoid travel at night. o Do not take valuables to the beach. Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should report the incident to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Safety Tips - Civil Unrest Several countries in Central and South America have areas of instability or war zones that are off-limits to visitors without special permits. Others have simlar areas that are open but surrounded by security check points where travelers must show their passport or tourist card. Always carry your papers with you, and do not overstay the validity of your visa or tourist card. Avoid public demonstrations. American citizens have been arrested when local authorities have thought they were participating in civil demonstrations. Drug Offenses Most Central and South American countries strictly enforce laws against the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of narcotics are not deported, but are charged and tried as international traffickers. There is no bail, judicial delays are lengthy, and you can spend two to four years in prison awaiting trial and sentencing. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy, and contents. In addition, check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit for specific customs requirements for prescription drugs. Photography Be cautious when taking pictures. Frequently local authorities consider all airports, police stations, military locations, oil installations, harbors, mines, and bridges to be security-related. Photography of demonstrations or civil disturbances is also usually prohibited. Tourists have had their film confiscated and have been detained, so, when in doubt, ask. Adopting a Child Abroad Because of continuing scandals over the illegal activities of some adoption agencies and attorneys both in the United States and abroad, U.S. citizens have recently experienced difficulties when attempting to adopt children from Central or South America. Several countries in the region have either outlawed adoptions by foreigners or have passed a law requiring formal court adoption of the child in the country before the child is permitted to immigrate to the United States. Although this has resulted in adoptions less likely to be challenged from a legal standpoint, it has made the process more difficult and time- consuming. Any U.S. citizen interested in adopting a child from a country in Central or South America is encouraged to contact either the U.S. embassy in the country, or, in the United States, the Department of State's Office of Citizen Consular Services, Inter-American Division (telephone 202-647-3712) to obtain information on the adoption process in that country. Dual Nationality Some countries in Central and South America do not recognize acquisition of U.S. citizenship unless the naturalized U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of the country of origin. A person born in the United States of a parent or parents who were citizens of another country may also be considered by that country to be their national. If arrested, a dual national may be denied the right to communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Another consequence could be having to serve in the military of one's former country. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual national, or have any reason to believe another country may consider you its national, check with the embassy of that country as to your citizenship status and any obligations you may have while visiting. Dual nationals who have not researched their citizenship status before traveling have sometimes, to their surprise, encountered difficulties, such as not being allowed to depart or being drafted for military service. Even countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship may consider their former citizens as having resumed original citizenship if they take up residence in their country of origin. This can happen even if the embassy of the country stamps a visa in the U.S. passport of its former citizen. Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be required to use a passport from their country of origin in order to enter or leave that country. The U.S. government does not object to the use of a foreign passport in such situations. U.S. citizens may not, however, use a foreign passport to enter or leave the United States. If you have any questions about dual nationality, contact the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 (202-647-3712). Additional Information for Certain Countries Belize Belize enforces a strict policy of refusing admittance to persons who an immigration officer suspects of drug use. Brazil Obtain your visa in advance. Brazilian immigration authorities do not hestitate to require a traveler without a visa to leave on the next available flight. Street crime can be a major problem in large cities in Brazil. Guard against it--see "Safety Tips" on page . In Sao Paulo, if you encounter difficulties or need emergency assistance, dial 1-0, radio police patrol, from any public telephone--no coin or token is needed for the call. Chile Anyone considering scientific, technical, or mountaineering expeditions to regions in Chile classified as frontier areas or to Antarctica must apply for authorization to a Chilean embassy or consulate a minimum of 90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition. The application will be forwarded to the Chilean government for decision. Chilean authorities reserve the right to request Chilean participation in foreign expeditions, and require the submission of a post-expedition report on the activities undertaken and the results obtained. Foreign Embassies in the United States Embassy of Argentina 1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-6400 Embassy of Belize Suite 2J 3400 International Drive, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 363-4505 Embassy of Boliva 3014 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-4410 Embassy of Brazil 3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 745-2700 Embassy of Chile 1732 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-1746 Embassy of Colombia 2118 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 387-8338 Embassy of Costa Rica Suite 211 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-2945 Embassy of Ecuador 2535 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-7200 Embassy of El Salvador 2308 California Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-3480 French Guiana: Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 944-6000 Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 745- 4952 Embassy of Guyana 2490 Tracy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265- 6900 Embassy of Honduras Suite 100 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 966-7700 Embassy of Nicaragua 1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 387-4371 Embassy of Panama 2862 McGill Terrace, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-1407 Embassy of Paraguay 2400 Massachusetts Aveneu, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-6960 Embassy of Peru 1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-9860 Embassy of Suriname Suite 108 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 244-7488 Embassy of Uruguay 1918 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (202) 331- 1313 Embassy of Venezuela 2445 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 797-3800 U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad Note: APO and FPO addresses may only be used for mail originating in the United States. When you use an APO or FPO address, do not include the local street address. ARGENTINA American Embassy 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires Tel: (54)(1) 774-7611 Telex: 18156 USICA AR Mailing address: American Embassy Buenos Aires APO Miami 34034 BELIZE American Embassy Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street Belize City Tel: (501) 776161 Telex: 213 AMEMBASSY BZ BOLIVIA American Embassy Banco Popular Del Peru Bldg. Corner of Calles Mercado and Colon La Paz Tel: (591)(2) 350251 Telex: AMEMB BV 3268 Mailing address: American Embassy La Paz APO Miami 34032 BRAZIL American Embassy Avenida das Nocoes, Lote 3 Brasilia Tel: (55)(6) 321-7272 Telex: 061-1091 Mailing address: American Embassy Brasilia APO Miami 34030 American Consulate General Avenida Presidente Wilson 147 Rio de Janeiro Tel: (55)(21) 292-7117 Telex: AMCONSUL 21-22831 Mailing address: American Consulate General Rio de Janeiro APO Miami 34030 American Consulate General Rua Padre Joao Manoel, 933 Sao Paulo Tel: (55)(11) 881-6511 Telex: 11-31574 Mailing address: American Consulate General Sao Paulo APO Miami 34030 American Consulate Rua Coronel Genuino, 421 (9th Fl.) Porto Alegre Tel: (55)(512) 26-4288 Telex: 051-2292 CGEU BR Mailing address: American Consulate Porto Alegre APO Miami 34030 American Consulate Rua Goncalves Maia, 163 Recife Tel: (55)(81) 221- 1412 Telex: 081-1190 Mailing address: American Consulate Recife APO Miami 34030 CHILE American Embassy Codina Bldg., 1343 Agustinas Santiago Tel: (56)(2) 710133 Telex: 240062-USA-CL Mailing address: American Embassy Santiago APO Miami 34033 COLOMBIA American Embassy Calle 38, No. 8-61 Bogota Tel: (57)(1) 285- 1300 Telex: 44843 Mailing address: American Embassy Bogota APO Miami 34038 American Consulate Calle 77 Carrera 68 Centro Comercial Mayorista Barranquilla Tel: (57)(5) 45-7088 Telex: 33482 AMCO CO Mailing address: American Consulate Barranquilla APO Miami 34038 COSTA RICA American Embassy Avenida 3 and Calle I San Jose Tel: (506) 331-155 Mailing address: American Embassy San Jose APO Miami 34020 ECUADOR American Embassy Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria Quito Tel: (593)(2) 562-890 Mailing address: American Embassy Quito APO Miami 34039 American Consulate General 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno Guayaquil Tel: (593)(4) 323-570 Telex: 04-3452 USICAG ED Mailing address: American Consulate General Guayaquil APO Miami 34039 EL SALVADOR American Embassy 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230 San Salvador Tel: (503) 26-7100 Mailing Address: American Embassy San Salvador APO Miami 34023 FRENCH GUIANA American Consulate General 14 Rue Blenac B.P. 561 Fort- de-France 97206 Martinique Tel: (596) 63-13-03 Telex: 912670; 912315 MR GUATEMALA American Embassy 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10 Guatemala Tel: (502)(2) 31-15-41 Mailing Address: American Embassy Guatemala APO Miami 34024 GUYANA American Embassy 31 Main Street Georgetown Tel: (592)(02) 54900- 9 Telex: 213 AMEMSY GY HONDURAS American Embassy Avenido La Paz Tegucigalpa Tel: (504) 32-3120 Mailing Address: American Embassy Tegucigalpa APO Miami 34022 NICARAGUA American Embassy Km. 4-1/2 Carretera Sur Managua Tel: (505)(2) 66010 Mailing Address: American Embassy Managua APO Miami 34021 PANAMA American Embassy Apartado 6959 Panama 5 Rep. de Panama Tel: (507) 27-1777 Mailing Address: American Embassy Panama APO Miami 34002 PARAGUAY American Embassy 1776 Mariscal Loipez Avenida Asuncion Tel: (595)(21) 201-041 Mailing Address: American Embassy Asuncion APO Miami 34036-0001 PERU American Embassy Consular Section Grimaldo Del Solar 346 Miraflores Lima 18 Lima Tel: (51)(14) 44-3621 Telex: 25028PE USCOMATT Mailing Address: American Embassy Lima APO Miami 34031 SURINAME American Embassy Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 Paramaribo Tel: (597) 72900 Telex: 373 AMEMSU SN URAGUAY American Embassy Lauro Muller 1776 Montevideo Tel: (598)(2) 40- 90-51 Mailing Address: American Embassy Montevideo APO Miami 34035 VENEZUELA American Embassy Avenida Francisco de Miranda y Avenida Principal de la Floresta Caracas Tel: (58)(2) 284-7111 Telex: 25501 AMEMB VE Mailing Address: American Embassy Caracas APO Miami 34037 American Consulate Edificio Sofimara, Piso 3 Calle 77 Con Avenida 13 Maracaibo Tel: (58)(61) 84-253 Telex: 62213 USCON VE Mailing Address: American Consulate Maracaibo APO Miami 34037 false marked South/Central POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT false marked POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT showNameProp POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT 10/28/92 GP00006 KEY WORDS: PSF; PALESTINE POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT: PPSF DESCRIPTION: A RADICAL PALESTINIAN TERRORIST GROUP ONCE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE SYRIAN DOMINATED PALESTINIAN NATIONAL SALVATION FRONT. THE PSF IS LED BY DR. SAMIR GHOSHEH. THE ORGANIZATION SPLIT IN 1991; WITH THE DOMINANT FACTION REJOINING THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELI, MODERATE ARAB, AND PLO TARGETS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: FEWER THAN THREE HUNDRED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM SYRIA AND MAY NOW RECEIVE AID FROM THE PLO. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * CALLS FOR AN "ARMED STRUGGLE" TO LIBERATE PALESTINE, ELIMINATE ISRAEL, AND CREATE A DEMOCRATIC SECULAR STATE IN ALL OF THE FORMER BRITISH MANDATE TERRITORY OF PALESTINE; * OPPOSE THE CREATION OF A MINISTATE ON THE OCCUPIED WEST BANK AND THE GAZA STRIP; * EMPHASIZE AN ARAB NATIONALIST APPROACH IN COMBATTING "...REACTIONARY, ZIONIST IMPERIALIST..." FORCES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: A VETERAN PALESTINIAN ACTIVIST, BAHJAT ABU GHARBIYAH, FOUNDED THE POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT IN COOPERATION WITH MAJOR FAYEZ HAMDAN OF THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ARMY (PLA). GHARBIYAH WAS INVOLVED WITH THE FIRST PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO) LEADERSHIP AFTER 1964, BUT SUSPENDED PSF ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION ON THE PLO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AFTER THE JORDANIAN SUPPRESSION OF 1970. THE POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT WAS REVIVED AFTER THE 1973 ARAB-ISRAELI WAR. IN 1974, GHARBIYAH RESIGNED AND WAS SUCCEEDED BY SAMIR GHOWSHEH. AT THAT POINT THE PSF JOINED THE REJECTION FRONT AND RETAINED THE REJECTIONIST STANCE OF SCORNING A PALESTINIAN STATE IN THE WEST BANK AND THE GAZA, AS WELL AS ADVOCATING CLOSER COOPERATION WITH VARIOUS OTHER GUERRILLA AND LEFTIST MOVEMENTS. FOLLOWING THE 1982 INVASION OF LEBAN0N BY ISRAEL, THE PSF CAME UNDER STRONGER SYRIAN INFLUENCE. THE PSF ALSO JOINED THE PALESTINE NATIONAL SALVATION FRONT IN OPPOSITION TO THE ARAFAT-HUSSEIN ACCORD IN 1985. THE PSF HAS UNDERTAKEN SEVERAL ROCKET ATTACKS AND CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS INTO ISRAEL, AND HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANY OPERATIONS THAT WERE NEVER CONFIRMED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MAY, 1975: BOMBED EIN FESH'HA, AN ISRAELI RESORT. JUNE-JULY, 1975: KIDNAPPED A U.S. ARMY COLONEL IN BEIRUT AND TURNED HIM OVER TO THE THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC) AFTER FOOD WAS DELIVERED TO PALESTINIAN REFUGEE CAMPS IN BEIRUT. MARCH, 1979: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN EXPLOSION ON A TOURIST BUS AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN JERUSALEM, AND ATTEMPTED AN OPERATION, PROBABLY INTENDED TO BE A HOSTAGE TAKING, ON THE WEST BANK, TO PROTEST THE VISIT OF U.S. PRESIDENT CARTER TO EGYPT AND ISRAEL. JUNE, 1985: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE NORTHERN ISRAEL TOWN OF METULLAH. SEPTEMBER, 1985: FALSELY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A HOTEL SWIMMING POOL IN ATHENS. THE PSF MEMBER WHO MADE THE CLAIM FALSELY STATED THAT SEVENTY FIVE AMERICAN SOLDIERS WERE KILLED OR WOUNDED IN THE ATTACK. DESPITE THE PSF CLAIM, THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCIDENT, IN WHICH EIGHTEEN DEAF-MUTE BRITISH TOURISTS WERE WOUNDED. APRIL, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON NORTHERN ISRAEL. NOVEMBER, 1990: INTERCEPTED BY AN ISRAELI PATROL IN LEBANON'S SOUTHERN REGION - ISRAEL'S SELF DECLARED "SECURITY ZONE." FOUR PSF MEMBERS AND ONE ISRAELI SOLDIER WERE KILLED. JANUARY, 1992: THE PPSF CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A SUPERMARKET IN JERUSALEM. NO INJURIES. APRIL, 1992: SAMIR GHOWSHEH, A MEMBER OF THE PLO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, WAS EXPELLED FROM THE PSF. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. RED ARMY FACTION false marked RED ARMY FACTION showNameProp RED ARMY FACTION $&$&RED ARMY FACTION 10/28/92 GP00009 KEY WORDS: RAF; BAADER-MEINHOF GANG; ROTE ARMEE FRAKTION DESCRIPTION: THE SMALL AND DISCIPLINED RAF IS THE SUCCESSOR TO THE BAADER-MEINHOF GANG, WHICH ORIGINATED IN THE STUDENT PROTEST MOVEMENT OF THE 1960S. THE GROUP'S IDEOLOGY IS AN OBSCURE MIX OF MARXISM AND MAOISM; COMMITTED TO ARMED STRUGGLE. ORGANIZED INTO HARDCORE CADRES THAT CARRY OUT TERRORIST ATTACKS, AND A NETWORK OF SUPPORTERS WHO PROVIDE LOGISTIC AND PROPOGANDA SUPPORT. THE RAF HAS SURVIVED DESPITE NUMEROUS ARRESTS OF ITS TOP LEADERS OVER THE YEARS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IN THE SPRING OF 1992, RAF LEADERS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ORGANIZATION WAS CEASING ITS TERRORIST ACTIVITIES AND WOULD, IN THE FUTURE, WORK THROUGH THE NORMAL POLITICAL PROCESS. ONLY TIME WILL TELL IF THIS RADICAL DEPARTURE FROM ITS OPERATIONAL HISTORY AND ITS WORKING PHILOSOPHY OF INSTIGATING CHANGE THROUGH ARMED STRUGGLE WILL PREVAIL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: THE RAF AND ITS PREDECESSOR ORGANIZATION, BAADER-MEINHOF, HAS ENGAGED IN BOMBINGS, ASSASSINATIONS, KIDNAPPINGS AND ARMED ROBBERIES. IT HAS TARGETED GERMAN GOVERNMENT, U.S. GOVERNMENT, U.S. MILITARY, AND PRIVATE SECTOR INTERESTS, BOTH GERMAN AND FOREIGN. AMONG THE ATTACKS ON U.S. INTERESTS ARE: THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION IN BELGIUM OF THE NATO COMMANDER (ALEXANDER HAIG) IN 1979; THE BOMBING OF THE NATO AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS IN RAMSTEIN IN 1981; A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE COMMANDER OF U.S. FORCES IN EUROPE IN HEIDELBERG IN 1981; AND THE BOMBING OF THE RHEIN-MAIN AIR FORCE BASE IN 1985. IN FEBRUARY 1991, THE RAF FIRED APPROXIMATELY 250 ASSAULT RIFLE ROUNDS AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BONN, AND IN APRIL THE GROUP ASSASSINATED THE GERMAN TRUST AGENCY DIRECTOR, DETLEV KARSTEN ROHWEDDER. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: TEN TO TWENTY, PLUS SEVERAL HUNDRED SUPPORTERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: BASICALLY SELF-SUSTAINING, BUT DURING THE BAADER-MEINHOF PERIOD THE GROUP RECEIVED SOME SUPPORT FROM MIDDLE EASTERN TERRORIST GROUPS; AND SOME TIES MAY STILL EXIST. THE RAF RECEIVED LOGISTIC SUPPORT, SANCTUARY, AND TRAINING FROM THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC DURING THE EARLY 1980S. THE RAF APPEARS TO BE DEVELOPING CLOSER TIES WITH GRAPO IN SPAIN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * DESTROY WESTERN CAPITALISM THROUGH TERRORISM, HELPING PRECIPITATE A WORLDWIDE MARXIST REVOLUTION; * USE TERRORISM TO DESTROY GERMAN - U.S. SOLIDARITY, ESPECIALLY BY ATTACKING AMERICAN MILITARY TARGETS IN GERMANY; * USE SPECIFIC ACTS OF TERRORISM TO TRY TO FORCE THE AUTHORITIES TO RELEASE IMPRISONED RAF MEMBERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE RAF BEGAN AS PART OF THE STUDENT ANTIWAR MOVEMENT IN THE 1960S. ORIGINALLY CALLED THE BAADER-MEINHOF GANG, IT WAS DEDICATED TO GENERAL TERRORISM AND ANTIESTABLISHMENT ACTIVITY AS PART OF ITS PERCEIVED ROLE AS A STIMULUS TO WORLDWIDE MARXIST REVOLUTION. THE CURRENT GENERATION OF THE RAF HARDCORE IS MARXIST-LENINIST IN IDEOLOGY. THE RAF SEES ITSELF AS PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT AIMED AT BRINGING ABOUT A WORLDWIDE REVOLUTION. THE RAF HAS SUFFERED MANY CHANGES OF FORTUNE DURING ITS TWO DECADE HISTORY. ALL OF ITS ORIGINAL LEADERS WERE CAPTURED OR FORCED OUT OF THE COUNTRY BY THE MID-1970S, BUT A NEW AND MORE VIOLENT GROUP REPLACED THEM. MOST OF THE RAF LEADERSHIP HAVE BEEN WELL EDUCATED; WITH MANY HAVING MEDICAL, LEGAL, OR TECHNICAL TRAINING. THE RAF ORGANIZATIONAL CONCEPT CALLS FOR A MULTI-LEVEL STRUCTURE. THE "HARDCORE" CONSISTS OF PERHAPS TWENTY COMBATANTS WHO LIVE UNDERGROUND AND WHO CONDUCT MOST OF THE GROUP'S TERRORIST OPERATIONS. GERMAN AUTHORITIES HAVE STATED THAT THE HARDCORE COMMAND LEVEL HAS ALSO DIRECTED THE OPERATIONS OF "ILLEGAL MILITANTS," WHO MAY CARRY OUT BOMBINGS AND LOWER LEVEL ATTACKS. THE "PERIPHERY," OF WHOM THERE MAY BE SEVERAL HUNDRED, FORM THE VITAL SUPPORT BASE THAT PROVIDES FUNDING, SHELTER, AND COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE OPERATIVES. A LARGER NUMBER OF LEGAL SYMPATHIZERS ASSIST IN PROPOGANDIZING RAF IDEOLOGY. THE RED ARMY FACTION HAS RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM MANY QUARTERS. IN THE 1970S, SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP RECEIVED TERRORIST TRAINING AT CAMPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, SPONSORED BY EXTREMIST PALESTINIAN GROUPS. CONTACTS HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED WITH FRENCH, DUTCH, BELGIAN, DANISH, SWISS, IRISH, ITALIAN, SPANISH, AND AMERICAN GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS OF SIMILAR POLITICAL PERSUASION. THE RED ARMY FACTION WAS ONE OF THE CO-FOUNDERS, WITH THE FRENCH GROUP "DIRECT ACTION" AND THE BELGIAN "COMBATANT COMMUNIST CELLS" OF THE NOW DEFUNCT ANTI-IMPERIALIST ARMED FRONT IN WESTERN EUROPE WHICH HAD "...DECLARED WAR..." ON NATO AND HAD THE GOAL OF FURTHERING TERRORIST COOPERATION. THE RAF MAY HAVE CONDUCTED JOINT OPERATIONS WITH DIRECT ACTION IN 1985-86. THE RAF HAS PERPETRATED A VARIETY OF BOMBING AND ASSASSINATION ATTACKS OVER THE YEARS. EACH MAJOR RAF OPERATION IS THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED PLANNING AND GENERALLY IS EXECUTED IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER. MAJOR RAF TARGETS HAVE INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WEST GERMAN "ESTABLISHMENT," THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, AND THE U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE IN WEST GERMANY. THE RAF HAS HAD ACCESS TO A LARGE AND VARIED SUPPLY OF WEAPONRY, INCLUDING HANDGUNS, MACHINEGUNS, GRENADES, AND RPG-7 ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES. THE RAF HAS ALSO SHOWN CONSIDERABLE SKILL IN MANUFACTURING IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MAY, 1972: CARRIED OUT SIX SEPARATE BOMBING ATTACKS, KILLING ONE AND INJURING THIRTEEN, AT A U.S. OFFICERS CLUB IN FRANKFURT; BOMBED THE VEHICLE OF GERMAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE BUDDENBURG, SERIOUSLY INJURING HIS WIFE; AND KILLED THREE AND WOUNDED FIVE IN A BLAST AT THE U.S. ARMY EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS IN HEIDELBERG. NOVEMBER, 1974: MURDERED GERMAN SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT GUENTHER VON DRENKMANN. FEBRUARY, 1975: KIDNAPPED TWO LEADING GERMAN POLITICIANS TO FORCE THE RELEASE OF SIX IMPRISONED TERRORISTS. APRIL, 1977: AMBUSHED AND MURDERED GERMAN FEBERAL PROSECUTOR SIEGFRIED BUBACK, HIS CHAUFFEUR, AND A POLICE BODYGUARD. SEPTEMBER, 1977: KIDNAPPED GERMAN BUSINESSMAN HANNS-MARTIN SCHLEYER AND KILLED HIS CHAUFFEUR AND THREE POLICE GUARDS. WHILE THE RAF WAS HOLDING SCHLEYER, THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE HIJACKED A LUFTHANSA AIRCRAFT IN A SUPPORTING OPERATION. AFTER GERMAN COUNTER TERRORIST FORCES SUCCESSFULLY FOILED THE HIJACKING AT MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, THE RAF MURDERED SCHLEYER. JUNE, 1979: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF NATO COMMANDER GENERAL ALEXANDER HAIG, WITH A BOMB CONCEALED UNDER A BRIDGE IN OBOURG, BELGIUM. THE BOMB EXPLODED BETWEEN GENERAL HAIG'S CAR AND AN ESCORT VEHICLE, WOUNDING TWO GUARDS. AUGUST, 1981: BOMBED THE U.S. AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS IN RAMSTEIN, INJURING 18 AMERICANS AND TWO GERMANS. SEPTEMBER, 1981: FIRED TWO RPG-7 GRENADES AT U.S. ARMY EUROPEAN COMMANDING GENERAL KROESSEN'S CAR, SLIGHTLY INJURING THE GENERAL AND HIS WIFE. DECEMBER, 1984: BOMBED THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN BONN AND ATTEMPTED TO BOMB THE NATO SCHOOL IN OBERAMMERGAU. JANUARY, 1985: FIREBOMBED THE HOME OF THE U.S. CONSUL GENERAL IN FRANKFURT AND THE U.S. AIRFIELD AT HEIDELBERG. ALSO FIREBOMBED A NUMBER OF WEST GERMAN GOVERNMENT FACILITIES THROUGHOUT GERMANY. FEBRUARY, 1985: INVADED THE HOME OF WEST GERMAN BUSINESSMAN ERNST ZIMMERMANN AND SHOT HIM IN THE HEAD. MARCH, 1985: INJURED NINE WITH A BOMB BLAST AT A DEPARTMENT STORE IN DORTMUND. AUGUST, 1985: DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT THE RHEIN MAIN AIR BASE, KILLING TWO AND INJURING SEVENTEEN. THE TERRORISTS KILLED AN OFF DUTY U.S. SERVICEMAN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BOMBING AND USED HIS MILITARY IDENTIFICATION TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BASE. APRIL, 1986: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE NATO PIPELINE NEAR VOLLERSODE. MAY, 1986: SEVERELY DAMAGED A U.S. MILITARY FUEL PUMPING STATION AND DESTROYED TWO TRUCKS WITH A BOMB THAT ALSO IGNITED OVER 1,000 GALLONS OF FUEL. JULY, 1986: MURDERED KARL-HEINZ BECKURTS, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH OF THE SIEMENS ELECTRONICS COMPANY, AND HIS CHAUFFEUR, WITH A REMOTELY DETONATED BOMB. THE RAF CLAIMED THAT IT HAD CARRIED OUT THE OPERATION BECAUSE OF BECKURTS' ADVOCACY OF NUCLEAR ENERGY AND HIS RESEARCH PARTICIPATION IN THE STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE (SDI) PROJECT. OCTOBER, 1986: MURDERED GEROLD VON BRAUNMUEHL, HEAD OF THE FOREIGN MINISTRY'S POLITICAL DEPARTMENT. HE WAS SHOT IN FRONT OF HIS HOME IN BONN. SEPTEMBER, 1988: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF WEST GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER. NOVEMBER, 1989: ALFRED HERRHAUSEN, DIRECTOR OF THE DEUTSCHE BANK, WEST GERMANY'S LARGEST BANK, MURDERED WHEN THE RAF DETONATED A ROAD SIDE BOMB AS THE VICTIM'S CAR PASSED. JULY, 1990: ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE AN OFFICIAL OF THE GERMAN MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. FEBRUARY, 1991: FIRED SEVERAL SHOTS AT THE COMPOUND OF THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BONN. APRIL, 1991: ASSASSINATED DETLEV ROHWEDDER, THE CHIEF OF THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING-OFF STATE OWNED PROPERTY IN THE FORMER GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (EAST GERMANY). JULY, 1991: CONDUCTED AN ARSON ATTACK ON A RENAULT DELIVERY FACILITY IN BRUEHL (NEAR COLOGNE). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF CO false marked REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES, COL. showNameProp REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES, COL. 8'8'REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA 10/28/92 GP00003 KEY WORDS: FARC; FUERZAS ARMADAS REVOLUCIONARIAS DE COLOMBIA DESCRIPTION: ESTABLISHED IN 1966 AS THE MILITARY WING OF THE COLOMBIAN COMMUNIST PARTY; FARC IS THE LARGEST GUERRILLA GROUP IN THAT COUNTRY. IT IS ORGANIZED ALONG MILITARY LINES; IS STRONGLY ANTI-U.S., AND MAY HAVE AT LEAST ONE URBAN COMMANDO ELEMENT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: ARMED ATTACKS AGAINST COLOMBIAN TARGETS, BOMBINGS OF U.S. BUSINESSES, KIDNAPPINGS OF COLOMBIANS AND FOREIGNERS FOR RANSOM, AND ASSASSINATIONS. THE FARC TRAFFICS IN DRUGS AND HAS WELL-DOCUMENTED TIES TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS. PEACE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA HAVE PROVED UNSUCCESSFUL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: APPROXIMATELY 4,500 TO 5,500 ARMED COMBATANTS AND 10,000 SUPPORTERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: TIES TO CUBA. AMOUNT OF AID IS UNKNOWN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: THROUGH A TWO-PRONGED STRATEGY COMBINING INSURGET/TERRORIST OPERATIONS WITH PARTICIPATION IN THE LEGITIMATE POLITCAL PROCESS, THE FARC AND ITS POLITICAL FRONT, THE PATRIOTIC UNION (UP), HAVE THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: * OVERTHROW THE ESTABLISHED ORDER IN COLOMBIA AND REPLACE IT WITH A LEFTIST AND ANTI-AMERICAN REGIME; * CREATE A "...BROAD ANTI-MONOPOLY AND ANTI-IMPERIALIST FRONT..." AND UNITE LEFT WING PARTIES AND ORGANIZATIONS INTO A POLITCIAL MOVEMENT; * FORCE U.S. AND OTHER "IMPERIALIST" INTERESTS OUT OF COLOMBIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE FARC IS PROBABLY THE LARGEST, BEST TRAINED AND EQIPPED, AND MOST EFFECTIVE INSURGENT ORGANIZATION IN COLOMBIA AND IN SOUTH AMERICA. THE FARC HAS BEEN PRO-SOVIET, PRO-CUBAN, AND ANTI-AMERICAN, AND CLAIMS DEDICATION TO MARXIST-LENINIST IDEOLOGY. THE FARC HAS OFTEN BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE "MILITARY" APPARATUS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF COLOMBIA (PCC), ALTHOUGH THE FARC AND PCC FREQUENTLY DOWNPLAY THEIR CONNECTIONS. THE LEADERSHIP OF FARC IS COMPOSED LARGELY OF DISAFFECTED MIDDLE- AND UPPER-CLASS INTELLECTUALS, ALTHOUGH IT RECRUITS FROM, AND ATTEMPTS TO APPEAL TO, THE PEASANT POPULATION. THE FARC ALSO HAS RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM OTHER ELEMENTS OF COLOMBIAN SOCIETY, INCLUDING WORKERS, STUDENTS, AND RADICAL PRIESTS. THE POPULARITY OF FARC HAS BEEN UNDERMINED BY THE OCCASIONAL PRACTICE OF KIDNAPPING PEASANTS AND MURDERING THEM AS "COLLABORATORS" AND TRAITORS IF THEY DO NOT COOPERATE. THE FARC HAS ALSO ATTEMPTED TO STRENGTH ITS INFLUENCE AMONG OTHER INSURGENT FACTIONS BY LEADING EFFORTS IN THE MID- TO LATE-1980S TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL SIMON BOLIVAR GUERRILLA COORDINATOR (SBGC) WHICH INCLUDES ALL MAJOR COLOMBIA INSURGENT GROUPS. THE FARC HAS A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH COLOMBIAN NARCOTICS TRAFFICKERS THAN DO OTHER COLOMBIAN INSURGENT GROUPS. THE RELATIONSHIP APPEARS TO BE THE STRONGEST IN THOSE AREAS WHERE COCA CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTION AND FARC OPERATIONAL STRONGHOLDS OVERLAP. IN LOCAL INSTANCES, IN EXCHANGE FOR FARC PROTECTION OF NAROCTICS INTERESTS, THE GUERRILLAS HAVE RECEIVED MONEY TO PURCHASE WEAPONS AND SUPPLIES. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS, AS WELL AS STRONG INDICATIONS, THAT VARIOUS FARC FRONTS HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN INVOLVED IN PROCESSING COCAINE. MONEY FROM THE NARCOTICS TRADE HAS SUPPLEMENTED FARC REVENUES FROM KIDNAPPINGS, EXTORTION, AND ROBBERIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY FEBRUARY, 1977: KIDNAPPED A U.S. PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER DURING AN ATTACK ON LA MACARENA. THE VICTIM WAS RELEASED THREE YEARS LATER AFTER A $250,000 RANSOM WAS REPORTEDLY PAID. AUGUST, 1980: KIDNAPPED A U.S. CITIZEN FROM HIS BANANA PLANTATION IN CENTRAL COLOMBIA. HE WAS RELEASED THREE MONTHS LATER AFTER A REPORTED RANSOM OF $125,000 WAS PAID. APRIL, 1983: KIDNAPPED A U.S. CITIZEN FROM HER FARM IN SOUTHERN META DEPARTMENT. FEBRUARY, 1985: BOMBED SEVEN BUSINESSES IN A MIDNIGHT ATTACK IN MEDELLIN, INCLUDING IBM, GENERAL TELEPHONE AND ELECTRONICS, UNION CARBIDE, AND XEROX. AUGUST, 1985: KIDNAPPED FOUR ENGINEERS AND THIRTY WORKERS OF A CONSTRUCTION FIRM IN HUILA DEPARTMENT. OCTOBER, 1985: KIDNAPPED FOUR MISSIONARIES. THE FARC MET WITH A DELEGATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT'S PEACE COMMISSION AND AGREED TO FREE THE HOSTAGES. DECEMBER, 1985: KIDNAPPED A VENEZUELAN RANCHER WHO WAS RESCUED BY THE VENEZUELAN POLICE IN FEBRUARY, 1986. THE SIX KIDNAPPERS WERE KILLED. JANUARY, 1986: DEMANDED $100 MILLION FROM THE SHELL OIL COMPANY TO CONTINUE OPERATING IN THE MAGALEAS VALLEY, BUT THE FIRM SUSPENDED ITS OPERATIONS IN THE REGION INSTEAD OF MEETING THE EXTORTION DEMAND. FEBRUARY, 1986: ATTACKED THE TOWN OF RION SUCIO IN THE NORTHERN CHOCO DEPARTMENT, KILLING ONE POLICE OFFICER AND WOUNDING ANOTHER. DESTROYED THREE BUILDINGS. NOVEMBER, 1986: THE REMAINS OF SOME 100 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN WERE FOUND IN A MASS GRAVE IN TURBO; THEY WERE THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN MURDERED BY THE FARC. APRIL, 1987: KIDNAPPED SEVEN EMPLOYEES OF A RANCHER IN BOGOTA; ONE BODY WAS FOUND LATER. JUNE, 1987: IN VIOLATION OF A TRUCE, THE FARC AMBUSHED AN ARMY ROAD BUILDING CREW KILLING TWENTY-SEVEN. DECEMBER, 1987: APPROXIMATELY FIFTY FARC MEMBERS ATTACKED THE TOWN OF GAITANIA, KILLING TWO POLICE OFFICERS AND WOUNDING FIVE. THE FARC USED GRENADES, AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, LIGHT ANTITANK ROCKETS, AND MOLOTOV COCKTAILS. JANUARY, 1988: TWO HUNDRED MILES SOUTHWEST OF BOGOTA, FORTY FARC MEMBERS HIJACKED A HELICOPTER OPERATED BY A COLOMBIAN AIR CHARTER SERVICE AND CHARTERED BY A U.S. OIL EXPLORATION COMPANY. THE COMPANY WAS FORCED TO PAY RANSOM AND TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE ITS EXPLORATION CAMP. OCTOBER, 1988: ATTACK ON TOWNS IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE ELN (NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY). THREE POLICEMEN AND ONE CIVILIAN KILLED. A NUN, PRIEST, AND FIFTEEN POLICEMEN WERE KIDNAPPED. NOVEMBER, 1988: TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH M-19 (APRIL 19 MOVEMENT). NOVEMBER, 1988: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE COLOMBIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE. A REMOTE CONTROLLED BOMB DESTROYED A TRUCK CARRYING THE MINISTER'S BODYGUARDS, KILLING THREE AND INJURING TWO. THE MINISTER WAS UNHURT. DECEMBER, 1988: TOWN ATTACKED. ONE POLICE OFFICER, ONE CIVILIAN, AND TWO FARC MEMBERS KILLED. FEBRUARY, 1989: TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) AND THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL). FIVE POLICEMEN WERE KILLED AND ELEVEN POLICE OFFICERS WERE KIDNAPPED. APRIL, 1989: TOWN ATTACKED. SIX CIVILIANS KILLED. MAY, 1989: TOWN ATTACKED. TWO CIVILIANS SOUGHT OUT AND MURDERED. ANOTHER CIVILIAN KILLED. OCTOBER, 1989: TOWN ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN). TWO JAIL INMATES MURDERED IN A SETTLING OF SCORES, POLICE ATTACKED, HELICOPTER DELIVERING MONEY TO BANK SHOT DOWN, MONEY STOLEN. OCTOBER, 1990: TOWN ATTACKED AND OCCUPIED. FARC TOOK OVER THE TOWN WITHOUT RESISTANCE AFTER POLICE FLED. MURDERED THE MAYOR AND HIS BROTHER. NOVEMBER, 1990: TWO TOWNS ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN). NINE SOLDIERS AND FIFTEEN FARC REBELS WERE KILLED. DECEMBER, 1990: ATTACKED AN OIL EXPLORATION CAMP, DESTROYING A HELICOPTER AND DRILLING EQUIPMENT. DECEMBER, 1990: SEIZED AN AIRCRAFT SHORTLY AFTER IT LANDED AT A SMALL TOWN, FORCED THE PASSENGERS AND CREW TO DEPLANE AND BURNED THE PLANE. DECEMBER, 1990: KIDNAPPED TWO SWISS CITIZENS AND A COLOMBIAN PHYSICIAN IN META DEPARTMENT. ALL WERE RELEASED TWO WEEKS LATER WITH A MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT. DECEMBER, 1990: KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN ENGINEERS AT AN OIL PRODUCTION CAMP. THEY WERE RELEASED TWO DAYS LATER WITH A MESSAGE FOR THE GOVERNMENT. JANUARY, 1991: BOMBED FIVE OIL PIPELINES. JANUARY, 1991: HIJACKED A HELICOPTER LEASED BY A U.S. OIL EXPLORATION FIRM. THE PILOT AND THE AIRCRAFT WERE RETURNED. JANUARY, 1991: STAGED A JOINT ATTACK WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) ON A MAJOR COLOMBIA-FRENCH CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEAR SEGOVIA. FORTY VEHICLES AND PIECES OF HEAVY MACHINERY WERE DESTROYED, THE CAMP'S SECURITY CHIEF WAS KILLED AND THREE FRENCH ENGINEERS WERE KIDNAPPED (RELEASED IN JULY, 1991). FEBRUARY, 1991: CONDUCTED A WAVE OF FIFTY ATTACKS ON TOWNS, ENERGY AND POWER FACILITIES, BANKS, POLICE, AND MILITARY. AT LEAST FORTY SOLDIERS, POLICEMEN, CIVILIANS AND INSURGENTS WERE KILLED. MARCH, 1991: ATTACKED A VILLAGE, KILLING FIVE POLICEMEN AND A CIVILIAN AND KIDNAPPING TWELVE POLICE OFFICERS. MAY, 1991: AN AMERICAN EXPATRIATE, WHO HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED BY FARC, WAS MURDERED BY HIS ABDUCTORS DURING AN ATTEMPT BY THE POLICE TO RESCUE HIM. JULY, 1991: THE FARC ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA BY PLACING AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER'S LANDING AREA. POLICE DISARMED THE DEVICE. FARC DENIED ITS INVOLVEMENT. AUGUST, 1991: TWO JAPANESE ENGINEERS AT AN OIL PRODUCTION CAMP WERE KIDNAPPED. THEY WERE RELEASED UNHARMED IN DECEMBER, 1991, FOLLOWING THE PAYMENT OF A RANSOM. NOVEMBER, 1991: A COLOMBIAN JUDICIAL TEAM OF EIGHT PEOPLE, INCLUDING A JUDGE, WERE LURED TO A RURAL AREA WHERE ONE CAR OF THEIR THREE CAR CONVOY WAS DESTROYED BY A REMOTELY DETONATED DEVICE AND THE SURVIVORS SPRAYED WITH MACHINEGUN FIRE JUNE, 1992: FARC ISSUED A COMMUNIQUE STATING THAT MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS WERE "LEGITIMATE" TARGETS. JUNE, 1992: BOMBED THE SPANISH CONSULATE IN BARRANQUILLA, INJURING THE SPANISH CONSUL GENERAL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEFENSE DEPARTMENT, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NO false marked REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NV showNameProp REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NV REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NOVEMBER 10/28/92 GP00038 KEY WORDS: NOVEMBER 17; 17 NOVEMBER DESCRIPTION: A RADICAL LEFTIST GROUP ESTABLISHED IN 1975 AND NAMED FOR THE NOVEMBER 1973 STUDENT UPRISING PROTESTING THE MILITARY REGIME. ANTI-U.S., ANTI-NATO, ANTI-TURKISH; COMMITTED TO THE VIOLENT OVERTHROW OF THE REGIME, OUSTER OF U.S. BASES, REMOVAL OF TURKISH MILITARY PRESENCE FROM CYPRUS, AND THE SEVERANCE OF GREECE'S TIES TO NATO AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITITY (EC). THE ORGANIZATION IS OBSCURE, POSSIBLY AFFILIATED WITH OTHER GREEK TERRORIST GROUPS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: INITIAL ATTACKS WERE SELECTED ASSASSINATIONS USING HANDGUNS - AGAINST SENIOR US OFFICIALS, INCLUDING US EMBASSY OFFICIAL RICHARD WELCH IN 1975 AND U.S. NAVY CAPTAIN GEORGE TSANTES IN 1983. 17 NOVEMBER BEGAN ASSASSINATING GREEK OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC FIGURES IN 1976 AND ADDED BOMBINGS, INCLUDING ATTACKS AGAINST U.S. MILITARY BUSES IN 1987 AND THE ASSASSINATION OF U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE WILLIAM NORDEEN IN 1988. SINCE 1990, 17 NOVEMBER HAS EXPANDED ITS TARGET SELECTION TO INCLUDE EC FACILITIES AND FOREIGN FIRMS INVESTING IN GREECE, AND ADDED IMPROVISED ROCKET ATTACKS TO ITS METHODS. IN 1991, IT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST FIVE OF THE FIFTEEN TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST COALITION TARGETS IN GREECE DURING THE GULF WAR, INCLUDING THE ASSASSINATION IN MARCH OF A U.S. SERGEANT. ALSO STEPPED UP ATTACKS AGAINST TURKISH INTERESTS WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF TURKISH EMBASSY OFFICIAL IN JULY, 1991, AND THE ASSASSINATION OF THE TURKISH PRESS ATTACHE IN OCTOBER, 1991. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN, BUT PRESUMED TO BE QUITE SMALL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: MAY RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM THE ELA AND OTHER GREEK GROUP CADRES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: SINCE ITS FIRST APPEARANCE IN DECEMBER, 1975, WHEN IT CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF RICHARD WELCH, A U.S. EMBASSY OFFICER, 17 NOVEMBER HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MOST PROFICIENT AND LETHAL TERRORIST GROUPS IN EUROPE. MARXIST IN ORIENTATION AND ALSO VIRULENTLY ANTI-U.S., THE GROUP HAS CONDUCTED ATTACKS AGAINST GREEK TARGETS THAT IT CONSIDERS TO HAVE OPPOSED THE REVOLUTION AS WELL AS OFFICIAL U.S. PERSONNEL WHO "REPRESENT" INTERFERENCE IN GREEK AFFAIRS. UNTIL THE MID TO LATE 1980S, THE GROUP'S ATTACKS WERE ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY AMBUSH-STYLE ASSASSINATIONS BY TWO OR THREE MEMBER TEAMS. THE VICTIMS WERE USUALLY ATTACKED NEAR THEIR HOMES OR OFFICES. A UNIQUE 17 NOVEMBER CHARACTERISTIC WAS TO USE THE SAME PISTOL IN SEVERAL OF ITS ATTACKS, INCLUDING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF TWO AMERICANS. THIS COULD INDICATE THAT THE GROUP HAD LIMITED RESOURCES, OR IT MAY HAVE BEEN ITS METHOD OF "AUTHENTICATING" ITS CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACKS. IN ANY CASE, USE OF THE SAME PISTOL MAY INDICATE THAT 17 NOVEMBER WAS CONFIDENT IN ITS ABILITY TO ELUDE THE POLICE. SINCE 1985, THE GROUP HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SEVERAL BOMBINGS. LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT 17 NOVEMBER'S ORGANIZATION, MEMBERSHIP, OR RELATIONS, IF ANY, TO OTHER GREEK TERRORIST GROUPS. FOLLOWING AN OCTOBER 1987 SHOOTOUT BETWEEN POLICE AND MEMBERS OF THE GROUP CALLING ITSELF THE "REVOLUTIONARY POPULAR STRUGGLE" (ELA), HOWEVER, AND A SUBSEQUENT SEARCH OF ELA HIDEOUTS, GREEK POLICE BELIEVE THAT THEY ESTABLISHED A LINK BETWEEN ELA AND 17 NOVEMBER. NO EVIDENCE THAT 17 NOVEMBER MAINTAINS TIES TO FOREIGN TERRORIST GROUPS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY DECEMBER, 1975: ASSASSINATED U.S. EMBASSY OFFICIAL RICHARD WELCH. JANUARY, 1979: MURDERED A GREEK POLICE OFFICER. JANUARY, 1980: MURDERED THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE GREEK RIOT POLICE AND HIS CHAUFFEUR. NOVEMBER, 1983: MURDERED U.S. NAVY CAPTAIN GEORGE TSANTES AND HIS DRIVER APRIL, 1984: SHOT AND WOUNDED A U.S. ARMY SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER AS THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTING DOCUMENTS. THE INTENDED VICTIM PROBABLY SAVED HIS LIFE BY BEING ALERT AND TAKING EVASIVE ACTION WHEN HE NOTED THE TWO TERRORISTS APPROACH HIS CAR ON A MOTORCYCLE. FEBRUARY, 1985: ASSASSINATED CONSERVATIVE GREEK NEWSPAPER EDITOR AND HIS CHAUFFEUR. THE COMMUNIQUE CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY DENOUNCED THE JOURNALIST AS ONE OF THE "...FASCIST AGENTS OF THE CIA." NOVEMBER, 1985: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A GREEK POLICE BUS, KILLING ONE POLICE OFFICER. APRIL, 1986: ASSASSINATED A RETIRED GREEK INDUSTRIALIST. OCTOBER, 1986: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING FOUR GREEK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, INCLUDING THREE TAX OFFICES. THE 17 NOVEMBER COMMUNIQUE DENOUNCED THE GREEK TAX SYSTEM. THE ELA ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBINGS. FEBRUARY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAIMING A WEALTHY GREEK PHYSICIAN. APRIL, 1987: BOMBED A BUS CARRYING U.S. AND GREEK MILITARY PERSONNEL NEAR ATHENS. EIGHTEEN PERSONS, INCLUDING SIXTEEN AMERICANS, WERE INJURED. AUGUST, 1987: BOMBED A U.S. BUS IN VOULA, INJURING TEN U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS. JANUARY, 1988: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF A U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA) AGENT IN ATHENS. MAY, 1988: PLACED HIGH EXPLOSIVES ON TWO AUTOMOBILES BELONGING TO THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN ATHENS. JUNE, 1988: DETONATED A CAR BOMB THAT KILLED U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE CAPTAIN WILLIAM NORDEEN SHORTLY AFTER HE LEFT HIS ATHENS RESIDENCE. JANUARY, 1989: SHOT THREE PUBLIC PROSECUTORS IN THREE SEPARATE INCIDENTS. ONE OF THE VICTIMS WAS KILLED ON THE SPOT, ANOTHER WAS CRITICALLY WOUNDED AND SUBSQUENTLY DIED OF HIS INJURIES. THE THIRD VICTIM WAS WOUNDED. MAY, 1989: FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST A FORMER PUBLIC ORDER MINISTER. SEPTEMBER, 1989: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF A MEMBER OF THE GREEK PARLIAMENT. FEBRUARY, 1990: CLAIMED THE THEFT OF ROCKETS, AMMUNITION, HAND GRENADES, BAZOOKAS, AND OTHER ORDNANCE FROM A MILITARY WAREHOUSE IN DECEMBER, 1989 AND A MILITARY MUSEUM IN FEBRUARY, 1990. JUNE, 1990: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON A BUILDING WHICH WAS OCCUPIED BY PROCTOR AND GAMBLE. APPARENTLY THE GROUP STAGED THE ATTACK IN PROTEST OF THE PURCHASE OF A GREEK FIRM BY PROCTOR AND GAMBLE. THE GOVERNMENT OF GREECE CONFIRMED THAT THE WEAPONS USED IN THIS ATTACK WERE STOLEN FROM THE MILITARY MUSEUM AND MILITARY WAREHOUSE IN DECEMBER, 1989 AND FEBRUARY, 1990. JANUARY, 1991: BOMBED TWO BRANCH OFFICES OF CITIBANK AND A BRANCH OFFICE OF BARCLAY'S BANK. JANUARY, 1991: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON AN AMERICAN EXPRESS OFFICE AND A GREEK INSURANCE FIRM. MARCH, 1991: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A U.S. AIR FORCE SGT. MAY, 1991: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF THE SIEMENS COMPANY. MAY, 1991: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON A GERMAN-OWNED BREWERY, APPROXIMATELY SIXTY MILES NORTH OF ATHENS. JULY, 1991: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION, BY CAR BOMB, OF THE ACTING TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO GREECE. THE TARGET, TWO OF HIS STAFF, AND A PASSERBY WERE INJURED. OCTOBER, 1991: MURDERED THE DEPUTY PRESS ATTACHE OF THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN ATHENS. NOVEMBER, 1991: A POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED WHEN TWO ROCKETS WERE FIRED AT A POLICE BUS IN CENTRAL ATHENS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. SENDERO LUMINOSO false marked SENDERO LUMINOSO showNameProp SENDERO LUMINOSO ? ?SENDERO LUMINOSO 10/28/92 GP00039 KEY WORDS: SL; SHINING PATH DESCRIPTION: PERU'S LARGEST SUBVERSIVE ORGANIZATION IS AMONG THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS AND RUTHLESS TERRORIST GROUPS. FORMED IN THE LATE 1960S BY THEN UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR ABIMAEL GUZMAN REYNOSO. GOAL IS TO DESTROY EXISTING PERUVIAN INSTITUTIONS AND REPLACE THEM WITH A PEASANT REVOLUTIONARY REGIME AS WELL AS TO RID PERU OF FOREIGN INFLUENCES. SENDERO LUMINOSO HAS EXTENSIVE TIES TO NARCOPRODUCERS AND NARCOTRAFFICKERS WORKING IN PERU. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: KILLED 10 FOREIGNERS IN 1991. ENGAGES IN PARTICULARLY BRUTAL FORMS OF TERRORISM. SENDERO LUMINOSO WAS ORIGINALLY RURAL BASED, BUT HAS INCREASINGLY OPERATED IN URBAN AREAS SINCE 1986. HAS ATTACKED DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS OF NEARLY EVERY COUNTRY REPRESENTED IN PERU, FOREIGN BUSINESSES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC HUMANITARIAN AID PROJECTS, IN ADDITION TO PERUVIAN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR TARGETS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 4,000 - 5,000 COMBATANTS. STRONG RURAL SUPPORT BASE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: NO KNOWN FOREIGN SPONSORS. RECEIVES MONEY FROM DRUG TRADE, INCLUDING COLOMBIAN NARCOTICS TRAFFICKERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE FORMED: 1969 - BEGAN TERRORIST OPERATIONS IN 1980. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCE: * STIMULATE A "PEASANT ARMED STRUGGLE" THAT WILL LEAD TO THE OVERTHROW OF THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT AND INSTALL A LEFTIST, ETHNIC INDIAN STATE BY THE YEAR 2000; * ATTACK U.S. AND OTHER "IMPERIALIST" TARGETS IN AN EFFORT TO ELIMINATE FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN PERU, EMBARRASS THE PERUVIAN GOVERNMENT, AND FORCE IT TO TAKE REPRESSIVE MEASURES. SENDERO LUMINOSO HAS ALSO ATTACKED SOVIET AND CHINESE TARGETS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: SENDERO LUMINOSO IS A HIGHLY ACTIVE AND VIOLENT TERRORIST/INSURGENCY GROUP THAT CLAIMS A NEO-MAOIST ORIENTATION. ITS HOPE IS TO EVENTUALLY CREATE A RURAL-BASED INSURGENCY THAT WILL SWEEP INTO THE CITIES AND DESTROY THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT. SENDERO LUMINOSO DEVELOPED FROM AN EXTREMIST SPLINTER GROUP OF THE PERUVIAN COMMUNIST PARTY (PCP). IT HAS TRIED TO RADICALIZE THE MARXIST- LENINIST MOVEMENT IN PERU AND BELIEVES THAT THE "OLD, HEROIC TRADITIONS OF THE QUECHUA INDIANS" ARE THE PROPER ELEMENTS FOR A NEW SOCIAL/POLITICAL SYSTEM. BY USING NAMES AND SYMBOLS FROM THE INDIAN HERITAGE OF THE RURAL REGIONS, SENDERO LUMINOSO HAS BEEN ABLE TO ATTRACT SOME SUPPORT THAT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO A PURELY MARXIST IDEOLOGY. SENDERO LUMINOSO IS ORGANIZED TO CONDUCT SIMULTANEOUS URBAN TERRORISM AND RURAL GUERRILLA OPERATIONS. ALTHOUGH IT IS LARGE AND ADEQUATELY EQUIPPED AND TRAINED, THE GROUP TENDS TO AVOID DIRECT CONFLICT WITH THE MILITARY UNLESS IT CAN ATTACK WITH OVERWHELMING FORCE. UNLIKE OTHER LATIN AMERICAN LEFTIST SUBVERSIVE GROUPS, SENDERO LUMINOSO IS NOT BELIEVED TO HAVE OBVIOUS OR EXTENSIVE TIES TO CUBA OR OTHER SPONSORS. BANK ROBBERIES AND EXTORTION ARE SIGNIFICANT SOURCES OF FUNDING. SENDERO LUMINOSO IMPOSES A "WAR TAX" THAT APPARENTLY PROVIDES A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF INCOME. SENDERO LUMINOSO CONDUCTS VERY AGGRESSIVE INDOCTRINATION PROGRAMS IN ITS RURAL BASES. ITS RECRUITING PRACTICES FREQUENTLY TARGET 12- TO 15- YEAR OLDS WHO CAN BE MOLDED INTO HIGHLY MOTIVATED, EVEN FANATICAL ACTIVISTS. SENDERO LUMINOSO EMPLOYS A CELLULAR STRUCTURE FOR ITS TERRORIST OPERATIONS, AND EACH CELL NORMALLY HAS AT LEAST ONE FEMALE MEMBER. WOMEN HAVE SERVED AS MEMBERS OF ATTACK TEAMS AS WELL AS SMUGGLERS, INTELLIGENCE OPERATIVES, AND MESSENGERS. PARTICULARLY GRUESOME ASSASSINATIONS ARE A HALLMARK OF SENDERO LUMINOSO. VICTIMS OFTEN HAVE BEEN RITUALLY MUTILATED, AND CORPSES HAVE BEEN LEFT ON PUBLIC DISPLAY. THIS FEATURE OF SENDERO LUMINOSO OPERATIONS IS PARTLY A REFLECTION OF AN INDIAN BELIEF THAT AN UNMUTILATED VICTIM'S SPIRIT CAN REVEAL ITS KILLER. MUTILATION ALSO MAGNIFIES THE TERROR EFFECT OF THE KILLING. ALTHOUGH SENDERO LUMINOSO ESPOUSES A RURAL, PEASANT REVOLUTION, ITS LEADERSHIP COMES FROM RADICAL MIDDLE CLASS INTELLECTUAL CIRCLES. THE LEADERS, HOWEVER, ARE VERY SKILLFUL AT MAINTAINING THE IMAGE OF A "PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT," THUS ENHANCING THE GROUP'S ABILITY TO ATTRACT SUPPORT IN THE RURAL REGIONS. NONETHELESS, IF A VILLAGE DEMONSTRATES RESISTANCE TO A SENDERO LUMINOSO TAKEOVER, RESIDENTS FREQUENTLY ARE TERRORIZED INTO COOPERATION; EXTERMINATION OF THE VILLAGE LEADERSHIP IS NOT UNCOMMON. THE PRINCIPAL TARGETS OF SENDERO LUMINOSO ASSASSINATION TEAMS ARE THE CIVILIAN TECHNICIANS OF GOVERNMENT SPONSORED CIVIC ACTION PROJECTS. SEVERAL AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS CANNOT GET OFF THE GROUND BECAUSE SENDERO LUMINOSO ASSASSINATES THE TECHNICIANS, DESTROYS WORKS COMPLETED, AND BLOWS UP CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY NEEDED TO CONTINUE WORK. ECONOMIC DISRUPTION BY SENDERO LUMINOSO ALSO HAS TARGETED THE RAILWAYS IN AN ATTEMPT TO CRIPPLE THE MAJOR TARNSPORTATION SYSTEM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY AUGUST, 1981: BOMBED THE U.S. EMBASSY, THE BANK OF AMERICA, A COCA COLA BOTTLER, AND A DAIRY PRODUCT FIRM ASSOCIATED WITH THE CARNATION COMPANY, ALL IN LIMA. JULY, 1982: THREW TWO DYNAMITE BOMBS AT THE U.S. EMBASSY AND SET OFF BOMBS AT THREE PRIVATE BUSINESSES, INJURING THREE PEOPLE. MAY, 1983: BLEW UP TEN ELECTRICAL POWERLINE TOWERS IN A COORDINATED ATTACK THAT BLACKED OUT LIMA AND SET OFF OVER THIRTY BOMBS DURING THE CONFUSION, CAUSING OVER $27 MILLION IN DAMAGE. OCTOBER, 1983: BOMBED THE CAR OF A LIMA POLICE OFFICER. MAY, 1984: MACHINEGUNNED TWO POLICEMEN ON DUTY OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY OF WEST GERMANY IN LIMA, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING THE OTHER. AUGUST, 1984: BURNED AN EVANGELICAL CHURCH RUN BY U.S. MISSIONARIES IN SOUTHEASTERN AYACUCHO DEPARTMENT. NOVEMBER, 1984: BOMBED THE U.S.- PERUVIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN LIMA. APRIL, 1985: SHOT AND CRITICALLY WOUNDED A FORMER JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT WHO WAS SERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL. JUNE, 1985: ALLEGEDLY PLACED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN LIMA. AUGUST, 1985: BOMBED A BUS AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN LIMA. DECEMBER, 1985: SET OFF A BOMB IN THE LIMA AIRPORT PARKING LOT, KILLING A CHILD AND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE. FEBRUARY, 1986: SHOT AND KILLED A VILLAGE MAYOR, STOLE FOOD STORED IN A CHURCH AND THREATENED TO KILL THE PRIEST. MARCH, 1986: MURDERED THREE PROVINCIAL MAYORS BY SHOOTING THEM IN THE HEAD IN THE TOWN OF CHACRA PAMPAS. JUNE, 1986: OVER 200 ALLEGED SENDERO LUMINOSO MEMBERS WERE KILLED IN A PRISON RIOT AND THE SUBSEQUENT EFFORT OF GOVERNMENT FORCES TO RE-GAIN CONTROL. JUNE, 1986: BOMBED A CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU TOURIST TRAIN, KILLING EIGHT (INCLUDING ONE AMERICAN) AND WOUNDING FORTY (INCLUDING NINE AMERICANS). JULY, 1986: BOMBED THE SOVIET EMBASSY IN LIMA. OCTOBER, 1986: SHOT AND KILLED FORMER NAVY MINISTER ADMIRAL CAFFERATTA. JANUARY, 1987: SHOT AND KILLED SENIOR MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN POPULAR REVOLUTIONARY ALLIANCE (APRA) - CARLOS SILVA. JANUARY, 1987: ATTACKED THE EMBASSY OF INDIA IN LIMA. FEBRUARY, 1987: BOMBED SEVEN BANKS AND BURNED A TEXTILE FACTORY IN LIMA. FEBRUARY, 1987: FAILED IN AN ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF PERU; DETONATED TWO CAR BOMBS NEAR A POLITICAL RALLY WHERE PRESIDENT GARCIA WAS SPEAKING. MARCH, 1987: CONDUCTED AN UNSUCCESSFUL ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST THE BANK OF TOKYO GENERAL MANAGER. APRIL, 1987: CARRIED OUT A BLOODY DAYLIGHT ATTACK AGAINST A RESTAURANT NEAR THE PERUVIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDISCRIMINATELY KILLING BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIANS. APRIL, 1987: KILLED TWO POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING THE HUANCHAC TRAIN STATION IN CUZCO. APRIL, 1987: ATTACKED A BUS CARRYING MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PASSENGERS IN HUANACAVELICA, KILLING THIRTEEN PERSONS. APRIL, 1987: ATTACKED THE NORTH KOREAN COMMERCIAL MISSION IN LIMA, INJURING AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE. MAY, 1987: CONDUCTED A SERIES OF BOMBINGS, BLACKING OUT MOST OF LIMA. TARGETS INCLUDED THE MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE, LABOR, AND TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION. JUNE, 1987: ATTACKED AN EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT IN THE MONTERRICO DISTRICT IN LIMA. AT LEAST ONE RESTAURANT GUARD AND TWO ATTACKERS WERE WOUNDED. JULY-NOVEMBER, 1987: STAGED NUMEROUS CLASHES WITH SECURITY FORCES SUPPORTING NARCOTICS ERADICATION CAMPAIGN IN THE UPPER HUALLAGA VALLEY. AUGUST, 1987: KILLED AN APRA PARTY LEADER. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE CONGRESS BUIDLING, CAUSING A PARTIAL BLACKOUT IN LIMA. KILLED OVER FORTY CIVILIANS IN ATTACKS AGAINST TWO TOWNS IN TOCACHE AREA. NOVEMBER, 1987: SUSPECTED IN COORDINATED LIMA BLACKOUT AND ATTACK AGAINST NISSAN FACTORY, DYNAMITE BOMBINGS OF THE MINISTRIES OF HEALTH AND JUSTICE, AND ATTACK AGAINST U.S. EMBASSY. JUNE, 1988: TWO U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (AID) SUBCONTRACTORS WERE KILLED WHILE TRAVELING NEAR AN AREA CONTROLLED BY SENDERO LUMINOSO. JANUARY, 1989: ASSASSINATED A LOCAL CHIEF OF THE PERUVIAN ANTI-TERRORISM DIRECTORATE. JANUARY, 1989: ATTACKED A GROUP OF JUDGES. TWO JUDGES WERE KILLED AS WERE THREE OF THE POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING THEM. TWELVE TO FIFTEEN MEMBERS OF SENDERO LUMINOSO WERE ALSO REPORTED KILLED. JANUARY, 1989: MURDERED A DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND FOUR OTHER VILLAGE OFFICIALS. JANUARY, 1989: MURDERED 27 CAMEPSINOS WHO WERE MEMBERS OF A PEASANT DEFENSE PATROL. JANUARY, 1989: ASSASSINATED THE MAYOR OF A VILLAGE IN JUNIN DEPARTMENT. JANUARY, 1989: ATTACKED A VILLAGE NEAR LAKE TITICACA. BUILDINGS WERE DYNAMITED AND BURNED; AND THE MAYOR AND SIX OFFICIALS WERE KILLED. FEBRUARY, 1989: ATTACKED A HELICOPTER BASE OPERATED BY THE U.S. DRUG ADMINSTRATION ADMINISTRATION. FEBRUARY, 1989: IN ONE DAY (10 FEBRUARY) SEVERAL SENDERO LUMINOSO OPERATIONS TOOK PLACE: A SENIOR MEMBER OF APRA WAS MURDERED; TWO POLICEMEN WERE KILLED AND TWO OTHERS WERE WOUNDED WHEN THEY TRIED TO LOWER A BOOBY-TRAPPED FLAG; AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF A SMALL TOWN NEAR LIMA WAS CRITICALLY WOUNDED IN AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. FEBRUARY, 1989: SENDERO LUMINOSO MASSACRED THIRTY EIGHT CAMPESINOS IN AYACHUCO DEPARTMENT AS PUNISHMENT FOR ORGANIZING A SELF DEFENSE UNIT. MARCH, 1989: ON 3/2/89 THREE SEPARATE SENDERO LUMINOSO OPERATIONS TOOK PLACE: IN ONE TOWN A FRENCH TOURIST WAS MURDERED; IN ANOTHER TOWN TWO SCHOOL TEACHERS WERE MURDERED IN FRONT OF THEIR STUDENTS; AND IN THE THIRD INCIDENT A TEACHER AND HIS THIRTEEN YEAR OLD SON WERE MURDERED. MARCH, 1989: FIVE CIVIL SERVANTS IN A SMALL TOWN WERE MURDERED. ONE OF THE VICTIMS WAS THE TOWN'S MAYOR. MARCH, 1989: TWENTY SIX CAMPESINOS, MEMBERS OF A VILLAGE SELF DEFENSE UNIT, WERE MURDERED. APRIL, 1989: SENDERO LUMINOSO MURDERED AN AUSTRIAN JOURNALIST. APRIL, 1990: BOMBED A POLITICAL RALLY BEING ADDRESSED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL CANNDIDATE OF THE RULING PARTY. APRIL, 1990: ATTACKED A U.S. BUILT ANTI-NARCOTICS BASE IN THE UPPER HUALLAGA VALLEY. APRIL, 1990: MASSACRED FIFTY ELDERLY PEOPLE AND CHILDREN IN SONOMORO. MAY, 1990: DYNAMITE ATTACK ON THE MOTORCADE OF A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. MAY, 1990: A SENDERO LUMINOSO ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL IN LIMA WAS FOILED. JUNE, 1990: KIDNAPPED AND MURDERED TWO BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS IN THE UPPER HUALLAGA VALLEY. AUGUST, 1990: MURDERED TWO PERUVIAN MORMOM MISSIONARIES. OCTOBER, 1990: PERPETRATED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ARSON. AMONG THE TARGETS WERE: THE EMBASSY OF WEST GERMANY; ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS; FACTORIES; PUBLIC PARKS. THE ATTACKS TOOK PLACE IN LIMA AND THE PORT CITY OF EL CALLAO. DECEMBER, 1990: CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ARSON ATTACKS IN LIMA. AT LEAST SEVENTEEN BANKS WERE BOMBED AND FIVE BUSES BURNED. FEBRUARY, 1991: BOMBED THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN LIMA. APRIL, 1991: MURDERED A PERUVIAN AGRONOMIST WORKING ON A RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. APRIL, 1991: CONDUCTED A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN LIMA AS A PROTEST OF THE U.S.- PERUVIAN ANTI-NARCOTICS AGREEMENTS. APRIL, 1991: CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS IN LIMA. NEARLY FORTY BOMBINGS, PRIMARILY AGAINST BANKS, WERE CARRIED OUT. MAY, 1991: MURDERED AN AUSTRALIAN NUN AND FOUR VILLAGERS. JUNE, 1991: MURDERED A SOVIET WOMAN EMPLOYED AT A LIMA TEXTILE MILL. JUNE, 1991: ATTACKED A U.S. BUILT ANTI-NARCOTICS BASE IN THE UPPER HUALLAGA VALLEY. JULY, 1991: CARRIED OUT A ROCKET AND MACHINEGUN ATTACK ON THE HOME OF THE PERUVIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMY IN LIMA. JULY, 1991: A BRIEFCASE BOMB DETONATED AT THE PALACE OF JUSTICE IN LIMA. JULY, 1991: MURDERED A BUSINESS MAN OF JAPANESE DESCENT. AUGUST, 1991: MURDERED TWO POLISH PRIESTS AND A LOCAL MAYOR; ALSO BRIEFLY ABDUCTED AN ITALIAN NUN. AUGUST, 1991: MASSACRED AT LEAST FIFTY PEOPLE (MINE WORKERS AND THEIR WIVES). AUGUST, 1991: ASSASSINATED AN ITALIAN PRIEST. DECEMBER, 1991: CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS IN LIMA. AMONG THE TARGETS WERE THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE, THE RESIDENCE OF THE SPANISH AMBASSADOR, AND AT LEAST FIVE BANKS. JANUARY, 1992: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SHOOTING DOWN A U.S.-OWNED HELICOPTER ON LOAN TO PERUVIAN GOVERNMENT ANTI-DRUG AUTHORITIES. FOUR PERSONS WERE KILLED, INCLUDING THREE AMERICAN CREW MEMBERS. FEBRUARY, 1992: BOMBED ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS TO INDUCE A BLACKOUT IN LIMA AND FOLLOWED WITH A WAVE OF ATTACKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING THIRTY FIVE. FEBRUARY, 1992: DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO PERU. THREE PERUVIAN POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED. THE BOMBING WAS PART OF A WAVE OF A DOZEN BOMBINGS OVER A THREE HOUR PERIOD IN LIMA. FEBRUARY, 1992: DESTROYED A POLICE VAN NEAR LIMA, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING SIX. FEBRUARY, 1992: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A MAYOR AND HIS WIFE IN A SMALL TOWN. MARCH, 1992: ATTACKED A TOWN SITUATED 120 MILES FROM LIMA, KILLING TWO LOCAL OFFICIALS AND THREE PEASANT LEADERS. MARCH, 1992: ATTACKED A PERUVIAN NAVAL VEHICLE NEAR LIMA, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING ONE. APRIL, 1992: LOADED A BUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 220 POUNDS OF DYNAMITE AND ROLLED IT DOWN A HILL INTO A POLICE STATION, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING TWENTY TWO. APRIL, 1992: DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT A POLICE STATION, KILLING FOUR AND WOUNDING TWENTY. APRIL, 1992: DETONATED A CAR BOMB OUTSIDE A PERUVIAN ARMY BARRACKS IN LIMA, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING THREE. MAY, 1992: FORTY SEVEN SENDERO LUMINOSO PRISONERS AND TWO GUARDS WERE KILLED IN THE COURSE OF A PRISON UPRISING. MAY, 1992: SEIZED TWO TOWNS NORTH OF LIMA AND MURDERED TWENTY MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL PEASANT MILITIA. MAY, 1992: MURDERED A RELATIVE OF AN ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF PERU. JUNE, 1992: DETONATED A TRUCK BOMB AT A LIMA TELEVISION STATION, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING TWENTY. JUNE, 1992: AMBUSHED A MILITARY CONVOY KILLING ELEVEN SOLDIERS AND SIX CIVILIANS. SEPTEMBER, 1992: ABIMAEL GUZMAN, THE FOUNDER AND LEADER OF SENDERO LUMINOSO WAS CAPTURED DURING A RAID BY PERUVIAN ANTI-TERRORIST POLICE. OCTOBER, 1992: ON OCTOBER 7, 1992, ABIMAEL GUZMAN WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. OCTOBER, 1992: CONDUCTED A ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST THE RESIDENCE OF THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR TO PERU. NO INJURIES. OCTOBER, 1992: WITHIN DAYS OF ABIMAEL GUZMAN BEING SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT, A FORCE OF 50 SENDERO GUERRILLAS ENTERED A VILLAGE IN LA MAR PROVINCE AND MURDERED FORTY FOUR PERSONS - MEMBERS OF THE VILLAGE SELF DEFENSE FORCE AS WELL AS WOMEN AND CHILDREN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. SIKH TERRORISM false marked SIKH TERRORISM showNameProp SIKH TERRORISM SIKH TERRORISM 10/28/92 GP00010 KEY WORDS: DASHMESH; 10TH REGIMENT; DAL KHALSA; BABBAR KHALSA; ALL INDIA SIKH STUDENTS FEDERATION.DESCRIPTION: SIKH TERRORISM IS CARRIED OUT BY SEVERAL DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL GROUPS SEEKING TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE CALLED KHALISTAN. SIKH VIOLENCE OUTSIDE INDIA IS ON THE WANE AFTER SURGING IN 1984 FOLLOWING THE INDIAN ARMY ATTACK ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSAR. GROUPS THAT CARRY OUT TERRORISM INCLUDE THE DASHMESH, OR 10TH REGIMENT (ACTIVE IN INDIA, WESTERN GERMANY, AND CANADA), DAL KHALSA (HIJACKED AN INDIAN AIRLINE TO PAKISTAN IN 1981), BABBAR KHALSA (ALSO OPERATES IN INDIA, WESTERN GERMANY, AND CANADA), AND THE ALL-INDIA SIKH STUDENTS FEDERATION (MILITANT STUDENT WING OF THE MAIN SIKH PARTY, AKALI DAL). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: REGULAR AND BLOODY ATTACKS AGAINST HINDUS AND AGAINST INDIAN OFFICIAL TARGETS, PARTICULARLY IN THE PUNJAB; DESECRATION OF HINDU HOLY PLACES; ASSASSINATIONS; BOMBINGS; AND AIRCRAFT HIJACKINGS. ALTHOUGH SIKHS HAVE DISCLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY, THEY WERE PROBABLY RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE AIR INDIA AIRLINER DOWNED OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN IN JUNE, 1985, IN WHICH THE CREW AND 329 PASSENGERS WERE KILLED, AND FOR AN EXPLOSION AT TOKYO AIRPORT ON THE SAME DAY, WHEN LUGGAGE FROM A FLIGHT FROM VANCOUVER BLEW UP AND KILLED TWO JAPANESE BAGGAGE HANDLERS. IN 1991, SIKH TERRORISTS ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE THE INDIAN AMBASSADOR IN ROMANIA AND KIDNAPPED AND HELD THE ROMANIAN CHARGE IN NEW DELHI FOR SEVEN WEEKS. NO U.S. INTERESTS HAVE BEEN TARGETED. SIKH TERRORISM WITHIN INDIA, RANGING FROM KIDNAPPINGS AND BOMBINGS TO ASSASSINATIONS, CONTINUES AT A HIGH LEVEL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: NUMEROUS SIKH TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A VARIETY OF VIOLENT ACTIVITIES. NEVERTHELESS, INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CULPABILITY OF SPECIFIC SIKH GROUPS FOR SPECIFIC OPERATIONS OR EVEN ON THE INFRASTRUCTURES OF SIKH ELEMENTS IS SPARSE. FOR THESE REASONS, ONLY TWO OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS ORGANIZATIONS, THE DAL KHALSA AND THE DASHMESH REGIMENT, ARE DESCRIBED UNDER SEPARATE GROUP PROFILE ENTRIES. A SMALL, BUT VIOLENT, MOVEMENT EMERGED IN 1981 WHEN SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE BEGAN PREACHING SIKH FUNDAMENTALISM AND URGING THE SIKH COMMUNITY IN INDIA TO PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT FOR AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE. THE FOLLOWERS OF BHINDRANWALE ADOPTED TERRORISM AS ONE OF THEIR TACTICS. IN JUNE, 1984, INDIAN TROOPS STORMED THE GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSAR, SIKHISM'S HOLIEST SHRINE, WHERE BHINDRANWALE AND HIS FOLLOWERS HAD MADE THEIR HEADQUARTERS. BHINDRANWALE AND MANY FOLLOWERS WERE KILLED IN THE EXCHANGE. THE SIKH BODYGUARDS OF PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GHANDI SUBSEQUENTLY ASSASSINATED SIKH ADVOCATES OF A SEPARATE STATE OF KHALISTAN HAVE SINCE ENGAGED IN BOMBINGS, SABOTAGE, AND INDISCRIMINATE MURDERS OF NUMEROUS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND CIVILIANS IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE KHALISTANI CAUSE PROMINENT. FUNDING FOR TERRORIST OPERATIONS APPEARS TO BE GENERATED STRICTLY FROM WITHIN THE SIKH COMMUNITY IN INDIA AND ABROAD. RADICAL SIKHS HAVE SOUGHT TO ESCALATE HINDU-SIKH TENSIONS FURTHER BY COMMITTING ATROCITIES AGAINST HINDUS THROUGHOUT THE PUNJAB AND SURROUNDING STATES. THE RADICALS PROBABLY ARE HOPING TO PROVOKE VIOLENT HINDU REPRISALS AGAINST SIKH COMMUNITIES. SUCH AN OUTCOME WOULD SERVE ONLY TO ENHANCE THE CAUSE FOR KHALISTAN FURTHER BY EXACERBATING COMMUNAL ANIMOSITIES AND WEAKENING THE STANCE OF THE MODERATES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: SEE SEPARATE GROUP PROFILES FOR DAL KHALSA AND DASHMESH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. TERRA LLIURE false marked TERRA LLIURE showNameProp TERRA LLIURE TERRA LLIURE 10/28/92 GP00035 KEY WORDS: FREE LAND; TL DESCRIPTION: A LEFT WING CATALONIAN SEPARATIST TERRORIST GROUP FORMED IN THE 1970S WITH THE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT MARXIST STATE IN THE SPANISH PROVINCES OF VALENCIA AND CATALONIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: PRIMARILY SMALL-SCALE BOMBINGS AGAINST PROPERTY IN NORTHEASTERN SPAIN. TARGETS INCLUDE FOREIGN BANKS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED RECENT INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JULY, 1987: A BOMB DETONATED IN FRONT OF THE BANCO HISPANO-AMERICANO IN BARCELONA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. OCTOBER, 1987: A BOMB DETONATED IN A STAIRWELL OUTSIDE OF THE REAR ENTRANCE OF THE U.S. CONSULATE IN BARCELONA. EIGHT PERSONS WERE INJURED. TWO GROUPS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK: TERRA LLIURE, AND THE RED ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF CATALONIA (ERCA). DECEMBER, 1987: TWO EXPLOSIVE DEVICES WERE THROWN INTO THE "IRUNA" BAR IN BARCELONA, WHICH WAS THE TEMPORARY QUARTERS OF THE USO. ONE AMERICAN SAILOR DIED OF HIS INJURIES AND NINE OTHER U.S. SAILORS WERE INJURED. THE RED ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF CATALONIA (ERCA) AND TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. MARCH, 1988: TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE BRITISH CONSULATE IN BARCELONA IN SYMPATHY FOR THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY. MARCH, 1988: TWO BOMBS DETONATED IN BARCELONA. ONE WAS DIRECTED AT A CIVIL GUARDS BARRACKS; AND A WOMAN WAS INJURED. THE SECOND BOMB DAMAGED AN ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMER. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. MAY, 1988: ELEVEN PERSONS WERE INJURED IN BARCELONA AS A RESULT OF TWO BOMBS WHICH EXPLODED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF EACH OTHER AT A BANK. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JULY, 1988: THREE BOMBS DETONATED IN BARCELONA ON THE MORNING OF JULY 17. THE BOMBINGS TOOK PLACE AT THE OFFICES OF THE ELECTRIC COMPANY, AN UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE AND A BANK BRANCH. A FOURTH DEVICE WAS FOUND AT ANOTHER UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE AND DISARMED. TWO PERSONS WERE INJURED IN THE THREE EXPLOSIONS. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBINGS WHICH WERE CARRIED OUT TO PROTEST THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER STATION AND THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES TO BE HELD IN BARCELONA. AUGUST, 1988: A BOMB DETONATED AT A BAR LOCATED IN BARCELONA'S RED LIGHT DISTRICT. THE BAR WAS LOCATED BEHIND A CIVIL GUARDS BARRACKS. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. AUGUST, 1988: TWO BOMBS DETONATED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF AUGUST 25, 1988. ONE DEVICE DETONATED AT 3:15 AM, AND THE SECOND AT 4:30 AM. BOTH BOMBS DETONATED IN FRONT OF BANKS IN BARCELONA. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY STATING THAT THE BOMBINGS WERE IN RETALIATION OF THE BANKS' SUPPORT OF THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES. MAY, 1989: TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF A CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL ON THE ISLAND OF MALLORCA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. SEPTEMBER, 1989: TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A CIVIL GUARD POST IN GERONA PROVINCE IN WHICH TWO CIVIL GUARDS WERE SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. SEPTEMBER, 1989: TERRA LLIURE WARNED THAT THE 1992 BARCELONA OLYMPICS WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE GROUP'S "PRIMARY" TARGET. MARCH, 1990: THREE BOMBS DETONATED ON MARCH 9, 1990, OUTSIDE THREE COURTHOUSES IN BARCELONA. THERE WERE NO REPORTED CASUALTIES. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JULY, 1991: SPANISH MEDIA SOURCES REPORTED THAT TERRA LLIURE HAD UNDERGONE AN INTERNAL DIVISION IN WHICH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE GROUP AND A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE RANK AND FILE HAD VOTED TO CEASE TERRORIST ACTIVITIES. OCTOBER, 1991: A BOMB WAS FOUND IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN GERONA. THE DEVICE WAS DISARMED. WHILE NO PERSON OR GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEVICE, CIVIL GUARDS SOURCES STATED IT WAS OF THE TYPE USED BY TERRA LLIURE, AND THAT THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN AN AREA OF SPAIN IN WHICH TERRA LLIURE HAD HISTORICALLY OPERATED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEME false marked TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEME showNameProp TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEME j*j*TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT 10/28/92 GP00014 KEY WORDS: MRTA; MOVIMIENTO REVOLUCIONARIO TUPAC AMARU; MRTA-MIR DESCRIPTION: TRADITIONAL MARXIST-LENINIST REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT IN PERU FORMED IN 1983. LED BY NESTOR SERPA AND VICTOR POLAY. IT'S OBJECTIVE IS TO RID PERU - AND PERHAPS THE REGION - OF "IMPERIALIST" INFLUENCE AND ESTABLISH A MARXIST REGIME. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS THAN ANY OTHER GROUP IN LATIN AMERICA. IN 1990 AND 1991, TUAPC AMARU ATTACKED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR, BOMBED THE U.S. CONSULATE AND THE U.S.- PERUVIAN BINATIONAL CENTER, ATTACKED U.S. BUSINESSES AND MORMON CHURCHES. ALSO ATTACKED PERU'S PRESIDENTIAL PALACE AND PRESIDENT FUJIMORI'S AIRPLANE IN 1991. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 1,000 TO 2,000 COMBATANTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVED TRAINING IN CUBA. MAY HAVE TIES TO LIBYA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * CONDUCT "ARMED PROPOGANDA" TO DESTABILIZE THE GOVERNMENT OF PERU; * FORCE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OUT OF PERU; * CREATE AN IMAGE OF MRTA AS THE PERUVIAN MILITANT GROUP ALIGNED WITH MARXIST INTERNATIONAL REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENTS AND PROPONENTS, IN CONTRAST WITH THE XENOPHOBIC SENDERO LUMINOSO (SL) TERRORIST GROUP. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: WHEN THE MRTA'S NAME SURFACED IN 1984, MANY THOUGHT IT WAS SIMPLY A FRONT NAME FOR PERU'S MAJOR TERRORIST/INSURGENT GROUP, SENDERO LUMINOSO. AVAILABLE INFORMATION INDICATES THAT TUPAC AMARU IS AN INDEPENDDENT ORGANIZATION FORMED BY UNIVERSITY STUDENT RADICALS WHO ESPOUSE A CASROITE, MARXIST-LENINIST IDEOLOGY. DESPITE ITS SHORT HISTORY, THE MRTA HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE. IT HAS MADE ATTACK ON U.S. TARGETS A DEFINITE POLICY. THE TACTICS USED AND THE PROFICIENCY SHOWN IN MRTA ATTACKS INDICATE A RELATIVELY HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL. SOME CONTACT APPARENTLY EXISTS WITH OTHER LATIN AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY GROUPS, SUCH AS COLOMBIA'S 19TH OF APRIL MOVEMENT (M-19). SOME OF THE MRTA LEADERSHIP LIVED IN CUBA AND THE SOVIET UNION IN THE 1970S AFTER FLEEING PERU DURING A GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN ON STUDENT RADICALS. IN THE FALL OF 1986, THE MRTA ANNOUNCED A MERGER WITH THE REMNANTS OF AN EARLIER PERUVIAN RADICAL GROUP ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE MOVEMENT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY LEFT (MIR). THE GROUP THEN CONDUCTED A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN LIMA TO PUBLICIZE THE NEW ALLIANCE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MARCH, 1984: MACHINEGUNNED THE RESIDENCE OF A FORMER MINISTER OF ECONOMY. SEPTEMBER, 1984: MURDERED A NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER IN A MACHINEGUN ATTACK ON A GUARD POST AT THE LIMA NAVAL HOSPITAL. OCTOBER, 1984: FIRED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE U.S. EMBASSY BUILDING. MARCH, 1985: SET FIRE TO TWO KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN RESTAURANTS AND ATTEMPTED TO IGNITE A THIRD. JULY, 1985: WOUNDED THREE CIVILIANS IN SHOOTING AND BOMBING ATTACKS ON SIX LIMA POLICE STATIONS. NOVEMBER, 1985: BOMBED THE LIMA OFFICES OF THE TEXACO CORPORATION. NOVEMBER, 1985: FIRED SHOTS INTO THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND AND ATTEMPTED TO THROW A BOMB, WHICH DETONATED ON A SIDEWALK OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY. JANUARY, 1986: OCCUPIED TWO RADIO STATIONS AND BRADCAST A PROTEST OF U.S. SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY. APRIL, 1986: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR A CAR BOMB AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER BOMBS AT U.S AND U.S.- AFFILIATED BUILDINGS, INCLUDING BANKS AND BUSINESSES. AUGUST, 1986: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBS PLACED IN TWO GOVERNMENT OF PERU MINISTRY BUILDINGS A FEW DAYS AFTER ANNOUNCING AN END TO A SELF- PROCLAIMED TRUCE WITH THE GARCIA GOVERNMENT. SEPTEMBER, 1986: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON THE EMBASSY OF CHILE IN SOLIDARITY WITH LEFTIST GROUPS OPPOSING THE PINOCHET GOVERNMENT IN CHILE. DECEMBER, 1986: DYNAMITED SEVERAL U.S. OR U.S.- AFFILIATED FACILITIES. SLOGANS PAINTED ON THE BUILDINGS ANNOUNCED THE MERGER OF THE MRTA AND THE JANUARY, 1987: AMBUSHED AND MURDERED AN ARMY RECRUITING OFFICER IN HUANCAYO. JANUARY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A BUILDING WHICH HOUSED THE OFFICES OF A U.S. AIRLINE, THE UNITED NATIONS, AND THE EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA. FEBRUARY, 1987: TOOK OVER SIX RADIO STATIONS IN LIMA TO DENOUNCE THE GOVERNMENT. FEBRUARY-MARCH, 1987: BOMBED SEVERAL BRANCHES OF PERU'S LARGEST BANKS. MARCH, 1987: TOOK OVER A RADIO STATION, INVADED A CHURCH, AND OCCUPIED A PRIVATE MANUFACTURING CONCERN TO GIVE REVOLUTIONARY SPEECHES AND URGE PARTICIPATION IN THE "ARMED STRUGGLE." THIS FORM OF PROPAGANDIZING WAS A NEW MODUS OPERANDI FOR THE MRTA-MIR GROUPS. MARCH, 1987: DYNAMITED A CONTAINER COMPANY. A MANAGER WHO CHASED ONE TERRORIST WAS SHOT AND KILLED BY OTHER TERRORISTS DURING THEIR ESCAPE. APRIL, 1987: TOOK OVER A RADIO STATION IN TACNA AND BROADCAST A FIFTEEN MINUTE PRERECORDED MESSAGE CALLING FOR ARMED STRUGGLE AGAINST THE GARCIA GOVERNMENT. MAY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BLOWING UP FOUR BUSES IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL WORK STOPPAGE; AGAIN TOOK OVER LIMA RADIO STATIONS TO BROADCAST PRO-MRTA MESSAGES. JUNE, 1987: INVADED TWO RADIO STATIONS IN LIMA AND FORCED THEM TO BROADCAST A TAPE MARKING THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF A MRTA ATTACK DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BELAUNDE. JUNE, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE SUBURBAN LIMA BRANCH OF BANCO DE CREDITO; MRTA PROPAGANDA WAS FOUND AT THE SCENE. AUGUST, 1987: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR A GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. SEPTEMBER, 1987: BY SEPTEMBER HAD CONDUCTED SOME 39 BOMBINGS AT MAJOR BANKING FACILITIES IN ADDITION TO BOMBINGS AT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, UNIVERSITY SITES, AND U.S.-OWNED BUSINESS LOCATIONS. OCTOBER, 1987: SET OFF SMALL BOMBS AT THE BOLIVIAN EMBASSY AND AN ANNEX OF THE U.S. CONSULATE. NOVEMBER, 1987: A COLUMN OF MORE THAN EIGHTY MRTA INSURGENTS STAGED A CAREFULLY PLANNED, WELL-PUBLICIZED TAKEOVER OF JUANJUI, SAN MARTIN PROVINCE, DEPARTING THE AREA BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF GOVERNMENT SECURITY FORCES. FEBRAURY, 1988: CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE BUT NO INJURIES IN BOMBINGS OF SHELL OIL OFFICES, A PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY, A FURNITURE STORE, AND THE ARMCO PERU PLANT IN LIMA. MARCH, 1988: BOMBED THE LIMA HEADQUARTERS OF ANGLO-NETHERLANDS ROYAL DUTCH SHELL OIL COMPANY, INJURING TWO PERSONS AND CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. APRIL, 1988: SIMULTANEOUSLY BOMBED TWO LIMA U.S. INFORMATION SERVICE (USIS) BINATIONAL CENTERS, DAMAGING THEIR FACADES AND INJURING TWO. JUNE, 1988: FIRED THREE 60MM MORTAR ROUNDS AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR. THE ATTACK CAUSED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE. JULY, 1988: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR KIDNAPPING A PERUVIAN BUSINESSMAN. JANUARY, 1989: ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. IN THE FAILED ATTEMPT, FOUR BODYGUARDS WERE WOUNDED. JANUARY, 1989: FIREBOMBED A LIMA RESTAURANT FREQUENTED BY U.S. DIPLOMATS. THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES. FEBRUARY, 1989: RAIDED AND LOOTED A STATE-OWNED OIL FIELD CAMP. NO CASUALTIES. MARCH, 1989: BOMBED THE VENEZUELAN EMBASSY IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. OCTOBER, 1989: BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA. OCTOBER, 1989: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KIDNAPPING A RADIO/TELEVISION MAGNATE. DECEMBER, 1989: BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN AREQUIPA. NO CASUALTIES. DECEMBER, 1989: BOMBED A MORMON CHAPEL IN TARAPOTO. NO CASUALTIES. JANUARY, 1990: BOMBED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. MARINE EMBASSY GUARDS IN LIMA. ONE PASSERBY INJURED. FEBRUARY, 1990: BOMBED THE U.S. EMBASSY WAREHOUSE, THE PANAMANIAN EMBASSY, AND THE OFFICES OF A U.S. - AFFILIATED COMPANY. NO CASUALTIES. JULY, 1990: FORTY EIGHT MRAT MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE GROUP'S LEADER, ESCAPED FROM PRISON. JULY, 1990: BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN CUSCO. NO CASUALTIES. JULY, 1990: BOMBED THE LIMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. NO CASUALTIES. NOVEMBER, 1990: BOMBED THE OFFICES OF THE XEROX CORPORATION AND A SYNAGOGUE IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. NOVEMBER, 1990: CONDUCTED A ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST THE U.S. CONSULATE IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. NOVEMBER, 1990: BOMBED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO PERU AND THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. DECEMBER, 1990: BOMBED THE U.S., SOVIET, AND JAPANESE EMBASSIES, PLUS TWO DEPARTMENT STORES AND A SUPERMARKET IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. DECEMBER, 1990: CAR BOMB AT A SHOPPING MALL IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. FEBRUARY, 1991: BOMBED THE BRITISH CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES. FEBRUARY, 1991: BOMBED A U.S. - AFFILIATED SECURITY FIRM WHICH SERVED THE U.S. EMBASSY. TWO PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS WERE INJURED. FEBRUARY, 1991: BOMBED TWO RESTUARANTS (KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN & PIZZA HUT). SIX PERSONS WERE INJURED AT THE KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN SITE. MARCH, 1991: BOMBED TWO MORMON CHAPELS IN CHICLAYO. ONE INJURY. ADDITIONAL BOMBS WERE DOSCOVERED AND DISARMED AT TWO OTHER MORMON CHAPELS. NOVEMBER, 1991: GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. THREE WERE HURT. NOVEMBER, 1991: UNSUCCESSFUL MORTAR AND CAR BOMB ATTACK AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN LIMA. NO INJURIES. MARCH, 1992: CONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS AGAINST TWO RESTAURANTS IN LIMA, CLAIMING THAT THE MANAGERS HAD ACTED IN A "REPRESSIVE" MANNER DURING A PAY DISPUTE. ONE RESTAURANT WAS BOMBED AND THE OTHER WAS BURNED. THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES. MARCH, 1992: FIVE BOMBS DAMAGED AN ELECTRICAL POWER GRID BLACKING OUT PART OF THE CITY OF TRUJILLO.JULY, 1992: CONDUCTED MULTIPLE ATTACKS ON AT LEAST FOUR TOWNS. IN THE COURSE OF THE ATTACKS AT LEAST FOUR BANKS WERE LOOTED. TWO POLICE OFFICERS, ONE ARMY OFFICER, AND FIVE CIVILIANS WERE REPORTED KILLED. SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED. AUGUST, 1992: TUPAC AMARU DETONATED A MINE IN LIMA'S MIRAFLORES DISTRICT, FORCING AN ARMY TRUCK OFF OF A CLIFF. FIVE OF THE SOLDIERS IN THE TRUCK WERE KILLED AND SIX WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. A PASSERBY WAS REPORTED KILLED. AUGUST, 1992: OCCUPIED THE OFFICES OF UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL IN LIMA AND FORCED A CORRESPONDENT TO TRANSMIT A MESSAGE DENOUNCING PRESIDENT FUJIMORI OVER THE UPI WIRE. THE TERRORISTS LEFT BEHIND A BOMB WHICH WAS DISARMED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. Topics lastCard leavePage lastCard dobackup 4lastCard dobackup -- card that called false dontSearch topicText false sharedText textHeightProp `-WayzataGoPrevious buttonUp WayzataGoPrevious jWayzataGoNext buttonUp WayzataGoNext Go back go back buttonUp wayzataGoTo buttonUp wayzataGoTo 2 Special Topics Adoption (international) false marked Adoption (international) showNameProp Adoption (international) b(Consular Affairs Topics) INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR RELATING TO THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A PARTICULAR CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN ATTORNEYS OR FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SUMMARY The subject of international adoptions has become an issue of considerable concern to the Department of State and its embassies and consulates abroad in recent years. There has been an increasing incidence of illicit activities in the area of international adoptions by intermediaries and adoption agencies both in the foreign countries involved and in the United States. The Department considers adoptions to be private legal matters within the judicial sovereignty of the nation where the child resides. U.S. authorities, therefore, have no right to intervene on behalf of an individual American citizen with the courts in the country where the adoption takes place. However, while we cannot become directly involved in the adoption process, we do receive requests for assistance and information from American citizens who wish to adopt in foreign countries. Requests cover a broad range of subjects from the legal procedures involved to the expeditious issuance of immigrant visas to adopted children, or children being brought to the United States for the purpose of adoption. The information in this brochure is intended to provide a general overview of international adoptions and to warn prospective adoptive parents about problems they might encounter. DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE The Department of State can offer assistance in several important ways. We can provide information on the details of the adoption process in the foreign country; make inquiries on behalf of adoptive parents regarding the status of their cases before foreign tribunals; assist in the clarification of documentary requirements; provide information on the U.S. visa application and issuance process; and endeavor to ensure that Americans are not discriminated against by foreign authorities and courts. ANTICIPATING DIFFICULTIES American citizens who desire to adopt foreign children should be aware of the numerous problems and pitfalls which may beset them in the natural course of the tedious process of foreign adoptions. Generally, adopting parents may expect to be temporarily frustrated by some of the vagaries of transnational bureaucracies, but in the long run adherence to procedures established by the laws and regulations of the country where the adoption is taking place and avoidance of short-cuts will save time, effort, and heartache. One crucial fact which must be understood at the outset of any adoption is that the child is a national of the country of its origin (and remains so even after the adoption process is completed) and is subject to the jurisdiction of the foreign courts. Consequently, parents should be certain that the procedures they follow in arranging for such an adoption strictly comply with local (foreign) law. This is usually accomplished by dealing with a reputable, licensed international adoption agency which has experience in arranging adoptions in the particular foreign country, or, in the case of a private adoption, with a local attorney who has routinely handled successful adoptions. Adopting parents should be wary of any agency or attorney who claims to be able to streamline established procedures. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Procedural irregularities which sometimes result from an intermediary's desire to speed up the process can result in the foreign government's determination that the adoption is illegal and the refusal of that government to finalize the adoption. GENERAL PROCEDURES 1. Foreign Adoption Practices and Procedures The majority of countries require that the child who is placed for adoption be legally recognized as an orphan or, in the case where a parent is living, be legally and irrevocably released for adoption prior to any legal activity leading to final adoption of the child. Nowadays, most countries have enacted legislation which requires the full scale adoption of the child through the foreign court after the child has been declared an orphan. Some countries do allow "simple" "adoption", which means that the adopting parent(s) are granted guardianship of the child by the foreign court, thus permitting the child to leave the foreign country to be adopted in country of the adopting parent(s)' nationality. Some countries may accept the properly authenticated home study of the prospective adoptive parent(s) on its face. Other countries may require the personal appearance of the adoptive parent(s) before the foreign court. This could involve a protracted stay in the foreign country until the court approves the adoption. 2. U.S. Immigration Requirements In addition to the foreign adoption requirements, prospective adoptive parents must comply with U.S. immigration procedures. It is not possible, for example, to simply locate a child in a foreign country, then go to the U.S. embassy and obtain a visa for the child. Visa procedures in this area are complex, and designed with many safeguards to ensure that children adopted abroad or brought to this country for adoption are truly orphans and will go to healthy homes in the U.S. Contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the U.S. for information early in the process. One area which has been a source of confusion to prospective adoptive parents is whether a child identified in a foreign country actually meets the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration laws. A. Does the Child Meet the Definition of Orphan? Under Section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), foreign children may gain entry into the United States as "immediate relatives" of U.S. citizens. In this connection, the INA defines the term "orphan" as a "child under the age of 16 ... who is an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from, both parents, or for whom the sole surviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care (proper care has been ruled as proper care according to the local (foreign) standard of living, not the U.S. standard of living) and has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption." (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(F)). This means that a child who has been abandoned by both parents may meet the definition of orphan, for example, if the child has been unconditionally abandoned to an orphanage or legally documented as abandoned by a competent legal authority in the child's country of origin. B. Orphan Petitions for U.S. Immigration The procedures for adopting a child abroad or bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption must in all cases be initiated with INS. An orphan cannot be brought to the U.S. without a visa based on an INS approved petition (form I-600). If an adoptive parent(s) simply appears at a U.S. embassy or consulate asking for a visa for an adopted child with no prior processing and approval by INS, the visa cannot be issued immediately. The matter must be referred to INS. It could take a considerable period of time before INS could approve such a petition since a home study of the adoptive parent(s), fingerprint check, and any state pre-adoptive requirements would have to be completed. We urge all prospective adoptive parents to contact INS and initiate the requisite procedures before going abroad to look for a child. There are two separate procedures for the adjudication of orphan petitions. (1) Specific Child Identified and I-600 Petition Fully Approved By INS If the adoptive parent(s) has identified the child when beginning U.S. immigration processing, it is necessary to file petition form I-600 with the appropriate office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in the United States. In that case, INS adjudicates all aspects of the I-600 petition -- the suitability of the adoptive parent(s), compliance with any state pre-adoption requirements (if the child is to be adopted after entry into the U.S.), and the qualification of the child as an orphan within the meaning of Section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. INS will send the approved I-600 to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child will be adopted. If requested, INS will also send notification of their approval via telegram (the "visas 38" (adopted abroad) or "visas 39" (coming to the U.S. to be adopted) procedure) to help speed-up issuance of the U.S. visa. In the case of a fully approved I-600 petition, the consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consular abroad must verify that the facts alleged about the child in the approved petition are correct. Information casting doubt upon the child's eligibility as an orphan or disclosing a medical consideration not identified in the approved petition requires return of the petition to the approving INS office for reconsideration. (2) No Specific Child Identified and I-600A Approved by INS If prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States intend(s) to go abroad to locate a child for adoption the adoptive parent(s) should file an application on form I-600A for an advance determination of suitability as adoptive parent(s). This application is filed at the appropriate INS office in the United States with jurisdiction over the adoptive parent(s) place of residence. INS will evaluate the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the same manner as would be done if the parent(s) had filed an I-600 petition (see above) and will, if requested, forward the approved I-600A to the appropriate U.S. consular office or overseas office of INS. The INS office will, if requested, send notification of their approval via telegram (the "visas 37" procedure) to help speed-up the issuance of the U.S. visa. This message will also state whether the adoptive parent(s) have fulfilled applicable pre-adoption procedures in their state of residence. Prospective adoptive parent(s) who file and have approved a form I-600A, once having located the child to be adopted, must file a petition I-600 with the appropriate U.S. consular officer or INS office abroad or with their local INS office in the United States if more convenient. When prospective adoptive parent(s) file a petition form I-600 with a U.S. consular officer abroad after the approval of an I-600A application, the consular officer has the authority by delegation from INS to adjudicate the I-600, relying upon the approval of the I-600A for elements relating to the suitability of the parent(s) and establishing the eligibility of the child as an orphan, and compliance with any state pre-adoption requirements. If any doubt exists as to whether the petition may be approved, the consular officer must refer the petition to the appropriate overseas INS office for adjudication. A petition is clearly approvable only where primary documentation is presented which establishes the elements of eligibility. In orphan cases, there are certain possible circumstances which inherently cannot be documented by primary evidence. This could include issues such as the identity of the child, death of parent or parents, abandonment by parent or parents, disappearance or loss of, or separation from parent or parents and unconditional release by sole or surviving parent. A consular officer cannot approve an I-600 petition unless it is supported by primary evidence of all claimed elements of the eligibility of the child in question as an orphan within the meaning of section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. An I-600 petition supported, in whole or in part, by secondary evidence must be referred by the U.S. consular officer to the appropriate overseas INS office for adjudication. C. Child Who Does Not Meet the Definition of Orphan If the child does not meet the definition of orphan under the INA, the child may qualify to enter the U.S. under section 101(b)(1)(E) of the INA based on an adoptive relationship if the child was adopted before the age of 16 and if the child has been in the legal custody of, and has resided with, the adopting parent(s) for at least two years. The two year legal custody and residence period requirement may take place either before or after the adoption but must take place before issuance of a visa permitting the child to enter the U.S. This procedure should not be confused with the procedure for orphan petitions which has completely different requirements. D. "Proxy Adoptions" There are no provisions in INS regulations for approving petitions signed by agents with powers of attorney. In addition, a petition cannot be approved if a married petitioner signs the I-600 on behalf of his/her spouse (even with a power of attorney). A signature on a blank I-600 later completed when the child is located abroad is invalid, and no such petition can be approved. E. Procedures for Issuance of Immigrant Visa Once petition procedures listed above have been completed and foreign adoption requirements taken care of, an immigrant visa application appointment will need to be scheduled by the U.S. consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The officer will provide adoptive parent(s) with a list of visa requirements. Among other requirements, adopting parent(s) should be aware of the medical examination fee and the U.S. $150.00 immigrant visa fee (which must be paid either in local currency or U.S. dollars in cash or money order, cashiers check, or certified check). VALIDITY OF FOREIGN ADOPTION IN UNITED STATES In most cases the formal adoption of a child in a foreign court is accepted as lawful in the United States. In some instances, it will be necessary to re-adopt the child in the United States. For example, if the adoptive parent(s) did not see the child prior to or during the full adoption proceedings abroad, the child must be brought to the U.S. to be adopted here (IR-4). In the case of a married couple, both parents must see the child before the U.S. visa can be issued if the child is to be considered "adopted abroad". Otherwise, the parent(s) must be able to meet the pre-adoption requirements of their state of residence in order for the child to qualify for a U.S. visa to come to U.S. to be adopted here. This is true even if a full final adoption decree has been issued in the foreign country. Adoptive parents should determine in advance the requirements of their own particular state of residence. Some states do not recognize foreign contracted adoptions, while others have a post-registration requirement to confer legality on the adoption. The office of the state Attorney General in the state capital can provide such information. If no formal adoption is required by the country of the child's origin it will definitely be necessary for the child to be adopted in the state where the parents intend to reside with the child. Of course, a child brought to the U.S. for the purpose of being adopted here, rather than a child legally adopted abroad, must be adopted in accordance with state law. ADOPTION FRAUD The Department of State refers to INS for investigation all petitions for children whose adoptions have been arranged through private or organizational "facilitators" motivated by undue personal gain or improper profit, or other irregular practices. This policy flows from our general obligation to respect host country laws and is based on a strong desire on the part of the United States not to promote abuse of adoption procedures ("baby-selling", kidnapping, etc.), and not to permit its officials to engage in conduct that might cause a host country to prohibit altogether further adoptions of host country children by U.S. citizens. To this end, the Department of State has consistently expressed its support for measures taken by foreign states to reduce adoption abuses. Adoption fraud has recently been on the rise. Fraud can be perpetrated by the facilitator handling the adoption in the foreign country, especially if it is a private adoption, or by the facilitator or adoption agency in the United States. Unfortunately for adoptive parents, there exists a substantial black market trade in adoptive children. International adoptions have become a lucrative business in part because of the huge demand for adoptive infants in the United States. The lack of state regulatory requirements for international adoption agencies has permitted unscrupulous individuals to set up businesses, often without prior experience or expertise in the area of adoptions. Exorbitant fees in the tens of thousands of dollars have been extorted from prospective adoptive parents desperate to adopt. Abuses perpetrated by these agencies and individuals have included offering for adoption a supposedly healthy child who is later found to be seriously ill, or obtaining prepayment for adoption of a child who does not actually exist. (In some countries, it is advisable to have a child considered for adoption examined by a doctor before completing adoption procedures.) Many states in the U.S. have experienced problems with such unscrupulous practitioners. Some states have moved to revoke licenses or prosecute the individuals connected with these activities after receiving complaints from adoptive parents who have been defrauded. It should be noted, however, that by far, the majority of adoption agencies practicing in the United States are legitimate professional organizations with a wealth of experience in domestic and international adoptions. It is the continuing rise of unscrupulous practitioners, who act in violation of regulatory requirements, which taints international adoptions. Any problems experienced by American citizens in dealing with foreign attorneys or adoption agencies who employ these foreign attorneys should be reported to the American embassy or consulate or to the Office of Citizens Consular Services at the Department of State in Washington. Any problems experienced with agencies or intermediaries in the United States should be reported immediately to the appropriate state authorities, i.e., Health and Human Services office, police, District Attorney, Better Business Bureau, or state Attorney General's office. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service should also be notified of these activities. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - What Can You Do To Avoid Adoption Problems? Contact the local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service early in the adoption process. Request a copy of the INS publication M-249Y (Revised, 1990) "The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children". Contact the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services in Washington or the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country from which you desire to adopt to obtain information on adoption practices and procedures and ascertain if there are any particular problems of which you should be aware in connection with adoption from that country. Demand an accounting of the services for which you are paying an agency or intermediary. Find out if adoption agencies/intermediaries must be licensed in your state, and if so, whether the one you are working with is licensed. You might also check with the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs Office, or similar office of your District Attorney or Attorney General's office to obtain information about the past record of the agency/intermediary you have chosen to use. - What Can You Do About Problems Concerning an Orphan Petition for Immigration To the United States? If your problem concerns the adjudication of an orphan petition (I-600 or I-600A), discuss the matter with the INS examiner assigned to your case. If he/she is unable to assist you, ask to speak with the INS supervisory examiner. If the supervisor is unable to help, ask to speak with the next line supervisor/manager until you have reached the District Director or Officer-in-Charge. If the local INS office is unable to assist you, contact the Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the office handling your case. - Does an Adopted Child Automatically Acquire U.S. Citizenship? No. However, there does exist a mechanism by which the child can be expeditiously naturalized as a citizen of the United States. As of November 14, 1986, Section 341 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was amended to add subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) which permit an adopting parent or parents to apply to the Attorney General of the United States for a Certificate of Citizenship for an alien adopted child. Pursuant to Subsection (b)(1), the Attorney General shall issue a Certificate of Citizenship and the adopted child shall then automatically become a naturalized U.S. citizen if the following conditions have been established: (1) the adopting parent (and spouse, if married) are U.S. citizens. (2) the child meets the qualifications of Section 341(c)(2) of the INA. This Section defines "child" for the purposes of naturalization. The required criteria are (a) the child be under the age of 18, (b) the child was adopted before the age of 16 by a U.S. citizen parent, and (c) is residing in the United States in the custody of the adopting parent(s) pursuant to lawful admission for permanent residence. (3) the child is in the United States. How to Apply The administrative process requires that INS Form N-643 Application for Certificate of Citizenship in behalf of an Adopted Child, be filed with the INS before the child is 18 years of age. The child is not a citizen until the Form N-643 is approved and the certificate of citizenship is issued. For information, contact the INS office nearest you. - Are There Any International Agreements on Adoption? The United States is not a signatory to any international agreement or convention relating to international adoptions. The only existing international agreement on adoption is the HAGUE CONVENTION ON JURISDICTION, APPLICABLE LAW AND RECOGNITION OF DECREES TO ADOPTION of November 15, 1965 which entered into force on October 10, 1978. It is only in force in the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland. The Organization of American States (OAS) is in the process of drafting the INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION ON THE ADOPTION OF MINORS. This draft provides in part that the courts of a nation in which the adopting parents are habitually resident may grant an adoption decree and that the adopted child's country of origin should not prevent the child from leaving the country after an adoption is granted in the absence of a public order or for police reasons. We do not expect the convention to be completed or in effect until well after 1992. Forty nine countries, many of them countries from which children have been adopted, and ten international organizations, participated in the June 11-21, 1990 Hague Conference on Private International Law preliminary session in preparation for the drafting of a multilateral CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS. The June 1990 meeting was the first of four sessions aimed at adoption of the text of a convention for signature and ratification by States (countries) by spring 1993. - From which countries are children available for adoption? The availability of children for adoption from particular countries can change very rapidly. PROBLEMS For information about procedures in specific countries, please contact the appropriate geographic division of the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services: Europe and Canada Division (202) 647-3445 Inter-American Division (202) 647-3712 East Asia and Pacific Division (202) 647-3675 Near Eastern and South Asia Division (202) 647-3926 Africa Division (202) 647-4994 General recorded information about visa procedures is available from the Department of State's Visa Office at (202) 663-1225. For questions about U.S. visa petition procedures, contact the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service located in the Federal Government section of your telephone book under Department of Justice. Topics Carribean travel false marked Carribean travel showNameProp Carribean travel (Consular Affairs Topics) Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean Originally named the West Indies by explorers seeking a sea route to India, the Caribbean is the region of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea situated between North and South America and east of Central America. The islands extend for nearly 1,700 miles from Cuba in the west to Barbados in the east. The Caribbean was named for the Carib Indians whom Christopher Columbus encountered on his second voyage. Note that there is a travel advisory for Cuba. U.S. Treasury regulations restrict travel to Cuba. See page 13 for details. Travel to Mexico and to Central and South America is covered in separate publications. To order them, see the inside back cover. If you plan to visit to the most popular islands during high tourist season from mid-December to mid-April, confirm your hotel reservations two to three months in advance. There are, however, lesser-known islands where you can book first class accommodations on short notice. In addition, you can usually book reservations with ease during the off-season. However, if you visit the Caribbean during hurricane season from June to November, keep a weather eye out for hurricane warnings. Most of the islands in the Caribbean Sea belong to one of the 13 independent countries there. In addition, several islands and groups of islands in the Caribbean are part of or dependent upon France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States. For a directory of the major islands, see the next page. Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning conditions abroad that could affect U.S. citizens adversely. At the time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Cuba and Haiti. From time to time there have been travel advisories for other areas of the Caribbean. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818; telephone (202) 647- 5225. Travel advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you will be more than a couple of weeks in a place, or if you are going to a place where communications are poor, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. (See addresses at the end of this pamphlet.) Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember also to leave a detailed itinerary and the number of your passport or other citizenship document with a friend or relative in the United States. Entry and Exit Requirements Going: Every island in the Caribbean has entry requirements. Most countries allow you to visit for up to two or three months if you show proof of citizenship and a return or onward ticket. Some countries such as Trinidad and Tobago require that you have a passport. If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, many Caribbean countries require that you have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Some countries have an airport departure tax that can be as much as $15. For authoritative information on a countryUs entry and exit requirements and on its customs and currency regulations, contact its embassy, consulate, or tourist office in the United States. Returning - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some places in the Caribbean allow you to enter with only a voterUs registration card or a birth certificate to indicate your citizenship, U.S. Immigration requires that you document your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States. There are several countries, most notably, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Jamaica, where airlines have refused to board American citizens with insufficient proof of their U.S. citizenship. The resulting delays are at least inconvenient and are often expensive. The best document of U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents of U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity, either a valid driverUs license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable. Bringing Your Own Boat or Plane If you plan to arrive in the Caribbean in your own boat or plane, contact the embassy, consulate, or tourist office of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit. Besides title of ownership, at most ports of entry, you will need to show insurance coverage effective for the country you are entering. Some countries require a temporary import permit for your boat or plane. Authorities in the Caribbean are familiar with U.S. regulations for documentation of air and sea craft. They will detain improperly documented craft that enter their territory. In some countries, authorities will confiscate firearms found on a boat or plane unless the owner or master can show proof that U.S. licensing and export procedures have been followed. In addition, some countries impose a stiff prison term on the importation of illegal firearms. Customs and Currency Regulations Customs formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean. As a rule, one carton of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are permitted duty free into the islands. Most places tax additional quantities at a high rate. In general, tourists are permitted to enter with other commodities required for personal use. If you wish to bring firearms into any country, inquire at the countryUs embassy or consulate on the permit required. As noted above, some countries in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term on those who import illegal firearms. Currency regulations vary. Inquire about them when you check on entry requirements. In some countries, you must declare all currency and you may not take out more money than you brought into the country. Some countries limit the amount of their own currency that can be brought in or taken out. Be sure to bring enough money. Check with your travel agent about extra fees and taxes that may be overlooked in the tourist literature. Examples are hotel taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport departure taxes. When you convert your money to local currency, retain your receipts. You will need to show them if you wish to reconvert money upon departure. It is usually advantageous to reconvert local currency before departure. U.S. currency is used along with local currency in some places such as the Bahamas and Haiti. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. Immunizations are recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Polio is endemic in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. Malaria is prevalent in Haiti and in the rural, non-tourist areas of the Dominican Republic that border Haiti. If you are going to a malaria area, take a weekly dose of chloroquine, beginning two weeks before your trip. In addition, try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because malaria can break through any prophylactic drug. Review your health insurance policy. If it does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing temporary insurance that does. Social Security Medicare does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside the U.S. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or serous illness. Air evacuation to the United States can easily cost $15,000 if you are not insured. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads about about them in travel publications. If you should need medical attention during your trip, your hotel can recommend the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor, or you can obtain a list of local medical services from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In a medical emergency, a U.S. consul can assist you in finding medical services. The most prevalent health hazard in the Caribbean is one you can avoidQoverexposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and bring a shirt to wear over your bathing suit, especially if you plan to snorkle. Where the quality of drinking water is questionable, tourist hotels provide bottled water for guests. Travelers to remote areas should boil or chemically treat drinking water. Safety Tips Crime. The Caribbean has a somewhat slower pace than at home. However, petty thievery, purse snatching, and pick pocketing do happen, particularly in towns and at beaches. In some places, U.S. passports and identity documents are especially attractive to thieves. Robbery of yachts is a problem in some marinas. Here are a few common sense precautions to keep in mind: - Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home. - Use a money belt or concealed money pouch for passports, cash, and other valuables. - Do not take valuables to the beach. Use the hotel safe when you go to the beach or go to town. - When you enter a marina, register with the local government authorities. Water safety. Make certain that sports equipment, including scuba equipment, that you rent or buy meets international safety standards. If you use a pool or beach without a lifeguard, exercise extreme caution. The surf on the Atlantic side of an island can be rough; the Caribbean side is usually calmer. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. In some places, you may need to wear sneakers in the water for protection against sea urchins. Drug Offenses Most countries in the Caribbean have strict laws against the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs are often charged and tried as international traffickers. The penalty for carrying narcotcs into or out of the country can be 20 years imprisonment. In some places, there is no bail, there are long judicial delays, and you can spend more than two years awaiting trial. Conditions in some Caribbean prisons do not meet even minimum U.S. standards. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctorUs name, pharmacy, and contents. Judicial Systems When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while abroad, contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under local law. If you are detained, a consul can monitor your case and can make sure you are treated fairly under local laws. Driving in the Caribbean If you plan to rent a car, be aware that driving conditions are different from those at home. In the British and formerly British islands, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one drives on the left. If you are not used to this, proceed slowly and with utmost caution. To get the feeling of keeping left and of local driving customs, it may help to ride as a passenger for a while, mentally pretending you are the driver. Many Caribbean roads are narrow or winding, and road signs may not be in English. In some places, domestic animals roam freely. Defensive driving is a must because local driving patterns are not the same as at home and some of the other drivers may be tourists who are as confused as you are! Shopping: Avoid Wildlife Products Beware of purchasing a live animal or plant or an item made from one. Most such items are prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife or wildlife product. In particular, watch out for and avoid: - All products made from sea turtles, including turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics. - Fur from spotted cats. - Feathers and feather products from wild birds. - Birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots or parakeets. - Crocodile and caiman leather. - Black coral and most other coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry. Residence and Investments in the Caribbean You will need a passport and visa to reside in or do business in the Caribbean. Although some Caribbean countries welcome retirees or others of independent means as long-term residents, requests for work permits are rarely granted. Apply to a countryUs embassy or consulate in the United States if you wish to obtain a visa to reside, do business, or work in the country. U.S. citizens who wish to invest in a business in the Caribbean, such as real estate development, should first thoroughly investigate the company making the offer and, in addition, learn about the investment climate in the country. There are several ways to become informed. The U.S. Department of CommerceUs Caribbean Basin Business Development Center (202-377-2527) offers advice and can furnish and an investment climate statement for the place you are considering. The U.S. embassy or consulate for the country can also help by telling you: - if they have received any complaints about the company - where to find out if the company is registered with local authorities - what local authority or trade association can give you information about the company - and if there is a local American Chamber of Commerce or other organization of overseas Americans that could give you advice on the local business scene. Additonal Information on Some Countries BAHAMAS Criminal penalties for possession of and trafficking in drugs in the Bahamas are more severe than in the United States. The Bahamian court system has a heavy volume of pending cases, and Americans are often held in prison for months while awaiting trial. This is especially true in drug related cases. Be certain to budget for a hotel room tax, an energy surtax, an 15% obligatory gratuity in restaurants, and an airport departure tax. CAYMAN ISLANDS Persons wearing their hair in dreadlocks have occasionally been refused entry to the Caymans Islands. Cayman authorities say that they may Rrefuse entry to any person whose mode of dress or behavior, or unkempt appearance, may cause offence to the Caymanian community.S The authorities emphasize that Rthis policy does not automatically exclude from entry persons wearing their hair in any particular manner. However, if such persons are also unkempt and slovenly in their attire and behaviour, it is possible they could then be refused entry.S CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Drug laws are severe and strictly enforced in the Domincan Rupublic. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana or other illegal drugs can result in jail sentences and fines. The penalty for carrying narcotics into or out of the country is five to 20 years imprisonment. The only legal currency in the Dominican Republic is the peso, and it should be purchased only at authorized hotels and banks. In crackdowns on black market activity, American tourists have sometimes been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions. No more than $5000 may be taken from the Domincan Republic upon departure. There may be restrictions on minor children being allowed to leave the Domincan Republic without their parent(s). A child without a U.S. passport may be particularly vulnerable to being denied permission to travel. If this applies to you, check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and learn their requirements before you travel there. JAMAICA Crime is a particularly serious problem in Jamaica, both in Kingston and in the north coast tourist areas. Visitors should not walk around at night and should avoid public transportation, except for licensed taxis. Particular care should be taken at isolated villas and small establishments. Child abduction information false marked Child abduction information showNameProp Child abduction information m(Consular Affairs Topics) International Child Abduction TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PART I - HOW TO GUARD AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION How Vulnerable is Your Child? Cross-cultural Marriages: Should Your Child Visit the Country of the Other Parent? Precautions That Any Vulnerable Parent Should Take The Importance of a Custody Decree How to Draft or Modify a Custody Decree Prevention: How a Custody Decree Can Help U.S. Passports Foreign Passports-The Problem of Dual Nationality PART II - HOW TO SEARCH FOR A CHILD ABDUCTED ABROAD Where to Report Your Missing Child ...... The Search and Recovery-A Basic Guide Further Steps to Take in Your Search PART III - ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION: THE HAGUE CONVENTION What is Covered by the Convention How to Invoke the Hague Convention The Role of the U.S. Central Authority (CCS) PART IV - LEGAL SOLUTIONS IN COUNTRIES NOT PARTY TO THE HAGUE CONVENTION Using the Civil Justice System How to Proceed What Are Your Chances of Success? Using the Criminal Justice System: What is Involved? The Steps to Take Prosecution of Agents or Accomplices of the Abductor Implications of a Warrant for a U.S. Citizen Implications of a Warrant for a Non-U.S. Citizen The Possibility of Extradition PART V - OTHER SOLUTIONS: SETTLING 'OUT OF COURT' Promoting Communication Between Parents and Children Obtaining Information on Your Child's Welfare ............ Working With Foreign Authorities The Difficult Question of Desperate Measures PART VI - REFERENCE Directory: Where to go for Assistance Uniform State and Federal Laws on Custody, Parental Child Abduction and Missing Children U.S. Court Decisions Q Citations Foreign Court Decisions Q Citations Reading List U.S. Government Documents on the Hague Convention Application For Assistance Under the Hague Convention PART VII - AFTER AN ABDUCTION Q A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS... INTRODUCTION Parental child abduction is a tragedy. When a child is abducted across international borders, the difficulties are compounded for everyone involved. The parent who is left behind faces not only the pain of loss but also magnified frustration and helplessness because the child is beyond the reach of U.S. law. The Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) deals with the victims of international parental child abduction every day. Since the late 1970's, we have been contacted in the cases of approximately 4500 American children who were either abducted from the United States or prevented from returning to the United States by one of their parents. At the time of publication, we have over 660 active, unresolved cases on file. This pamphlet is written in the interest of protecting the rights of U.S. citizens, both children and adults. It is addressed to the adult most directly affected by international child abduction, the left- behind parent. You, as the deprived parent, must direct the search and recovery operation yourself. Because it can be a bewildering experience, we have prepared a checklist for you (see page 27 at the end of the booklet). In this booklet we tell you what the Department of State can and cannot do to help you. In addition, because we are only part of the network of resources available to you, we have tried to mention all the other avenues to pursue when a child or children have been abducted across international borders. Because your case is unique, you will have to decide how much of the information here is useful and in what order you wish to use it. If you have any further questions, please call us at 202-647-3666, or write us: CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Sixth Edition May 1992 Department of State Publication 9966 Bureau of Consular Affairs Revised May 1992 The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, the Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/PA - Room 5807, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. PART I HOW TO GUARD AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION How Vulnerable is Your Child? In international parental child abduction, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You and your child are most vulnerable when your relationship with the other parent is broken or troubled, the other parent has close ties to another country, and the other country has traditions or laws that may be prejudicial to a parent of your gender or to aliens in general. Cross-cultural Marriages: Should You or Your Child Visit the Country of the Other Parent? Many cases of international parental child abduction are actually cases in which the child traveled to a foreign country with the approval of both parents but was later prevented from returning to the United States. Sometimes the marriage is neither broken nor troubled, but the foreign parent, upon returning to his or her country of origin, decides not to return to the U.S. or to allow the child to do so. A person who has assimilated a second culture may find a return to his or her roots traumatic and may feel a pull to shift loyalties back to the original culture. A person's personality may change when he or she returns to the place where they grew up. In some traditional societies, children must have their father's permission and a woman may have to have her husband's permission to travel. If you are a woman, to prevent your own or your child's detention abroad, find out about the laws and traditions of the country you plan to visit or to allow your child to visit, and consider carefully the effect that a return to his roots might have on your husband. Precautions That Any Vulnerable Parent Should Take Even if your marriage is legally intact, you may feel that your child is vulnerable to abduction by your spouse. Be alert to the possibility and be preparedQkeep a list of the addresses and telephone numbers of the other parent's relatives, friends, and business associates both here and abroad. Keep a record of other important information on the other parent, including these numbers: passport, social security, bank account, driver's license, and auto license. In addition, keep a written description of your child, including hair and eye color, height, weight, and any special physical characteristics. Take color photographs of your child every six months. If your child should be abducted, this information could be vital in locating your child. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has other suggestions that a parent can take if he or she fears the other parent will abduct their child. Teach your child to use the telephone; practice making collect calls; instruct him or her to call home immediately if anything unusual happens, such as anyone telling the child that you have died or that you don't love the child anymore. If you feel your child is vulnerable to abduction, get professional counseling from a social worker or a lawyer. Do not merely tell a friend about your fears. The Importance of a Custody Decree Under the laws of many American states and many foreign countries, if there is no decree of custody, both parents are considered to have legal custody of their child and a parent-snatched child is generally not considered legally abducted. If you are contemplating divorce or separation, or are divorced or separated, or even if you were never legally married to the other parent, obtain a decree of sole custody for your child as soon as possible. If you have or would prefer to have a joint custody decree, make certain that it prohibits your child from traveling abroad without your permission. How to Draft or Modify a Custody Decree A well-written custody decree is an important line of defense against international parental child abduction. The American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) have developed recommendations for writing custody decrees to help prevent the abduction of your child if your spouse is an alien or a U.S. citizen with ties to a foreign country. For instance, court- ordered supervised visitation and/or impounding the other parent's passport may be advisable. If the country to which your child might be taken is a member of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction (see page 7), the custody decree should state that the parties agree that the terms of the Hague Convention apply should an abduction occur. The ABA also suggests having the court require the alien parent or the parent with ties to a foreign country to post a bond. This may be useful both as a deterrent to abduction and, if forfeited because of an abduction, as a source of revenue for you in your efforts to locate and recover your child. For further information on drafting custody decrees, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The address of the NCMEC is on page 17. Prevention: How a Custody Decree Can Help Obtain several certified copies of your custody decree from the court that issued it. Give a copy to your child's school. A school that is aware of a custody decree has a basis for refusing to release a child to a noncustodial parent and for notifying both the custodial parent and the police if a problem should arise. U.S. Passports If you have a U.S. court order that either grants you sole custody of your child or prohibits your child from traveling without your permission, you can prevent the issuance of a U.S. passport for your child. Call the Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance, Office of Passport Services in the Department of State on 202-326-6168. You will need to follow your call with a written request and enclose a certified copy of your custody decree. The address is: 1425 K Street N.W., Room 300, Washington, D.C. 20522-1708. Your child's name will be entered in a computerized passport namecheck list and the Passport Office can refuse to issue the child a passport anywhere in the United States or at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. A passport already issued to your child cannot be revoked, however. Foreign Passports Q the Problem of Dual Nationality Most U.S. citizen children who fall victim to international parental abduction possess dual nationality. While the Department of State will make every effort to avoid issuing a U.S. passport if the custodial parent has provided a custody decree, the Department cannot prevent embassies and consulates of other countries in the United States from issuing their passports to children who are also their nationals. You can, however, request the foreign embassy and consulates not to issue a passport to your child. Send them a written request, along with certified copies of any custody decrees, court orders, or warrants you have. In your letter, inform them that you are sending a copy of this request to the Department of State. If your child is only a U.S. citizen, you can request that no visa for that country be issued in his or her U.S. passport. No international law requires compliance with such requests, but some countries will comply voluntarily. PART II HOW TO SEARCH FOR A CHILD ABDUCTED ABROAD Note: If your child has been abducted to a country that is a party to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, see page 7 before you read further. At present, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belize, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia are parties to the Convention. Where to Report Your Missing Child 1. If your child has been abducted and you do not know where he or she is, file a missing person report with your local police department and request that your child's name and description be entered into the "missing persons" section of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer. This is provided for under the Missing Children's Act of 1982 (see page 18). The abductor does not have to be charged with a crime when you file a missing person report. In addition, through Interpol, the international criminal police organization, your local police can request that a search for your child be conducted by the police in the country where you believe your child may have been taken. You may be able to achieve all of the above even if you do not have a custody decree. 2. Report the abduction to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678. With the searching parent's permission, the child's photograph and description may be circulated to the media in the country to which you believe the child may have been taken. At the same time that you report your child missing, you should contact a lawyer to obtain a decree of sole custody if you do not already have one. In many states, a married parent can obtain a temporary decree of sole custody if the other parent has taken their child. 3. Have your child's name entered into the U.S. passport namecheck system (see page 3). Even if your child is already abroad, his or her name should be in the system so that a U.S. passport application for your child can be denied anywhereQabroad or in the United States. 4. The Department of State, when requested to do so, conducts welfare and whereabouts searches for American citizens missing abroad. In an emergency, the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) will cable such a request for you to the U.S. embassy or consulate responsible for the area to which you believe your child has been abducted. Call us on 202-647-3666 and have ready as much as you can of the following information on the child: Q full name, Q date and place of birth, Q passport number, date, and place of issuance; and on the abductor: Q full name (and any aliases), Q date and place of birth, Q passport number, date, and place of issuance, Q occupation, Q probable date of departure, Q flight information, Q details of ties to a foreign country, such as the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of friends, relatives, place of employment, or business connections there. A consular officer overseas, working with this information, will try to find your child. The consular officer may also request information from local officials on your child's entry or residence in the country. Unfortunately, not every country maintains such records in a retrievable form, and some countries may not release such information. We may also ask you for photographs of both your child and the abducting parent because these are often helpful to foreign authorities trying to find a missing child. The Search and RecoveryQa Basic Guide It is possible that none of the institutions listed above (the police, the NCMEC, or the Department of State) will succeed in locating your child right away and you will need to carry out the search on your own. As you search, you should, however, keep these institutions informed of your actions and progress. This booklet attempts to cover the international aspects of your search and recovery effort, but for other information, you should have a more basic guide. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children publishes Parental Kidnapping: How to Prevent an Abduction and What to Do If Your Child Is Abducted. For a copy, call 703-235-3900, or write the NCMEC at: 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550; Arlington, VA, 22201. This publication guides you through the legal system, helps you organize your search, and supplies a list of local support groups. We have relied heavily on the NCMEC guide for the following list of suggestions. Further Steps to Take in Your Search Q One of the best ways to find your child overseas is through establishing friendly contact with relatives and friends of the other parent, either here or abroad. You may have more influence with such persons than you suspect, and their interest in your child's welfare may lead them to cooperate with you. Q Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Child Support Enforcement maintains the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS). The primary purpose of this service is to locate parents who are delinquent in child support payments, but the service will also search for parental abductors when requested to do so by a judge or law enforcement agent. Using the abductor's social security number, the FPLS searches the records maintained by such federal agencies as the Internal Revenue Service, Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Department of Defense, and the National Personnel Records Center. An abductor who has had a connection with any of the above might, even from abroad, renew a connection with one of them. Q To obtain information on requests that may have been made by the abductor to your child's school for the transfer of your child's records, you can contact the principal of the school. You will need to give the school a certified copy of your custody decree. Q You can find out from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children how to prepare a poster on your child. A poster may assist foreign authorities in attempting to locate your child. Q You can ask your local prosecutor to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to see if a 'mail cover' can be put on any address that you know of in the United States to which the abductor might write. Q You can ask local law enforcement authorities to obtain, by subpoena or search warrant, credit card records that may show where the abductor is making purchases. In the same manner, you can try to obtain copies of telephone company bills of the abductor's friends or relatives who may have received collect calls from the abductor. PART III ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION: THE HAGUE CONVENTION The most difficult and frustrating element for most parents whose child has been abducted abroad is that U.S. laws and court orders are not directly enforceable abroad. Each sovereign country has jurisdiction within its own territory and over persons present within its border, and no country can force another to decide cases or enforce laws within its confines in a particular way. Issues that have to be resolved between sovereign nations can only be handled by persuasion or by international agreement. The increase in international marriages since World War II increased international child custody cases to the point where 23 nations, meeting at the Hague Conference on Private International Law in 1976, agreed to seek a treaty to deter international child abduction. Between 1976 and 1980, the United States was a major force in preparing and negotiating the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Convention came into force for the United States on July 1, 1988, and applies to abductions or wrongful retentions that occurred on or after that date. In the United States, federal legislation, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (P.L. 100-300), was enacted to implement the Convention in this country. The United States actively encourages other countries to become party to the Convention. As of May 1992, the Convention is also in force in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belize, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia. Other countries are working toward ratification. Call or write the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) to learn if additional countries have joined (address on page If your child has been abducted to a country that is not party to the Convention, see Part IV on page 10, "Legal Solutions in Countries Not Party to the Hague Convention." What Is Covered by the Convention The countries that are parties to the Convention have agreed with each other that, subject to certain limited exceptions, a child wrongfully removed to or retained in a party country shall promptly be returned to the party country where the child habitually resided before the wrongful removal or retention. The Convention also provides a means for helping parents to exercise visitation rights abroad. There is a treaty obligation to return an abducted child below the age of 16 if application is made within one year from the date of the wrongful removal or retention. After one year, the court is still obligated to order the child returned unless the person resisting return demonstrates that the child is settled in the new environment. A court may refuse to order a child returned if there is a grave risk that the child would be exposed to physical or psychological harm or otherwise placed in an intolerable situation. A court may also decline to return the child if the child objects to being returned and has reached an age and degree of maturity at which the court can take account of the child's views. Finally, the return of the child may be refused if the return would violate the fundamental principles of human rights and freedoms of the country where the child is being held. These exceptions have been interpreted narrowly by courts in the United States and the other countries party to the Convention. How to Invoke the Hague Convention You do not need to have a custody decree to invoke the Convention. However, to apply for the return of your child, you must have been actually exercising a "custodial right" at the time of the abduction and you must not have consented to the removal or retention of the child. If there was no court order in effect at the date of the abduction, custodial rights are provided in the statutes of most states. You may apply for the return of your child or the ability to exercise your visitation rights. You can also ask for assistance in locating your child and for information on your child's welfare. Each country that is a party to the Convention has designated a Central Authority to carry out specialized duties under the Convention. You may submit an application either to the U.S. Central Authority or directly to the Central Authority of the country where the child is believed to be held. The Central Authority for the United States is the Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS). An application form to invoke the Hague Convention follows page 22. Furnish as much of the information called for as possible, using an additional sheet of paper if you need more space. Submit the original and one copy of the application to CCS along with two copies of any supporting documents asked for in section IX of the form. It may be necessary for you to have some of the supporting documents translated into the official language of the requested country. Ask CCS what documents, if any, must be translated. Also ask CCS about additional documentation which may be required. Mail you application to: CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520- 4818. The Role of the U.S. Central Authority (CCS) CCS will review your application to ensure that it complies with the Convention. If it does, we will forward it to the foreign Central Authority and work with that authority until your case is resolved. If the abducting parent does not voluntarily agree to the return of your child, you may be required to retain an attorney abroad to present your case to the foreign court. If you need to retain an attorney abroad, see "How to Proceed" on page 10. The Department of State is prohibited from acting as an agent or attorney in your case. We can, however, help in many other ways. We can give you information on the operating procedures of the Central Authority in the country where your child is believed to be located. We can help you obtain information on the laws of the state in which your child resided prior to the abduction and can transmit statements concerning the wrongfulness of the abduction under the laws of that state. Six weeks after court action commences, we can request a status report. The Central Authority in the country where your child is located, however, has the primary responsibility of responding to your application. In the words of the Convention, those countries agree to "ensure that rights of custody and access under the law of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other Contracting State." PART IV LEGAL SOLUTIONS IN COUNTRIES NOT PARTY TO THE HAGUE CONVENTION If your child has been abducted to a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention, you can seek legal remedies against the abductor, in the United States and abroad, from both the civil and criminal justice systems. The family court system where you get your custody decree is part of the civil justice system. At the same time you are using that system, you can also use the criminal justice system consisting of the police, prosecutors, and the FBI. We will discuss each system in turn. Using the Civil Justice System How To Proceed After you obtain a custody decree in the United States, your next step is to use the civil justice system in the country to which your child has been abducted. The Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) can provide information on the customs and the legal practices in the country where your child is. We can also give you general information on how to serve process abroad or obtain evidence from abroad, and on how to have documents authenticated for use in a foreign country. You may write or telephone CCS for two information sheets: Retaining a Foreign Attorney, and Authentication (or Legalization) of Documents in the United States for Use Abroad. To obtain authoritative advice on the laws of a foreign country or to take legal action in that country, you should retain an attorney there. U.S. consular and diplomatic officers are prohibited by law from performing legal services (see 22 C.F.R. 92.81). We can, however, provide you with a list of attorneys in a foreign country who speak English, who may be experienced in parental child abduction or family law, and who have expressed a willingness to represent Americans abroad. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad prepare these lists. A note of caution: attorney fees can vary widely from country to country. The fee agreement that you make with your local attorney should be put into writing as soon as possible to avoid potentially serious misunderstanding later. Although officers at U.S. embassies and consulates cannot take legal action on behalf of U.S. citizens, consular officers can assist in clarifying communication problems with a foreign attorney. Consular officers may at times be able to inquire about the status of proceedings in the foreign court, and they will coordinate with your attorney to ensure that your rights as provided for by the laws of that foreign country are respected. Once you retain a foreign attorney, send him or her a certified copy of your custody decree and of any court orders and/or state and federal warrants. Also send copies of your state's laws on custody and parental kidnapping and the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and copies of reported cases of your state's enforcement of foreign custody decrees under Section 23 of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can help you gather these materials (address on page 17). Continued.... Child abduction (more) false marked Child abduction (more) showNameProp Child abduction (more) q(Consular Affairs Topics) International Child Abduction+++ PART IV Continued.... What Are Your Chances of Success? Courts in foreign countries, like U.S. courts, have jurisdiction over people residing in their territory. A custody decree issued by a court in the United States has no binding legal force abroad though it may have a persuasive force in some countries. Foreign courts decide child custody cases on the basis of their own domestic relations law. This may give a "home court" advantage to a person who has abducted a child to the country of his or her origin. You could also be disadvantaged if the country has a cultural bias in favor of a mother or a father. However, a U.S. custody decree may be considered by foreign courts and authorities as evidence and, in some cases, may be recognized and enforced by them on the basis of comity (the voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another). Your chances of having your U.S. court order enforced depend, to a large degree, upon the tradition of comity that the legal system of the country in question has with the U.S. legal system. CCS can give you some information on these traditions. Using the Criminal Justice System: What Is Involved? National criminal justice systems have established international links. Through Interpol, the international criminal police organization, law enforcement authorities in many countries cooperate in the location and apprehension of international fugitives. In addition, when two countries have an extradition treaty between them that includes child abduction as an extraditable offense, criminals may be surrendered from one country to the other. Many countries, however, do not extradite their own citizens, and the abducting parent is likely to be a citizen of the country to which the child is taken. In addition, it must be remembered that extradition does not apply to the abducted child, but only to the abducting parent. Contact CCS to find out if extradition is a viable option in your case. Your decision on whether or not to try to use the criminal justice system depends upon the circumstances of your case. Again, CCS can give you information on the criminal justice system of a particular country and whether or not it cooperates internationally. A more difficult question is one that you must answer: what will be the reaction of the abductor to the threat of criminal prosecution? One abductor might be afraid and return the child, another might go deeper into hiding. Another question to ask yourself is whether you are prepared to testify against the abductor if he or she is brought to trial. How far are you willing to pursue criminal prosecution? Unless you are willing to testify in court against the abductor, you should not pursue criminal prosecution. The Steps To Take Once you have a U.S. custody decree, you or your attorney may contact your local prosecutor or law enforcement authorities to request that the abducting parent be criminally prosecuted and that an arrest warrant be issued, if provided for by your state law. In some states, parental child abduction or custodial interference is a misdemeanor; however, in most states it is a felony. If you are able to obtain a warrant, the local prosecutor can contact the F.B.I. or your state's U.S. Attorney to request the issuance of a Federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant for the arrest of the abductor. The Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 provides for the issuance of this warrant (see page 18). Once a warrant has been issued for the abductor's arrest, ask local law enforcement authorities or the F.B.I. to enter the abductor's name in the 'wanted persons' section of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer. Prosecution of Agents or Accomplices of the Abductor Find out if your state has laws that allow legal action to be taken against agents or accomplices to an abduction. Consider whether such actions would be useful in learning your child's whereabouts or compelling the return of your child. Implications of an Arrest Warrant for a U.S. Citizen If the abducting parent is a U.S. citizen and the subject of a federal arrest warrant, the F.B.I. or U.S. Attorney's office can ask the Department of State, Passport Services, to revoke the person's U.S. passport. This may or may not be a burden to an abducting parent who, as a dual national, may also carry a foreign passport. However, an abducting parent who is only a U.S. citizen becomes an undocumented alien in a foreign country if his or her U.S. passport is revoked. Some countries may deport undocumented aliens or at least make it difficult for them to remain in the country. To arrange for a U.S. passport to be revoked, the F.B.I. or U.S. Attorney must send a copy of the UFAP warrant to the Department of State's Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance (telephone: 202-326-6168). The regulatory basis for revocation of passports is found in the Code of Federal Regulations: 22 C.F.R. 51.70, et seq. In certain circumstances you may decide that revoking the abducting parent's passport will not achieve the desired result. For example, if you know the location of the other parent, there is always the possibility of negotiation and a settlement or, at least, there is the possibility of communication with your child. However, if the abducting parent is threatened with passport revocation, he or she might choose to flee with your child again. In child abduction cases, Passport Services does not revoke an abductor's passport automatically. Instead they will work with the Office of Citizens Consular Services to make a decision, taking into consideration your wishes, the location of your child, and other specific details of your case. Implications of a Warrant for a Non-U.S. Citizen Even if the abductor is not a U.S. citizen, the existence of a UFAP warrant is important. Such a warrant may encourage the abducting parent to return the child voluntarily, especially if he or she has business or other reasons to travel to the United States. The warrant also serves to inform the foreign government that the abduction of the child is a violation of U.S. law and that the abductor is a federal fugitive. An arrest warrant is also necessary if you wish to have authorities seek extradition of the abductor. The Possibility of Extradition Extradition, the surrender of a fugitive or prisoner from one jurisdiction to another for criminal prosecution, is rarely used in international child abduction cases. Extradition may not be used to accomplish a civil purpose such as resolution of a child custody dispute. Extradition is possible only when the local prosecutor determines that there is a "prosecutable case" (e.g., that you will testify fully and truthfully at trial). Aside from the fact that extradition can only be used for criminal justice purposes, there are other factors to consider. There is no guarantee that a wrongfully removed or retained child will be returned with the abductor. Threatened with extradition, he or she might hide the child with a friend or relative in the foreign country. Another reason extradition is seldom used is that it is available only for serious crimes, and many countries, unlike the United States, do not consider parental child abduction a serious crime. Many extradition treaties were written before international parental child abduction became a widely recognized phenomenon. Child abduction is not listed as an extraditable offense in most of the older U.S. extradition treaties. The United States, as it negotiates new extradition treaties or amends old ones, is trying to persuade foreign countries to treat international child abduction as a serious criminal offense. Another limitation on extradition is that many countries, including most countries in Latin America and Western Europe, will not extradite their own nationals. Finally, efforts to extradite the abductor for criminal proceedings may conflict with the civil remedies provided by the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction (see page 7). Nevertheless, extradition remains a possibility. For extradition to be possible: Q your local prosecutor must decide to prosecute your case and you must be prepared to testify; Q child abduction must be considered a serious crime in the other country; Q there must be a treaty or other extradition mechanism between the United States and the country where your child is held; Q child abduction must be covered under the treaty; Q and, if the abductor is a national of the country in question, the country must be one that will extradite its own nationals. PART V OTHER SOLUTIONS: SETTLING 'OUT OF COURT' Promoting Communication Between Parents and Children Legal procedures can be long and expensive. Reunion with your child, using this route, depends ultimately on the successful use of the legal system of a foreign country. You may have greater success working in an area even more difficult than the legal systemQthe area of negotiation with the abducting parent. In some cases, friends or relatives of the abductor may be able to help you establish amicable relations with the abductor and may be willing to help mediate a compromise. A decrease in tension might bring about the return of your child, but, even if it does not, it can increase your chances of being able to visit the child and participate in some way in the child's upbringing. Sometimes compromise and some kind of reconciliation are the only solution. Obtaining Information on Your Child's Welfare If your child has been found, but cannot be recovered, you can request that a U.S. consular officer visit the child. If the consul succeeds in seeing your child, he or she will send you a report on your child's health, living conditions, schooling, and other information. Sometimes consular officers are also able to send you letters or photos from your child. If the abducting parent will not permit the consular officer to see your child, the U.S. embassy or consulate will request the assistance of local authorities, either to arrange for such a visit or to have a local social worker make a visit and provide a report on your child's health and welfare. Contact the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) to request such a visit. Working With Foreign Authorities In child abduction cases, consular officers routinely maintain contact with local child welfare and law enforcement officers. If there is evidence of abuse or neglect of the child, the U.S. embassy or consulate will request that local authorities become involved to ensure the child is protected. This may mean removal of your child from the home for placement in local foster care. The Difficult Question of Desperate Measures Consular officers cannot take possession of a child abducted by a parent or aid parents attempting to do so in violation of the laws of a foreign country. Consular officers must act in accordance with the laws of the country to which they are accredited. If a parent regains physical possession of a child, the U.S. embassy or consulate can, however, issue a passport to the child (if the child is a U.S. citizen) in the absence of a foreign court order prohibiting removal of the child from its jurisdiction. If the foreign court order conflicts with an American court order that gives you custody, a passport for the child will generally be issued. The consular officer also can, if appropriate, issue repatriation loans to the parent and child. Before considering desperate measures, however, you should read the information available from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the emotional trauma inflicted on a child who is a victim of abduction and reabduction. The NCMEC discourages reabduction not only because it is illegal, but also because of possible psychological harm to the child. Attempts to spirit an abducted child back to the United States from a foreign country may endanger your child and others, would prejudice any future judicial efforts you might wish to make in that country, and may result in your arrest and imprisonment. In determining sentencing, the foreign court might not give weight to the fact that the would-be abductor was the custodial parent in the United States. If you successfully return to the United States with your child, you, and anyone who assisted you, may be subject to extradition to and prosecution in the country from which you abducted the child. Nor is there any guarantee that the chain of abductions would end there: a parent who has reabducted a child may have to go to extraordinary lengths to conceal their whereabouts, living in permanent fear that the child may be reabducted again. PART VI REFERENCE Directory Q Where to Go for Assistance Consular Assistance: Child Custody Division 202-647-3666 Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) Department of State 220l C Street, N.W., Room 4817 Washington, D.C. 20520-4818 U.S. Passport Restrictions: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance 202-326-6168 Passport Services Department of State 1425 K Street, N.W., Room 300 Washington, D.C. 20522-1705 General Technical Assistance: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 703-235- 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 24-hour hot line for emergencies: 1-800-843-5678 TTD 1-800-826-7653 For ABA Publications: American Bar Association (ABA) 312-988-5555 750 Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60611 For Information on the Federal Parent Locator Service: Department of Health and Human Services 202-401-9267 Office of Child Support Enforcement Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20447 Uniform State and Federal Laws on Custody, Parental Child Abduction, and Missing Children The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act of 1968 (UCCJA) was written to eliminate nationwide the legal incentives for forum-shopping and child-snatching by parents, and to encourage communication, cooperation and assistance between state courts in the resolution of interstate child custody conflicts. It is now the law, with some variations, in every state and the District of Columbia. Section 23 of the UCCJA expressly provides that the general policies of the Act extend to the international arena. It further provides that custody decrees made in other countries by appropriate judicial or administrative authorities will be recognized and enforced in this country provided reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the affected persons. The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 (PKPA) (P.L. 96-611; 28 U.S.C. 1738A, 1738A Note; 18 U.S.C. 1073 Note; 42 U.S.C. 654, 655, 663) requires the appropriate authorities of every state to enforce and not modify custody and visitation orders made by courts exercising jurisdiction consistent with standards set by the Act; authorizes the Federal Parental Locator Service to act on requests from authorized persons to locate the absconding parent and children who have been abducted or wrongfully retained; and expressly declares the intent of Congress that the Fugitive Felon Act applies to state felony cases involving parental kidnapping and interstate or international flight to avoid prosecutions. The state prosecutor may formally present a request to the local U.S. Attorney for a Federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant. The Missing Children's Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-292; 28 U.S.C. 534) provides for the entry of the names of missing children in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Since the enactment of P.L. 97-292, parents can ask their local police to enter their children's names into the NCIC computer and they can verify from the police or, if necessary, from the FBI that the names of their children are in the system. The Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-473) authorized the establishment of a national clearing house (now the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) to: Q Provide technical assistance to local and state governments, public and private nonprofit agencies, and individuals in locating and recovering missing children; Q Coordinate public and private efforts to locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their legal custodians; Q Operate a national toll-free hot line through which individuals can report information on the location of missing children or request information on procedures for reuniting children with their legal custodians; Q Disseminate information on innovative and model missing children's programs, services, and legislation; Q Provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, state and local governments, elements of the criminal justice system, public and private nonprofit agencies, and individuals in the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of missing and exploited children's cases. National Child Search Assistance Act (P.L. 101-647) passed as part of the Crime Control Act of 1990, requires federal, state, and local law enforcement to enter reports of a missing child less than 18 and unidentified persons in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). It provides for update of records with additional information within 60 days of the original entry, and it provides for close liaison between law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for the exchange of information and technical assistance in missing children cases. U.S. Court Decisions Q Citations California (Australia) Miller v. Superior Court, 587 P.2d 723 (Cal. 1978). (France) Superior Court v. Plas, 155 Cal. App. 3d 1008 (Cal. App. 1984). (Israel) Ben-Yehoshua v. Ben-Yehoshua, 154 Cal. Rptr. 80 (Cal. Ct. App. 1979). (Lebanon) Marriage of Malek, 182 Cal. App.3d 1018 (Cal. App. 1986). COLORADO (England) Woodhouse v. District Court, 587 P.2d 1199 (Colo. 1978). CONNECTICUT (Germany) Goldstein v. Fisher, 510 A.2d 184 (Conn. 1986). (Colombia) Hurtado v. Hurtado, 541 A.2d 873 (Conn. App. 1988). Florida (Bahamas) Al-Fassi v. Al-Fassi, 433 So.2d 664 (Fla. App. 1983), rev. den. 446 So.2d 99 (Fla. 1984). (Mexico) Ortega v. Pujals de Suarez, 465 So.2d 607 (Fla. App. 1985). (Puerto Rico, West Germany) Sterzinger v. Efron, 534 So.2d 798 (Fla. App. 1988). (Singapore) Brown v. Ran, 395 So.2d 1249 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1981). GEORGIA (New York /United Arab Emirates) Mitchell v. Mitchell, 311 S.E.2d 456 (Ga. 1984). ILLINOIS (Israel) In re Marriage of Alush, 527 N.E.2d 66 (Ill. App. 1988). (Scotland) In re Marriage of Mullins, 481 N.E.2d 322 (Ill.App. 1985). INDIANA (Sweden) Schleiffer v. Meyers, 644 F.2d 656 (7th Cir. 1981). KANSAS (France) In re Marriage of Nasica, 758 P.2d 240 (Kan. App. 1988). (St. Maarten) Warwick v. Gluck, 751 P.2d 1042 (Kan. App. 1988). LOUISIANA (Brazil/New York) Gay v. Morrison, 511 So.2d 1173 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1987). MASSACHUSETTS (Australia) Custody of a Minor No. 3, 468 N.E. 2d 251 (Mass. 1984). (Germany) Bak v. Bak, 511 N.E.2d 625 (Mass. App. Ct. 1987). (Israel) Tazziz v. Tazziz, 26 Mass. App. Ct. 809, 1988 Mass. App. LEXIS 787. MICHIGAN (Germany) Klont v. Klont, 342 N.W.2d 549 (Mich. App. 1983). (Ireland) Farrell v. Farrell, 351 N.W.2d 219 (Mich. App. 1984). MISSISSIPPI (Canada) Laskosky v. Laskosky, 504 So.2d 726 (Miss. 1987). NEW JERSEY (Ireland) Mc v. Mc, 521 A.2d 381 (N.J. Super. 1986). (Germany) Schmidt v. Schmidt, 1988 N.J. App. LEXIS 346 (1988). NEW YORK (Australia) Boutros v. Boutros, 483 N.Y.S.2d 360 (N.Y. App. Div. 1984). (Canada) David S. v. Zamira S., 17 FLR 2001 (2/19/91). Hague Convention case. (England) In re Shalit, 4 Fam. L. Rep. 2035 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Nov. 1, 1977). (Israel) Evans v. Evans, 447 N.Y.S.2d 200 (Sup. Ct. 1982). (Israel) Klien v. Klien, 533 N.Y.S.2d 211 (Sup. 1988). (Sweden) Braunstein v. Braunstein, 497 N.Y.S.2d 58 (A.D. 2 Dept. 1985). (Switzerland) Lotte V. v. Leo V., 491 N.Y.S.2d 58, 128 Misc.2d 892 (Fam. Ct. 1985). NORTH DAKOTA (District of Columbia/Norway) Bergstrom v. Bergstrom, 478 F. Supp. 434 (D.N.D. 1979). The appellate decision, 623 F.2d 517 (8th Cir. 1980), should also be noted. Pennsylvania (Bermuda) Com. ex rel. Taylor v. Taylor, 480 A.2d 1188 (Pa. Super. 1984). (Canada) Taylor v. Taylor, 420 A.2d 570 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1980). (Denmark) Zaubi v. Zaubi, 423 A.2d 333 (Pa. 1980). (England) Havice v. Havice, No. 836-1979 (Ct. Common Pleas, filed Jan. 10, 1980). (Israel) Hovan v. Hovan, 458 A.2d 972 (Pa. Super. 1983). TEXAS (Mexico) Garza v. Harvey, 726 S.W.2d 198 (Tex. App. 1987). VIRGINIA (England) Oehl v. Oehl, 272 S.E.2d 441 (Va. 1980). (England) Middleton v. Middleton, 314 S.E.2d 364 (Va. 1984). Wyoming (Bahrain) Moshen v. Moshen, 715 F. Supp. 1063 (D.Wyo. 1989). Foreign Court Decisions Q Citations Rhodesia (Virginia) Crone v. Duggan, I Fam. L. Rep. 2092 (1974). ENGLAND (California) Re C, 2 All E.R. 230 (CA), 5 Fam. L. Rep. 2248 (1977). Reading List De Hart, "International Child Abductions: A Guide to Applying the 1988 Hague Convention, with Forms," Section of Family Law, American Bar Association, 1989. ($24.95) Family Advocate, A Practical Journal of the American Bar Association Family Law Section, Vol. 9, No. 4, Spring 1987. (special issue on divorce law around the world and international parental child abduction - $9.50). Frank, "American and International Responses to International Child Abductions," 16 N.Y.U. J. Int'l L. & Pol. 415, 1984. "The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction: A Practical Application," 10 Loy. L.A. Int'l & Comp. L. J. 163, 1988. "The Hague International Child Abduction Convention and the International Child Abduction Remedies Act: Closing Doors to the Parent Abductor," 2 Transnat'l Law 589, 1989. Hoff, Parental Kidnapping, How to Prevent an Abduction and What do Do If Your Child Is Abducted, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 3rd Edition, August 1988. (To order, see page 5. No charge.) Hoff, Legal Remedies in Parental Kidnapping Cases: A Collection of Materials, National Legal Resource Center for Child Advocacy and Protection, American Bar Association, 1986. ($15) Hoff, "Rx for International Parental Kidnapping: The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction," 5 Fairshare, No. 10, October 1985, Law & Business, Inc., Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich. "International Parental Child Abduction: The Need for Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Custody Decrees," 3 J. Int'l Dispute Resolution 205, 1989. "More Than Mere Child's Play: International Parental Abduction of Children," 6 Dick. L. Rev. 283, 1988. Pfund, "The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act, and the Need for Availability of Counsel for All Petitioners," 24 Fam. L.Q. 35, Spring 1990. Stotter, "The Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction Has Reached Capitol Hill," 9 Hastings Int'l and Comp. L. Rev., No. 2, pp. 285-328, Winter 1986. Strickland, Parental Kidnapping: International Resource Directory, Rainbow Press, Moore Haven, FL. U.S. Government Documents on the Hague Convention Department of State notice in the Federal Register of March 26, 1986, pp. 10494-10516. Senate Treaty Doc. 99-11, 99th Congress, 1st Session. For the legislative history of the International Child Abduction Remedies Act, Public Law 100-300, see: S.1347 and H.R. 2673, and H.R. 3971 and 3972, 100th Congress, and related hearing reports. APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE HAGUE CONVENTION To learn if the form on the next page applies to you, see pages 7 to 9. To invoke the Hague Convention, submit the original and one copy of the form plus two copies of your supporting documents. For detailed instructions, call the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) on 202-647-3666. PART VII AFTER AN ABDUCTION Q A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS Your situation is difficult, but there are things that you can do. This list assumes that you know, or strongly suspect, that your child has been abducted abroad to a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction (see page 7). If the country is a party to the Hague Convention, call the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) to determine if your situation meets the requirements of the Convention. 1. Emergency Action Q What to do Right Away q If you do not know where your child is, have you filed a missing person report with your local police department? (see page 4) q Have you reported the abduction to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children? (see page 4) q Have you obtained a decree of sole custody or one that prohibits your child from traveling without your permission? (see page 2) In most states you can obtain such a decree even after a child is abducted. A custody decree in your favor is necessary for any legal action. q Has your child's name been entered in the U.S. passport namecheck system? (see page 3) q If your child is a dual national, have the embassy and consulates of the foreign country been informed of your custody decree and asked not to issue a foreign passport to your child? (see page 3) q If your child is only a U.S. citizen but the other parent has close ties to a particular country, have the embassy and consulates of that country been informed of your custody decree and asked not to issue a visa to your child? (see page 3) q Have you asked the Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) to initiate a welfare and whereabouts search for your child overseas? (see pages 4-5 and page 15) 2. The Search q Have you obtained certified copies of your custody decree from the court that issued it? You may need to furnish proof of your custody rights at various stages in your search and recovery effort. q Have you obtained a copy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's publication, Parental Kidnapping: How to Prevent an Abduction and What to Do If Your Child Is Abducted? (see page 5) q Have you tried to establish contact with relatives or friends of the abducting parent? (see page 6) q Have local law enforcement authorities asked the the Federal Parent Locator Service to search for the abducting parent? (see page q Have you contacted the principal of your child's school and asked to be informed of requests for transfer of your child's school records? (see page 6) q Have you prepared a poster of your child? (see page 6) q Have you asked local law enforcement authorities to ask the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to put a 'mail cover' on addresses in the U.S. to which the abductor might write? (see page 6) q Have you asked local law enforcement authorities to help you obtain information from telephone and credit card companies on the whereabouts of the abductor? (see page 6) 3. After Your Child Has Been Abducted Abroad q Have you retained the services of a foreign attorney? (see page 10) q Have you sent certified copies of the custody decree, court orders, state and federal warrants, copies of state custody and parental child abduction laws and the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act to the foreign attorney? (see page 11) q Have you read Part V of this booklet, "Other Solutions"? (see page 15) 4. Legal Proceedings: Possible Criminal Remedies q Is parental child abduction a crime in the state where your child resides or was abducted? q Has a state warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor? (see page 12) q Has a Federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor? (see page 12) q If a warrant has been issued, has the abductor's name been entered in the wanted persons section of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer? (see page 12) q Is it possible or useful to take legal action against agents or accomplices to the abduction? (see page 12) q If the abductor is a U.S. citizen, have you considered seeking to have his or her passport revoked? (see pages 12-13) q Would extradition of the abductor, if possible, be effective in your case? (see pages 13-14) false marked The Hague Convention showNameProp The Hague Convention h(Consular Affairs Topics) TEXT OF HAGUE CONVENTION CONVENTION ON THE CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION The States signatory to the present Convention, Firmly convinced that the interests of children are of paramount importance in matters relating to their custody, Desiring to protect children internationally from the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures to ensure their prompt return to the State of habitual residence, as well as to secure protection for rights of access, Have resolved to conclude a Convention to this effect, and have agreed upon the following provisions - CHAPTER I - SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION Article 1 The objects of the present Convention are - (a) to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State; and (b) to ensure that rights of custody and of access under the law of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other Contracting States. Article 2 Contracting States shall take all appropriate measures to secure within their territories the implementation of the objects of the Convention. For this purpose they shall use the most expeditious procedures available. Article 3 The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrogful where - (a) it is in breach of right of custody attributed to a person, an institution or any other body, either jointly or alone, under the law of the State in which the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention; and (b) at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either jointly or alone, or would have been so exercised but for the removal of retention. The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) above, may arise in particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrative decision, or by reason of an agreement having legal effect under the law of that State. Article 4 The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually resident in a Contracting State immediately before any breach of custody or access rights. The Convention shall cease to apply when the child attains the age of 16 years. Article 5 For the purposes of this Convention - (a) "rights of custody" shall include rights relating to the care of the person of the child and, in particular, the right to determine the child's place of residence; (b) "rights of access" shall include the right to take a child for a limited period of time to a place other than the child's habitual residence. CHAPTER II - CENTRAL AUTHORITIES Article 6 A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities. Federal States, States with more than one system of law or States having autonomous territorial organizations shall be free to appoint more than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial extent of their powers. Where a State has appointed more than one Central Authority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which applications may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority with that State. Article 7 Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their respective States to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve the other objects of this Convention. In particular, either directly or through any intermediary, they shall take all appropriate measures - (a) to discover the whereabouts of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained; (b) to prevent further harm to the child or prejudice to interested parties by taking or causing to be taken provisional measures; (c) to secure the voluntary return of the child or to bring about an amicable resolution of the issues; (d) to exchange, where desirable, information relating to the social background of the child; (e) to provide information of a general character as to the law of their State in connection with the application of the Convention; (f) to initiate or facilitate the institution of judicial or administrative proceedings with a view to obtaining the return of the child and, in a proper case, to make arrangements for organizing or securing the effective exercise of rights of access; (g) where the circumstances so require, to provide or facilitate the provision of legal aid and advice, including the participation of legal counsel and advisers; (h) to provide such administrative arrangements as may be necessary and appropriate to secure the safe return of the child; (i) to keep each other informed with respect to the operation of this Convention and, as far as possible, to eliminate any obstacles to its application. CHAPTER III - RETURN OF CHILDREN Article 8 Any person, institution or other body claiming that a child has been removed or retained in breach of custody rights may apply either to the Central Authority of the child's habitual residence or the the Central Authority of any other Contracting State for assistance in securing the return of the child. The application shall contain - (a) information concerning the identity of the applicant, of the child and of the person alleged to have removed or retained the child; (b) where available, the date of birth of the child; (c) the grounds on which the applicant's claim for return of the child is based; (d) all available information relating to the whereabouts of the child and the identity of the person with whom the child is presumed to be. The application may be accompanied or supplemented by - (e) an authenticated copy of any relevant decision or agreement; (f) a certificate or an affidavit emanating from a Central Authority, or other competent authority of the State of the child's habitual residence, or from a qualified person, concerning the relevant law of that State; (g) any other relevant document. Article 9 If the Central Authority which receives an application referred to in Article 8 has reason to believe that the child is in another Contracting State, it shall directly and without delay transmit the application to the Central Authority of that Contracting State and inform the requesting Central Authority, or the applicant, as the case may be. Article 10 The Central Authority of the State where the child is shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures in order to obtain the voluntary return of the child. Article 11 The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting States shall act expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children. If the judicial or administrative authority concerned has not reached a decision within six weeks from the date of commencement of the proceedings, the applicant or the Central Authority of the requested State, on its own initiative or if asked by the Central Authority of the requesting State, shall have the right to request a statement of the reasons of delay. If a reply is received by the Central Authority of the requested State, that Authority shall transmit the reply to the Central Authority of the requesting State, or to the applicant, as the case may be. Article 12 Where a child has been wrongfully removed or retained in terms of Article 3 and, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings before the judicial or administrative authority of the Contracting State where the child is, a period of less than one year has elapsed from the date of the wrongful removal or retention, the authority concerned shall order the return of the child forthwith. The judicial or administrative authority, even where the proceedings have been commenced after the expiration of the period of one year referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall also order the return of the child, unless it is demonstrated that the child is now settled in its new environment. Where the judicial or administrative authority in the requested State has reason to believe that the child has been taken to another State, it may stay the proceedings or dismiss the application for the return of the child. Article 13 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicial or administrative authority of the requested State is not bound to order the return of the child if the person, institution or other body which opposes its return establishes that - (a) the person, institution or other body having the care of the person of the child was not actually exercising the custody rights at the time of removal or retention, or had consented to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention; or (b) there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation. The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that the child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to take account of its views. In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the judicial and administrative authorities shall take into account the information relating to the social background of the child provided by the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child's habitual residence. Article 14 In ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retention within the meaning of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, and of judicial and administrative decisions, formally recognized or not in the State of the habitual residence of the child, without recourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law or for the recognition of foreign decisions which would otherwise be applicable. Article 15 The judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State may, prior to the making of an order for the return of the child, request that the applicant obtain from the authorities of the State of the habitual residence of the child a decision or other determination that the removal or retention was wrongful within the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention, where such a decision or determination may be obtained in that State. The Central Authorities of the Contracting States shall so far as practicable assist applicants to obtain such a decision or determination. Article 16 After receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a child in the sense of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities of the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in which it has been retained shall not decide on the merits of rights of custody until it has been determined that the child is not to be returned under this Convention or unless an application under this Convention is not lodged within a reasonable time following receipt of the notice. Article 17 The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has been given in or is entitled to recognition in the requested State shall not be a ground for refusing to return a child under this Convention, but the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take account of the reasons for that decision in applying this Convention. Article 18 The provisions of this Chapter do not limit the power of a judicial or administrative authority to order the return of the child at any time. Article 19 A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the child shall not be taken to be a determination on the merits of any custody issue. Article 20 The return of the child under the provisions of Article 12 may be refused if this would not be permitted by the fundamental principles of the requested State relating to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. CHAPTER IV - RIGHTS OF ACCESS Article 21 An application to make arrangements for organizing or securing the effective exercise of rights of access may be presented to the Central Authorities of the Contracting States in the same way as an application for the return of a child. The Central Authorities are bound by the obligations of co-operation which are set forth in Article 7 to promote the peaceful enjoyment of access rights and the fulfillment of any conditions to which the exercise of those rights may be subject. The Central Authorities shall take steps to remove, as far as possible, all obstacles to the exercise of such rights. The Central Authorities, either directly or through intermediaries, may initiate or assist in the institution of proceedings with a view to organizing or protecting these rights and securing respect for conditions to which the exercise of these rights may be subject. CHAPTER V - GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 22 No security, bond or deposit, however described, shall be required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in the judicial or administrative proceedings falling within the scope of this Convention. Article 23 No legalization or similar formality may be required in the context of this Convention. Article 24 Any application, communication or other document sent to the Central Authority of the requested State shall be in the original language, and shall be accompanied by a translation into the official language or one of the official languages of the requested State or, where that is not feasible, a translation into French or English. However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance with Article 42, object to the use of either French or English, but not both, in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority. Article 25 Nationals of the Contracting States and persons who are habitually resident within those States shall be entitled in matters concerned with the application of this Convention to legal aid and advice in any other Contracting State on the same conditions as if they themselves were nationals of and habitually resident in that State. Article 26 Each Central Authority shall bear its own costs in applying this Convention. Central Authorities and other public services of Contracting States shall not impose any charges in relation to applications submitted under this Convention. In particular, they may not require any payment from the applicant towards the costs and expenses of the proceedings or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal counsel or advisers. However, they may require the payment of the expenses incurred or to be incurred in implementing the return of the child. However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance with Article 42, declare that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or form court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice. Upon ordering the return of the child or issuing an concerning rights of access under this Convention, the judicial or administrative authorities may, where appropriate, direct the person who removed or retained the child, or who prevented the exercise of rights of access, to pay necessary expenses incurred or payments made for locating the child, the costs of legal representation of the applicant, and those of returning the child. Article 27 When it is manifest that the requirements of this Convention are not fulfilled or that the application is otherwise not well founded, a Central Authority is not bound to accept the application. In that case, the Central Authority shall forthwith inform the applicant or the Central Authority through which the application was submitted, as the case may be, of its reasons. Article 28 A Central Authority may require that the application be accompanied by a written authorization empowering it to act on behalf of the applicant, or to designate a representative so to act. Article 29 This Convention shall not preclude any person, institution or body who claims that there has been a breach of custody or access rights within the meaning of Article 3 or 21 from applying directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State, whether or not under the provisions of this Convention. Article 30 Any application submitted to the Central Authorities or directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State in accordance with the terms of this Convention, together with documents and any other information appended thereto or provided by a Central Authority, shall be admissible in the courts or administrative authorities of the Contracting States. Article 31 In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable in different territorial units - (a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed as referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State; (b) any reference to the law of the State of habitual residence shall be construed as referred to the law of the territorial unit in that State where the child habitually resides. Article 32 In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State. Article 33 A State within which different territorial units have their own rules of law in respect of custody of children shall not be bound to apply this Convention where a State with a unified system of law would not be bound to do so. Article 34 This Convention shall take priority in matters within its scope over the "Convention of 5 October 1961 concerning the powers of authorities and the law applicable in respect of the protection of minors." as between Parties to both Conventions. Otherwise the present Convention shall not restrict the application of an international instrument in force between the State of origin and the State addressed or other law of the State addressed for the purposes of obtaining the return of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained or of organizing access rights. Article 35 This Convention shall apply as between Contracting States only to wrongful removals or retentions occurring after its entry into force in those States. Where a declaration has been made under Article 39 or 40, the reference in the preceding paragraph to a Contracting State shall be taken to refer to the territorial unit or units in relation to which this Convention applies. Article 36 Nothing in this Convention shall prevent two or more Contracting States, in order to limit the restrictions to which the return of the child may be subject, from agreeing among themselves to derogate from any provisions of this Convention which may imply such a restriction. CHAPTER VI - FINAL CLAUSES Article 37 The Convention shall be open for signature by the States which were Member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the time of its Fourteenth Session. It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Article 38 Any other State may accede to the Convention. The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Convention shall enter into force for a State acceding to it on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of its instrument of accession. The accession will have effect only as regards the relations between the acceding State and such Contracting States as will have declared their acceptance of the accession. Such a declaration will also have to be made by any Member State ratifying, accepting or approving the Convention after an accession. Such declaration shall be deposited at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; this Ministry shall forward, through diplomatic channels, a certified copy to each of the Contracting States. The Convention will enter into force between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of the declaration of acceptance. Article 39 Any State may, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that the Convention shall extend to all the territories for the international relations of which it is responsible, or to one or more of them. Such a declaration shall take effect at the time the Convention enters into force for that State. Such declaration, as well as any subsequent extension, shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Article 40 If a Contracting State has two or more territorial units in which different systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt with in this Convention, it may at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shall extend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of them and may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time. Any such declaration shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and shall state expressly the territorial units to which the Convention applies. Article 41 Where a Contracting State has a system of government under which executive, judicial and legislative powers are distributed between central and other authorities within that State, its signature or ratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to this Convention, or its making of any declaration in terms of Article 40 shall carry no implication as to the internal distribution of powers within that State. Article 42 Any State may, not later than the time of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at the time of making a declaration in terms of Article 39 or 40, make one or both of the reservations provided for in Article 24 and Article 26, third paragraph. No other reservation shall be permitted. Any State may at any time withdraw a reservation it has made. The withdrawal shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The reservation shall cease to have effect on the first day of the third calendar month after the notification referred to in the preceding paragraph. Article 43 The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession referred to in Articles 37 and 38. Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force - (1) for each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to it subsequently, on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession; (2) for any territory or territorial unit to which the Convention has been extended in conformity with Article 39 or 40, on the first day of the third calendar month after the notification referred to in that Article. Article 44 The Convention shall remain in force for five years from the date of its entry into force in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 43 even for States which subsequently have ratified, accepted, approved or acceded to it. If there has been no denunciation, it shall be renewed tacitly every five years. Any denunciation shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at least six months before the expiry of the five year period. It may be limited to certain of the territories or territorial units to which the Convention applies. The denunciation shall have effect only as regards the State which has notified it. The Convention shall remain in force for the other Contracting States. Article 45 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands shall notify the States Members of the Conference, and the States which have acceded in accordance with Article 38, of the following - (1) the signatures and ratifications, acceptances and approvals referred to in Article 37; (2) the accessions referred to in Article 38; (3) the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 43; (4) the extensions referred to in Article 39; (5) the declarations referred to in Articles 38 and 40; (6) the reservations referred to in Article 24 and 26, third paragraph, and the withdrawals referred to in Article 42; (7) the denunciations referred to in Article 44. In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Convention. Done at The Hague, on the 25th day of October, 1980, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shall be sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the States Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the date of its Fourteenth Session. HAGUE CONVENTION ON THE CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION PARTY COUNTRIES AND EFFECTIVE DATES WITH U.S. Australia Canada France Hungary Luxembourg Portugal Spain Switzerland United Kingdom United States 7/1/88 Austria 10/1/88 Norway 4/1/89 Sweden 6/1/89 Belize 9/1/89 Netherlands 9/1/90 Germany 12/1/90 Argentina 6/1/91 Denmark 7/1/91 New Zealand 10/1/91 Mexico 10/1/91 Ireland 10/1/91 Israel 10/1/91 N.B. - Effective dates are important because Convention is NOT retroactive. Citizenship false marked Citizenship showNameProp Citizenship (Consular Affairs Topics) POSSIBLE LOSS OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP The Department of State is responsible for determining the citizenship status of a person located outside the United States or in connection with the application for a U.S. passport while in the United States. POTENTIALLY EXPATRIATING STATUTES Section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, states that U.S. citizens are subject to loss of citizenship if they perform certain acts voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship. Briefly stated, these acts include: (1) Obtaining naturalization in a foreign state; (2) Taking an oath, affirmation or other formal declaration to a foreign state or its political subdivisions; (3) Entering or serving in the armed forces of a foreign state engaged in hostilities against the U.S. or serving as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the armed forces of a foreign state; (4) Accepting employment with a foreign government if (a) one has the nationality of that foreign state or (b) a declaration of allegiance is required in accepting the position; (5) Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship before a U.S. consular officer outside the United States; (6) Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship within the United States (only "in time of war"); (7) Conviction for an act of treason. ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD OF EVIDENCE As already noted, the action listed above can cause loss of U.S citizenship only if performed voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. THE DEPARTMENT HAS A UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT U.S. CITIZENS INTEND TO RETAIN UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP WHEN THEY OBTAIN NATURALIZATION IN A FOREIGN STATE, SUBSCRIBE TO ROUTINE DECLARATIONS OF ALLEGIANCE TO A FOREIGN STATE, OR ACCEPT NON-POLICY LEVEL EMPLOYMENT WITH A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT. DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS APPLICABLE In light of the administrative premise discussed above, a person who: (1) is naturalized in a foreign country; (2) takes a routine oath of allegiance; or (3) accepts non-policy level employment with a foreign government and in so doing wishes to retain U.S. citizenship need not submit prior to the commission of a potentially expatriating act a statement or evidence of his or her intent to retain U.S. citizenship since such an intent will be presumed. When such cases come to the attention of a U.S. consular officer, the person concerned will be asked to comlete a questionnaire to ascertain his or her intent toward U.S. citizehsip. Unless the person affirmatively asserts in the questionnaire that it was his or her intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship, the consular officer will certify that it was NOT the person's intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship and, consequently, find that the person has retained U.S. citizenship. DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS INAPPLICABLE The premise that a person intends to retain U.S. citizenship is NOT applicable when the individual: (1) formally renounces U.S. citizenship before a consular officer; (2) takes a policy level position in a foreign state; (3) is convicted of treason; or (4) performs an act made potentially expatriating by statute accompanied by conduct which is so inconsistent with retention of U.S. citizenship that it compels a conclusion that the individual intended to relinquish U.S. citizenship. (Such cases are very rare.) Cases in categories 2, 3, and 4 will be developed carefully by U.S. consular officers to ascertain the individual's intent toward U.S. citizenship. PERSONS WHO WISH TO RELINQUISH An individual who has performed ANY of the acts made potentially expatriating by statute who wishes to lose U.S. citizenship may do so by affirming in writing to a U.S. consular officer that the act was performed withan intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship. Of course, a person always has the option of seeking to formally renounce U.S. citizenship in accordance with Section 349(a)(5) INA. APPLICABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE TO PAST CASES The premise established by the administrative standard of evidence is applicable to cases adjudicated previously. Persons who previously lost U.S. citizenship may wish to have their cases reconsidered in light of this policy. A person may initiate such a reconsideration by submitting a request to the nearest U.S. consular office or by writing directly to: Director, Office of Citizens Consular Services (CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4811 NS Department of State Washington, DC 20520-4818 Each case will be reviewed on its own merits taking into consideration, for example, statements made by the person at the time of the potentially expatriating act. QUESTIONS For further information, please contact the appropriate geographic division of the Office of Citizens Consular Services: Europe and Canada Division............................(202) 647-3445 Inter-American Division...............................(202) 647-3712 East Asia and Pacific Division........................(202) 647-3675 Near Eastern and South Asia Division..................(202) 647-3926 Africa Division:......................................(202) 647-4994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Netherlands 9/1/90 Germany 12/1/90 Argentina 6/1/91 Denmark 7/1/91 New Zealand 10/1/91 Mexico 10/1/91 Ireland 10/1/91 Israel 10/1/91 N.B. - Effective dates are important because Convention is NOT retroactive. Citizenship ------------------------------------------------------ Statisti0 IRAULTZA false marked IRAULTZA showNameProp IRAULTZA IRAULTZA 10/28/92 GP00034 KEY WORDS: BASQUE ARMED REVOLUTIONARY WORKER'S ORGANIZATION; REVOLUTION; IRAULTZA-ASKE; IA; FREE REVOLUTION.DATE FORMED: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESTIMATED MEMBERSHIP: LESS THAN 2 DOZEN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- AREA OF OPERATION: BASQUE PROVINCES OF SPAIN: VIZCAYA; ALAVA; NAVARRA; GUIPUZCOA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCE: * ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT, MARXIST BASQUE NATION; * END FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUE REGION; * PROTEST U.S. FOREIGN POLICY, ESPECIALLY IN LATIN AMERICA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT IRAULTZA, AND ITS ORIGINS ARE OBSCURE. MARXIST AND STRONGLY ANTI-U.S., IRAULTZA SEEKS TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT, MARXIST BASQUE NATION AND TO END FOREIGN, ESPECIALLY U.S., INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUE REGION. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP OPPOSES U.S. FOREIGN POLICY; PARTICULARLY TOWARD LATIN AMERICA, EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH RADICAL LEFTISTS THERE. ALTHOUGH IRAULTZA IS BELIEVED TO BE QUITE A SMALL ORGANIZATION, IT HAS COMMITTED BOMBINGS AGAINST U.S. AND FRENCH ECONOMIC AND CORPORATE INTERESTS IN THE BASQUE REGION. THE GROUP HAS PROBABLY COMMITTED MORE BOMBINGS AGAINST U.S. BUSINESS INTERESTS THAN ANY OTHER EUROPEAN TERRORIST GROUP. ANONYMOUS CALLERS CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IRAULTZA BOMBINGS HAVE VOICED OPPOSITION TO U.S. AID TO THE NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE, U.S. ACTIONS IN GRENADA AND LEBANON, AND SPAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN NATO. IRAULTZA MEMBERS TYPICALLY PLACE SMALL, UNSOPHISTICATED BOMBS ON THE SIDEWALK OR IN THE STREET OUTSIDE THE INTENDED TARGET, OFTEN LATE AT NIGHT. ALTHOUGH AN ANONYMOUS CALLER THEN USUALLY WARNS THE POLICE OF THE BOMB'S PRESENCE, THERE HAS USUALLY NOT BEEN ENOUGH TIME FOR THE AUTHORITIES TO REACT BEFORE THE BOMB DETONATES. WHILE INTENDING TO CAUSE ONLY PROPERTY DAMAGE, IRAULTZA "MIDNIGHT" BOMBS HAVE INJURED AND KILLED SEVERAL PEOPLE. THERE IS LITTLE OR NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE GROUP'S LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATION, OR SOURCES OF FUNDING. SINCE THE GROUP IS QUITE SMALL AND ITS BOMBS ARE SIMPLE, IRAULTZA LIKELY SURVIVES ON MONEY SUPPLIED BY SUPPORTERS AND POSSIBLY THROUGH SMALL-SCALE EXTORTION. ALTHOUGH CURRENTLY CONSIDERED A MINOR GROUP, IRAULTZA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A MORE SERIOUS THREAT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MAY, 1982: BOMBED THE STOCK MARKET AND A BANK IN BILBAO - NO INJURIES. FEBRUARY, 1983: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPTED BOMBING OF THE RANK XEROX OFFICES IN BILBAO. POLICE DISARMED THE BOMB. APRIL, 1983: BOMBED THE RANK XEROX OFFICE IN PAMPLONA - NO INJURIES. MAY, 1983: BOMBED THREE BANKS IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF GUIPUZCOA. MAY, 1983: BOMBED THE RANK XEROX OFFICE IN BILBAO - NO INJURIES. JUNE, 1983: BOMBED A GENERAL MOTORS AFFILIATED COMPANY IN SAN SEBASTIAN TO PROTEST U.S. INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUE REGION AND A VISIT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN TO THE UNITED STATES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NOVEMBER, 1983: BOMBED THE BILBAO OFFICES OF THE BANK OF AMERICA AND RANK XEROX IN PROTEST OF U.S. ACTIONS IN GRENADA AND THE PRESENCE OF U.S. MARINES IN LEBANON. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NOVEMBER, 1983: BOMBED A COCA COLA BOTTLING PLANT IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DECEMBER, 1983: BOMBED THE IBM OFFICE IN VITORIA, THE 3M OFFICE IN BILBAO, AND THE NCR AND COCA COLA OFFICES IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DECEMBER, 1983: BOMBED THE HISPANOAMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CENTER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. JANUARY, 1984: BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NOVEMBER, 1984: BOMBED THE IBM OFFICES IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1985: BOMBED A BILBAO MOVIE THEATRE THAT WAS SHOWING AN AMERICAN WAR FILM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FEBRUARY, 1985: BOMBED THE FIRESTONE OFFICE IN BILBAO TO COMMEMORATE THE DEATH OF A GROUP MEMBER AND "IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF LATIN AMERICA AND ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST US IMPERIALISM." THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MAY, 1985: BOMBED THE HERTZ AND AVIS OFFICES IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NOVEMBER, 1985: BOMBED THE OFFICES OF HONEYWELL BULL IN SAN SEBASTIAN - NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1986: BOMBED THE OFFICES OF RANK XEROX IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FEBRUARY, 1986: BOMBED THE VITORIA CITY BRANCH OF THE CITIBANK ON "BEHALF OF THE ANTI-NATO MOVEMENT." THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JUNE, 1986: BOMBED THE OFFICES OF 3M IN BILBAO TO PROTEST U.S. AID TO THE NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JUNE, 1986: BOMBED A BILBAO CONSTRUCTION SITE TO PROTEST THE BUILDING OF A WASTE TREATMENT PLANT, KILLING A WORKER WHEN THE BOMB, SET TO DETONATE AT NIGHT, EXPLODED DURING WORKING HOURS. MARCH, 1987: BOMBED THE NCR OFFICES IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MARCH, 1988: BOMBED A FORD SHOWROOM IN VITORIA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JUNE, 1989: BOMBED A CITIBANK OFFICE IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DECEMBER, 1989: BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN VITORIA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1990: BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MAY, 1990: BOMBED TWO TRUCKS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE NAVARRA-GUIPUZCOA HIGHWAY PROJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. APRIL, 1991: THREE PERSONS WERE KILLED NEAR BILBAO WHEN THE BOMB THEY WERE CARRYING EXPLODED PREMATURELY. THE THREE WERE MEMBERS OF IRAULTZA. OCTOBER, 1991: A BANK IN A BILBAO SUBURB WAS FIREBOMBED. POLICE ATTRIBUTED THE INCIDENT TO A GROUP CALLING ITSELF "IRAULTZA-ASKE" (IA) OR "FREE" IRAULTZA, WHICH IS A NEW FACTION OF IRAULTZA AND IS CONSIDERED BY POLICE AS POTENTIALLY THE MOST VIOLENT FACTION OF THE GROUP ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFORMATION DERIVED FROM DEFENSE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. IRISH NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY false marked IRISH NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY showNameProp IRISH NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) Date Formed: 1975. Estimated Membership: Less than 20. Headquarters: Dublin. Area of Operations: No significant rural presence in Northern Ireland, but active in urban areas such as Belfast and Londonderry. Leadership: Dominic McGlinchey (killed in 1987), Harry Flynn (arrested in France in 1986), Gerard Steenson (killed in 1987), Thomas Power (killed in 1987). Other Names: None. Sponsors: None Known. Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Form a united 32-county Socialist Republic in Ireland. * Oust the British from Northern Ireland through violence, and overthrow the elected Government of the Republic of Ireland. Background The INLA is the military arm of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP), a political splinter group of the Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA). The late Seamus Costello, the OIRA Adjutant General, was expelled from the OIRA in 1974 and that same year, with other OIRA dissidents, founded the IRSP The IRSP denies its connection with the INLA, but its newspaper The Starry Plough, reports INLA military operations, and the relationship between the two groups is clear. The INLA is widely regarded as more Marxist in orientation than the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). In the first few years following its creation, the INLA feuded with both wings (the OIRA and the PIRA) of the Irish Republican Army. Many militants were killed, including the IRSP's founder Seamus Costello, who was gunned down in 1977. Despite ideological and tactical differences, the INLA has collaborated with the PIRA. At one time, this cooperation reportedly involved regular weekly meetings. Occasional friction between the groups continues to occur, but their differences no longer erupt into the bloody killing seen in the mid-1970s. Although the INLA has engaged in bombings and shootings since 1975, it achieved widespread notoriety only after the March 1979 assassination of leading British Conservative Party member Airey Neave in Great Britain. This INLA action shocked British authorities. The attack was noteworthy because it represented an expansion of INLA activities outside of Ireland, and it used a sophisticated explosive device. In Northern Ireland, typical INLA operations include bombings and shootings, targeting British soldiers, members of Northern Ireland's security forces, Ulster government officials, and members of loyalist political parties and paramilitary groups. The INLA has used a wide variety of handguns, machineguns, and grenades and tends to use commercially available explosives in its bombings. Bank, payroll, and train robberies both in Ulster and the Republic of Ireland appear to be the primary sources of INLA funding. The group apparently does not have the access to the international funding enjoyed by the PIRA and may have begun to resort to extortion to meet operational expenses. There is evidence of INLA contacts with the West German Revolutionary Cells and the French Direct Action (AD). RZ and INLA militants reportedly have exchanged visits. British sources claim that the explosives to have been used in INLA's aborted 1985 plot to bomb the Chelsea Barracks in London were stolen by AD members in France in 1984. In accordance with its Marxist ideology, the INLA also has expressed solidarity with numerous national liberation and terrorist movements throughout the world. Numerous arrests of INLA terrorists and testimony by "supergrass" informers (INLA and PIRA militants who inform on their former comrades) have reduced INLA operational capabilities significantly and caused the group to limit its activities. Problems in permitting the use of "supergrass" testimony in court, however led to the release in 1987 of many captured INLA militants. Upon their release, a bloody feud erupted over whether to disband the organization, and many militants were killed. Despite this preoccupation with internal leadership conflicts, the INLA remains a brutal and unpredictable organization. Selected Incident Chronology March 1979 - Assassinated Airey Neave, British Conservative Party member and spokesman on Northern Ireland, with a car bomb. November 1979 - Bombed the British Consulate in Antwerp, Belgium. April 1981 - Attempted to assassinate Kenneth Shimeld, Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, with a booby-trap bomb. December 1982 - Bombed a crowded nightclub frequented by British soldiers in Ballykelly; 17 people were killed, 12 of them soldiers, and 66 were wounded. November 1983 - Fired into the congregation of the Mountain Lodge Gospel Hall in Dardley. Three people were killed and seven were injured. March 1985 - Exploded a car bomb near the Belfast site of an England-Northern Ireland soccer match. Police were alerted ahead of time and no injuries resulted. September 1986 - Placed a 50-pound bomb outside the British Legion Hall in County Down; it was defused by British Army personnel. January 1987 - Attempted to assassinate David Calvert, a prominent Unionist politician in Northern Ireland. January-June 1987 - At least six persons were murdered and three injured in internal power struggles among factions of the INLA. August 1992 - Alledged to have slain Jimmy Brown, leader of the rival Irish People's Liberation Organization JAPANESE RED ARMY false marked JAPANESE RED ARMY showNameProp JAPANESE RED ARMY JAPANESE RED ARMY 10/28/92 GP00037 KEY WORDS: JRA; ANTI-IMPERIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE; AIIB; NIPPON SEKIGUN; NIHON SEKIGUN; ANTI-WAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT; ANTIWAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT; ADF.DESCRIPTION: AN INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST GROUP FORMED ABOUT 1970 AFTER BREAKING AWAY FROM THE JAPANESE COMMUNIST LEAGUE RED ARMY FACTION. NOW LED BY FUSAKO SHIGENOBU, BELIEVED TO BE IN A SYRIAN-GARRISONED AREA OF LEBANON'S BEKAA VALLEY. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GROUP IS UNCLEAR, BUT MAY CONTROL OR AT LEAST HAVE TIES TO THE ANTI-IMPERIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE (AIIB); MAY ALSO HAVE LINKS TO THE ANTIWAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT - AN OVERT LEFTIST POLITICAL ORGANIZATION - INSIDE JAPAN. DETAILS RELEASED FOLLOWING THE NOVEMBER 1987 ARREST OF LEADER OSAMU MARUOKA INDICATE THAT THE JRA MAY BE ORGANIZING CELLS IN ASIAN CITIES, SUCH AS MANILA AND SINGAPORE. THE JAPANESE RED ARMY HAS HAD CLOSE AND LONG-STANDING RELATIONS WITH PALESTINIAN TERRORIST GROUPS SINCE ITS INCEPTION. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: BEFORE 1977, THE JRA CARRIED OUT A SERIES OF BRUTAL ATTACKS OVER A WIDE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, INCLUDING THE MASSACRE OF PASSENGERS IN THE BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA OF LOD AIRPORT IN ISRAEL (1972) AND TWO JAPANESE AIRLINER HIJACKINGS (1973 AND 1977). ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS INCLUDE THE TAKEOVER OF THE U.S. EMBASSY IN KUALA LUMPUR (1975). SINCE THE MID-1980S IT HAS CARRIED OUT SEVERAL CRUDE ROCKET AND MORTAR ATTACKS AGAINST A NUMBER OF U.S. EMBASSIES. IN APRIL, 1988, JAPANESE RED ARMY OPERATIVE YU KIKUMURA WAS ARRESTED WITH EXPLOSIVES ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, APPARENTLY PLANNING AN ATTACK TO COINCIDE WITH THE BOMBING OF A USO CLUB IN NAPLES, A SUSPECTED JRA OPERATION THAT KILLED FIVE PERSONS, INCLUDING A U.S. SERVICEWOMAN. HE WAS CONVICTED OF THESE CHARGES AND IS SERVING A LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCE IN THE U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: ABOUT 30 HARDCORE MEMBERS; UNDETERMINED NUMBER OF SYMPATHIZERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES AID, INCLUDING TRAINING AND BASE CAMP FACILITIES FROM RADICAL PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS, ESPECIALLY THE PFLP. MAY ALSO RECEIVE AID FROM LIBYA. SUSPECTED OF HAVING SYMPATHIZERS AND SUPPORT APPARATUS IN JAPAN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * SUPPORT WORLDWIDE MARXIST-LENINIST REVOLUTION BY CONDUCTING ACTS OF TERRORISM. * OPPOSE JAPANESE IMPERIALISM; * ESTABLISH A PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC IN JAPAN; * OVERTHROW THE JAPANESE MONARCHY AND EXISTING GOVERNMENT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE JAPANESE RED ARMY (JRA) WAS FORMED IN 1970/71 BY FUSAKO SHIGENOBU. WHILE SERVING AS LIAISON BETWEEN THE JRA FACTION AND PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS, SHIGENOBU FORMED THE JAPANESE RED ARMY WITH A SMALL CADRE OF PERSONNEL WHO HAD JOINED HER IN LEBANON. THE CORE STRENGTH OF THE JRA PROBABLY HAS NEVER EXCEEDED 20-30, AND A BASE OF SYMPATHIZERS IN JAPAN PROBABLY NUMBERS ABOUT 100. HOMELAND SUPPORTERS HAVE PROVIDED SOME MORAL SUPPORT AND LIMITED FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS WELL AS A HOME BASE FOR JRA PROPAGANDA. THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE JRA, HOWEVER, IS BELIEVED TO BE PALESTINIAN GROUPS AND POSSIBLY LIBYA. THE JRA CONDUCTED TERRORIST OPERATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP) FROM 1972 TO 1977, MOST NOTABLY THE 1972 MASSACRE AT LOD AIRPORT IN ISRAEL. IT ALSO HAS ACTED INDEPENDENTLY OVER THE YEARS, ALTHOUGH IT IS BELIEVED THAT AS RECENTLY AS THE LATE 1980S, THE JRA MAY HAVE CONSULTED WITH THE PFLP PRIOR TO CONDUCTING ATTACKS FOR ITS OWN PURPOSES. SINCE 1977, THE JAPANESE RED ARMY HAS NOT CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR VIOLENT ACTIONS; HOWEVER, INDIVIDUALS FORMERLY IDENTIFIED AS MEMBERS OF THE JRA HAVE BEEN LINKED TO ACTS OF TERRORISM . IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE GROUP CALLING ITSELF THE "ANTI-IMPERIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE" IS, IN FACT, THE JRA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MAY, 1972: CARRIED OUT A MACHINEGUN AND GRENADE ATTACK AT LOD AIRPORT. THREE JRA MEMBERS KILLED 26 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 16 PUERTO RICAN PILGRIMS TO THE HOLY LAND. JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 1974: ATTACKED SHELL OIL REFINERY STORAGE TANKS IN SINGAPORE AND SEIZED A FERRYBOAT CREW AND HOSTAGES, ALL OF WHICH WERE RELEASED UNHARMED. SEPTEMBER, 1984: SEIZED 11 HOSTAGES AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY IN THE HAGUE. THE TERRORISTS DEMANDED, AND WERE PROVIDED, AN AIRLINER FOR TRANSPORT TO SYRIA. TWO DUTCH POLICE OFFICERS WERE WOUNDED IN THE COURSE OF THE INCIDENT. AUGUST, 1975: TEN MEMBERS OF THE JAPANESE RED ARMY TOOK OVER THE U.S. CONSULATE IN KUALA LUMPUR, AND SEIZED 52 HOSTAGES, INCLUDING THE CONSUL GENERAL AND THE SWEDISH CHARGE. THE TERRORISTS THREATENED TO BLOW UP THE BUILDING AND KILL THE HOSTAGES UNLESS SEVEN JRA PRISONERS IN JAPAN WERE RELEASED AND PROVIDED SAFE PASSAGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN WAS WILLING TO RELEASE THE PRISONERS, ONLY FIVE WERE WILLING TO GO; THEY WERE FLOWN TO TRIPOLI, LIBYA, BY WAY OF KUALA LUMPUR. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 1977: HIJACKED A JAPAN AIRLINES PLANE IN BOMBAY AND FORCED IT TO LAND IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH. THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AGREED TO RELEASE NINE IMPRISONED TERRORISTS AND TO PAY $6 MILLION IN EXCHANGE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE 159 HOSTAGES ABOARD THE PLANE. AFTER PAYMENT OF THE RANSOM AND THE RELEASE OF SIX JRA PRISONERS, THE HIJACKERS WERE FLOWN TO ALGERIA. MAY, 1986: JRA MEMBER YU KIKUMURA, 33, WAS ARRESTED FOR HAVING A BOMB IN HIS LUGGAGE AT THE SCHIPHOL AIRPORT IN AMSTERDAM. HE WAS LATER DEPORTED TO JAPAN. HE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF THE "BLACK HELMET" (KURO HERO) RADICAL ORGANIZATION IN JAPAN BEFORE THAT GROUP JOINED FORCES WITH THE THE JRA IN THE SUMMER OF 1971. JUNE, 1986: INDONESIAN POLICE RELEASED PHOTOGRAPHS OF TSUTOMU SHIROSAKI, 38, A JRA MEMBER WHOSE FINGERPRINTS WERE FOUND IN A HOTEL ROOM FROM WHICH CRUDE MORTARS WERE FIRED AT THE JAPANESE AND U.S. EMBASSY BUILDINGS IN JAKARTA. SHIROSAKI WAS ALSO WANTED FOR A CAR BOMBING OUTSIDE THE CANADIAN EMBASSY IN JAKARTA IN MAY, 1986. THE ANTI-IMPERIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE (AIIB) CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JUNE, 1987: FIRED TWO ROCKETS AT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN ROME. ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES LATER, JRA DETONATED A CAR BOMB ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY; AND WITHIN MINUTES LAUNCHED TWO HOME-MADE ROCKETS AT THE FRONT OF THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND FROM A HOTEL BALCONY. NOVEMBER, 1987: OSAMU MARUOKA, A HIGH-RANKING JRA MEMBER, WAS ARRESTED IN TOKYO. EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT HE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO ESTABLISH A BROADER BASE OF OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT IN EAST ASIA, POSSIBLY UNDER THE NAME OF THE "ANTIWAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT (ADF)." APRIL, 1988: JRA MEMBER YU KIKUMURA WAS ARRESTED IN NEW JERSEY WITH THREE BOMBS IN HIS POSSESSION. IT IS BELIEVED THAT HE PLANNED TO BOMB A TARGET IN THE NEW YORK AREA TO COINCIDE WITH THE JRA BOMBING IN NAPLES (SEE NEXT INCIDENT ENTRY). APRIL, 1988: A BOMB DETONATED IN FRONT OF THE U.S. SERVICEMEN'S CLUB IN NAPLES, ITALY, KILLING FIVE PERSONS, INCLUDING A U.S. SERVICEWOMAN. TWO JRA MEMBERS ARE THE MAIN SUSPECTS IN THE BOMBING, WHICH COINCIDED WITH THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. BOMBING RAID ON LIBYA IN 1986. JULY, 1988: ATTEMPTED TWO ROCKET ATTACKS, WITH MAKESHIFT LAUNCHERS, AGAINST THE U.S. EMBASSY IN MADRID, SPAIN. AIIB CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. NOTE: THE JRA HAS NOT CLAIMED ANY OF THESE MOST RECENT ATTACKS BUT IS SUSPECTED OF ACTING IN THE NAME OF THE ANTI-IMPERIALIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE (AIIB). THE AIIB HAS CARRIED OUT ROCKET ATTACKS ON THE U.S. EMBASSIES IN JAKARATA IN 1986 AND MADRID IN 1988, AS WELL AS A COORDINATED BOMB AND ROCKET ATTACK ON THE U.S. EMBASSY IN ROME IN JUNE 1987. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFORMATION DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. LIBERATION TIGERS OF TAMIL EELAM false marked LIBERATION TIGERS OF TAMIL EELAM showNameProp LIBERATION TIGERS OF TAMIL EELAM Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Date Formed: 1972. Estimated Membership 2,000 active. Headquarters: Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. Area of Operations: Sri Lanka. Leadership: Vellupillai Prabhakaran, leader; Anton Balasingam, spokesman. Other Names: Tigers, Tamil Tigers. Sponsors: Formerly by the Tamil Nadu State, India. Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Create a separate Tamil state in the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. * Sabotage any negotiations between the governments of Sri Lanka and India and moderate Sri Lankan Tamils, leading to a negotiated settlement of the Sri Lankan conflict within the framework of a unitary Sri Lanka; force Indian troops to leave Sri Lanka. * Eliminate moderate Tamils and other Tamil militant groups that compete with the LTTE for influence and power within the Sri Lankan Tamil community. * Focus international attention on the plight of the Tamils living in Sri Lanka, concentrating especially on human rights issues. Background Long the strongest Sri Lankan Tamil militant group, the LTTE is the only major group that has fought the Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka. The LTTE was formed in the early 1970s by young Sri Lankan Tamils who sought a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka as a way of redressing Tamil grievances against the Sri Lankan Government. The LTTE gained notoriety after it claimed responsibility for the 1975 murder of Alfred Doriappa, the mayor of Jaffna. The LTTE started its campaign for a separate Tamil state in earnest in 1977 with assassination attempts on several moderate Tamil politicians. Since the widespread communal riots of 1983, the LTTE has expanded its operations to include attacks on Sri Lankan security forces, bank robberies, and indiscriminate attacks on Sri Lankan officials and civilians in Sri Lanka's northern and eastern provinces. The LTTE also has fought with other weaker Tamil militant groups in an attempt to ensure its preeminence. The LTTE has come under considerable pressure since October 1987, when the Indian Peacekeeping Force attacked and seized the LTTE stronghold of Jaffna city. This action was in response to continued LTTE attacks against civilians in the east and the LTTE's refusal to turn in its weapons and accept the accord. Since the seizure of Jaffna city, the Indian Peacekeeping Force has continued its actions against remaining LTTE fighters in the north and east. Selected Incident Chronology April 1975 - Claimed responsibility for the murder of Jaffna mayor Alfred Doriappa. July 1983 - Ambushed and killed 13 soldiers, setting off island-wide ethnic riots. April 1986 - Killed many members of another Tamil group (TELO) after a week of fighting: May 1986 - Suspected of organizing the bombing of an Air Lanka aircraft at Colombo airport, killing 15. June 1986 - Believed to be behind the placing of a rickshaw bomb in front of a crowded Colombo movie theater and exploding time bombs on two buses. July 1986 - Blamed for placing bombs on buses over a bay period, causing an estimated 100 deaths. September 1986 - Murdered a German engineer attached to the Deutsche Welle radio-relay station. December 1986 - In one week, attacked and killed over 90 members of a rival militant group, the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front. February 1987 - Hacked to death 28 sleeping villagers, including 5 women and 10 children in Ampara, Sri Lanka. April 1987 - Bombed central bus station in Colombo, killing 106 people and wounding 295 others. April 1987 - Attacked four buses, killing 107 people near the village of Aluth-Oya. June 1987 - Attacked a busload of Buddhist monks traveling south of Batticaloa, killing 29 and wounding 17. October 1987 - When 12 captured LTTE members committed suicide by taking cyanide capsules, the group unleashed a wave of terrorist attacks in reprisal, killing more than 200, including several captured Sri Lankan soldiers. May 1988 - Planted two landmines in Trincomalee; explosions killed seven members of the Indian Peacekeeping Force. March 1992 - 38 soldiers and scores of rebels were killed in KOKKUTHUDUWAN. May 1992 - Two high level leaders charged in connection with the slaying of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Velupillai Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman. Pottu Amman, the rebels' intelligence chief, charged as the main figure in the assassination. Both guerrilla leaders are in Sri Lanka's northern jungles. India has banned the Tamil Tiger group. December 1992 - 10 soldiers and 18 separatist guerrillas were were killed in Nanaddan. More than 17,500 people have been killed since 1983. MACHETEROS false marked MACHETEROS showNameProp MACHETEROS Macheteros (Machete Wielders) Date Formed: 1978. Estimated Membership: Unknown. Headquarters: Unknown Area of Operations: Puerto Rico. Leadership: Unknown. Other Names: Ejercito Popular de Boricua (EPB), Boricua Popular Army. (Boricua refers to rural inland Puerto Ricans.) Sponsors: None known. Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Wage a terrorist war against "U.S. colonialist imperialism." * Create public support for creation of a separate Puerto Rican nation. Background The Macheteros are a tightly organized and extremely violent Puerto Rican separatist group that has targeted primarily U.S. military personnel and Puerto Rican police. The group has tight internal security procedures and precisely executes its attacks. The Macheteros appear to be fiercely dedicated to total Puerto Rican independence. Nothing short of that is likely to cause them to cease terrorist operations. The stated position of the group is that they have "declared war" on the United States. Direct ties of the Macheteros to other groups operating in Latin America have not been established. There is apparent cooperation with another Puerto Rican separatist group called the Organization of Volunteers for the Puerto Rican Revolution. The two have made joint claims following some attacks. The Macheteros probably also have links to the Armed Forces of National Liberation, a Puerto Rican separatist group that has conducted anti-U.S. attacks for over three decades. Robberies and thefts evidently provide a major source of funds. The Macheteros also may receive donations from ideological backers. Selected Incident Chronology August 1978 - Killed a policeman during a robbery. December 1979 - Killed two sailors in an attack on a U.S. Navy bus. March 1980 - Fired on a bus carrying three ROTC instructors from the University of Puerto Rico. January 1981 - Destroyed eight aircraft and damaged two others in a carefully executed multiple bombing attack on the Air National Guard airfield. Damage was estimated at $40 million. May 1982 - Killed one sailor and wounded three others in an ambush outside a San Juan nightclub. September 1983 - Robbed a Wells Fargo armored truck depot in Hartford, Connecticut. The $7.2 million heist was the second largest in U.S. history. October 1983 - Fired an antitank rocket into the new Federal Building in San Juan to protest U.S. rescue operations in Grenada. January 1985 - Fired an antitank rocket into the Federal Courthouse in San Juan. November 1985 - Shot and wounded a U.S. Army recruiting officer in an ambush while he was on his way to work. October 1986 - Placed some ten explosive devices at military and military-related facilities across the island. November 1986 - Placed a bomb at a National Guard building in old San Juan. December 1986 - Bombed a vehicle at the National Guard Center at Yauco. May 1992 - The leader of the macheteros was convicted in absentia of masterminding a $7.1 million robbery of an armored- car depot in 1983. Filiberto Ojeda Rios, 59, was convicted on charges including bank robbery and conspiracy. May 1992 - Filiberto Ojeda Rios was sentenced in absentia to 55 years. MANUEL RODRIGUEZ PATRIOTIC FRONT false marked MANUEL RODRIGUEZ PATRIOTIC FRONT showNameProp MANUEL RODRIGUEZ PATRIOTIC FRONT Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) Date Formed: 1983. Estimated Membership 500-1,000. Headquarters: Santiago. Area of Operations: Urban areas of Chile. Leadership: Unknown. Other Names: Frente Patriotico Manuel Rodriguez (original language). Sponsors: Associated with the Chilean Communist Party and receives some assistance from Cuba. Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Bring about the downfall of the Pinochet regime in Chile through a terrorist campaign designed to provoke greater Government repression and anti-Government sentiment. Strongly influence, if not actually lead, a subsequent government toward leftist, anti-US, and pro-Soviet policies. * Pressure U.S. interests to leave Chile through periodic attacks on business or government facilities. Background The FPMR, which takes its name from a 19th century Chilean revolutionary executed by Spanish authorities, is a relatively new but very active urban terrorist group. Not a great deal is known about its structure, but judging from its activities to date, it probably is relatively well organized and equipped. The FPMR is closely related with the Chilean Communist Party and has links to Cuba and other Communist countries, especially for training and weapons supply. In early 1985, FPMR spokesman Daniel Huerta said that the purpose of the group was to conduct exclusively urban terrorist operations. The structure of the organization would stress a cellular grouping of militants, who would earn their status by demonstrating "selflessness, sacrifice, combat ability, solidarity, and moral and military qualities." The FPMR has an impressive arsenal that includes remotely detonated bombs and a variety of small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and hand-grenades. Several weapons caches have been discovered by authorities, but attacks continue, indicating sufficient sources of supplies. The group's operations have been primarily bombings, although it also has carried out kidnappings and assassinations. The FPMR was responsible for the nearly successful assassination attempt against President Pinochet in September 1986. Although the FPMR has been most active in Santiago, it has conducted operations in at least eight other cities. It frequently uses the mass media in its campaigns and sometimes seizes a radio station to broadcast its propaganda. Selected Incident Chronology March 1984 - Carried out simultaneous bombing attacks in Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, and San Antonio. Considerable property damage was done, seven people were injured, and dozens were arrested in riots that followed. April 1984 - Bombed a Santiago subway station, wounding 20. August 1984 - Bombed the U.S. Cultural Center in Valparaiso and two U.S. businesses in Santiago as part of a series of bomb attacks throughout central Chile. December 1984 - Kidnaped the assistant director of a pro-Government newspaper. March 1985 - Bombed offices of two U.S. banks, Citibank and Republic National, along with several Chilean facilities in Santiago and other cities. January 1986 - Believed responsible for the bombing of the US-Chilean Cultural Institute in Vina del Mar. April 1986 - Blacked out major portions of central Chile in an attack on electrical power facilities. April 1986 - Detonated a bomb by the perimeter wall of the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Santiago. August 1986 - Kidnaped a Chilean Army colonel - the first abduction of a high-ranking military officer since the 1973 coup. He was released three days later. August 1986 - Arms caches containing more than 3,100 weapons of U.S. and other manufacture were discovered in the area of Copiapo and Santiago. Witnesses presented by the Chilean Government indicate the weapons were smuggled ashore from Cuban fishing trawlers off the coast of Chile. September 1986 - Attempted to assassinate Chilean President Pinochet. Weapons used were of the same type found in the arms caches. November 1986 - Conducted a series of dynamite attacks against power lines, blacking out the main cities in central and southern Chile. February-March 1987 - Set off dynamite explosions at pylons and towers of the national high-voltage power network, blacking out areas of Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar. March incident occurred as President Pinochet spoke on radio and television. April 1987 - Santiago police deactivated a powerful bomb discovered in the office of the prosecutor who tried 14 FPMR members and held them for five months. April 1987 - Gunmen briefly seized control of eight radio stations in four cities with the objective of playing a clandestine broadcast, ending a self-proclaimed truce during the visit of Pope John Paul II. An off-duty guard was killed attempting to stop the gunmen's escape. May 1987 - Detonated bombs that destroyed four high-tension towers, resulting in a general power outage at Copiapo and Valdivia. June 1987 - Conducted a machinegun and bomb attack at a Santiago printing company, injuring three. Two other incidents that day at two National Intelligence Center barracks caused little damage and no injuries. June 1987 - Ambushed police patrol cars in Santiago with machineguns and firebombs. These separate evening attacks wounded two policemen and several passersby. June 1987 - Staged several machinegun, bomb, and firebomb attacks against police, pro-Government media, and Government offices in Santiago and Talca, causing five injuries and costly damage. Although the FPMR attempted to use rockets in three incidents, two were deactivated before being remotely fired and one failed to explode when triggered. (The June attacks may have been retaliatory for the killing of 12 FPMR members by security agents on June 16.) July 1987 - Four gunmen shot and killed a policeman waiting for a bus on a Santiago street. (Possible FPMR responsibility.) September 1987 - Kidnaped Chilean Army Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Carreno in Santiago. He was released in December 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. June 1990 - Assassinated Police Col. Luis Fontaine, former head of the antiterrorist department. February 1991 - Launched crude nonexplosive rockets at the Israeli Embassy and Ambassador Daniel Mokady's residence in apparent simpathy towards Iraq. July 1992 - The three alleged members of the left-wing Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front, arrested in October 1986, were sentenced to life in prison. MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT false marked MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT showNameProp MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT 10/28/92 GP00007 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: A RADICAL, LEFTIST TERRORIST GROUP THAT FIRST APPEARED IN THE LATE 1980S. ATTACKS MADE IN PROTEST OF U.S. INTERVENTION IN HONDURAN ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: ATTACKS ON U.S., PRIMARILY MILITARY, PERSONNEL IN HONDURAS. CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A BUS IN MARCH, 1990 THAT WOUNDED SEVEN U.S. SERVICE PERSONNEL. THE FPM CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF A U.S. PEACE CORPS OFFICE IN DECEMBER, 1988; A BUS BOMBING THAT WOUNDED THREE U.S. SERVICEMEN IN FEBRUARY, 1989; AN ATTACK ON A U.S. CONVOY IN APRIL, 1989; AND A GRENADE ATTACK THAT WOUNDED SEVEN U.S. SOLDIERS IN LA CEIBA IN JULY, 1989. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN, PROBABLY QUITE SMALL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: TIES TO FORMER GOVERNMENT OF NICARAGUA AND POSSIBLY TO CUBA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE false marked MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE showNameProp MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE 10/28/92 GP00002 KEY WORDS: RENAMO; RESISTENCIA NACIONAL MOCAMBICANA DESCRIPTION: ESTABLISHED IN 1976 BY THE RHODESIAN SECURITY SERVICES, PRIMARILY TO OPERATE AGAINST ANTI-RHODESIAN GUERRILLAS BASED IN MOZAMBIQUE. SOUTH AFRICA SUBSEQUENTLY DEVELOPED RENAMO INTO AN INSURGENT GROUP OPPOSING FRELIMO, THE FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF MOZAMBIQUE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: RENAMO OPERATES AS A GUERRILLA INSURGENCY AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF MOZAMBIQUE AS WELL AS CIVILIAN TARGETS; FREQUENTLY AND INCREASINGLY RUNS CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS INTO ZIMBABWE, MALAWI, AND ZAMBIA, WHERE IT HAS MURDERED AND KIDNAPPED NUMEROUS CIVILIANS AND DESTROYED PROPERTY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 20,000 GUERRILLAS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: ASSISTANCE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED FROM SOUTH AFRICA AS WELL AS FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS IN EUROPE AND ELSEWHERE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY SEPTEMBER, 1985: SUSPECTED RENAMO MEMBERS ATTACKED A U.S. OWNED FIRM. THIS WAS THE FIRST ATTACK ON A U.S. FIRM REPORTED IN MOZAMBIQUE. MARCH, 1986: SUSPECTED RENAMO MEMBERS KIDNAPPED A PORTUGESE NATIONAL AND AN ITALIAN NUN. RENAMO CLAIMED TO HAVE RELEASED THE HOSTAGES IN DECEMBER, 1986. NOVEMBER, 1986: RENAMO REBELS KIDANPPED THREE WEST GERMANS, A PORTUGESE, AND A BRITON, RELEASING THEM IN DECEMBER, 1986. MAY, 1987: RENAMO MEMBERS KIDNAPPED SEVEN FOREIGN MEDICAL RELIEF WORKERS. THE VICTIMS WERE RELEASED THREE MONTHS LATER IN MALAWI. DECEMBER, 1988: A MINE PLANTED BY RENAMO KILLED TWO PASSENGERS ON A TRAIN AND INJURED THIRTY-THREE OTHERS. JANUARY, 1989: RENAMO GUERRILLAS AMBUSHED AND KILLED A PORTUGESE CATHOLIC PRIEST. FEBRUARY, 1989: SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND FORTY ONE WOUNDED DURING AN ATTACK ON A PASSENGER TRAIN BY RENAMO. MARCH, 1989: TWO ITALIAN MISSIONARIES AND EIGHT SOLDIERS WERE KILLED, ALONG WITH AN UNDETERMINED NUMBER OF VILLAGERS IN THE COURSE OF A RAID BY RENAMO. APRIL, 1989: SEVEN MINERS WERE KILLED AND THREE WERE WOUNDED DURING A RENAMO RAID. FOUR LOCOMOTIVES WERE DESTROYED IN THE ATTACK. APRIL, 1989: EIGHTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED DURING A RENAMO RAID ON A PASSENGER JUNE, 1989: EIGHTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND MORE THAN TWENTY WERE INJURED IN THE COURSE OF TWO SEPARATE RENAMO ATTACKS. JULY, 1989: RENAMO IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AMBUSH AND MURDER OF A BRAZILIAN ENGINEER. NOVEMBER, 1989: RENAMO IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ATTACK ON A SPANISH TUGBOAT AND THE KIDNAPPING OF FOUR CREW MEMBERS. MAY, 1990: A SWISS PHYSICIAN WAS AMBUSHED AND MURDERED BY SUSPECTED RENAMO GUERRILLAS. JUNE,1990 TWO OFFICIALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC) WERE ABDUCTED BY RENAM0. THEY WERE RELEASED UNHARMED AFTER BEING HELD FOR TWO WEEKS. AUGUST, 1990: RENAMO INSURGENTS KILLED FOUR SOLDIERS AND WOUNDED EIGHT DURING A RAID ON A PASSENGER/CARGO TRAIN. OCTOBER, 1990: RENAMO REBELS KILLED ELEVEN PEOPLE WHEN THEY LAUNCHED AN ATTACK ON A TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. NOVEMBER, 1990: RENAMO REBELS KILLED FOUR PEOPLE AND ABDUCTED TWENTY-FIVE CHILDREN DURING A RAID ON A WEDDING PARTY. JANUARY, 1991: RENAMO REBELS AMBUSHED AND KILLED A PORTUGESE MISSIONARY. FEBRUARY, 1991: A COLOMBIAN PRIEST WAS MURDERED AND TWO CHILDREN WERE WOUNDED BY RENAMO. MARCH, 1991: RENAMO REBELS SABOTAGED RAIL LINES CAUSING THE DERAILMENT OF A FREIGHT TRAIN. MARCH, 1991: RENAMO REBELS AMBUSHED A TRUCK AND KILLED EIGHT PASSENGERS. APRIL, 1991: RENAMO REBELS MASSACRED FORTY VILLAGERS AND WOUNDED THIRTEEN OTHERS. NOVEMBER, 1991: SUSPECTED RENAMO FORCES ATTACKED THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT BEIRA, KILLING TWO PEOPLE AND DAMAGING THE AIRPORT'S COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. FEBRUARY, 1992: RENAMO REBELS ATTACKED A CONVOY CARRYING RELIEF SUPPLIES TO A DROUGHT-STRICKEN AREA KILLING THIRTY-THREE PERSONS, INCLUDING SIX SOLDIERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY false marked NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY showNameProp NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY #NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY 10/28/92 GP00004 KEY WORDS: ELN; EJERCITO DE LIBERACION NACIONAL DESCRIPTION: RURAL-BASED, ANTI-U.S., MAOIST-MARXIST-LENINIST GUERRILLA GROUP FORMED IN 1963. ENGAGED IN UNSUCCESSFUL PEACE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA DURING 1991. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: PERIODICALLY KIDNAPS FOREIGN EMPLOYEES OF LARGE CORPORATIONS AND HOLDS THEM FOR VERY LARGE RANSOM PAYMENTS. THE ELN CONDUCTS EXTORTION AND BOMBING OPERATIONS AGAINST U.S. AND OTHER FOREIGN BUSINESSES IN COLOMBIA, PARTICULARLY THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY. THE GROUP HAS INFLICTED MAJOR DAMAGE ON OIL PIPELINES SINCE 1986. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 1,000 TO 2,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: IN THE PAST HAS RECEIVED LIMITED ARMS AND TRAINING FROM CUBA AND TRAINING FROM NICARAGUA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * PRO-CASTR0, ANTI-U.S., AND MARXIST-LENINIST; * ANTI-CAPITALIST AND ANTI-"NATIONAL BOURGEOISIE." * SEEKS "...THE CONQUEST OF POWER FOR THE POPULAR CLASSES..." ALONG WITH NATIONALIZATIONS, EXPROPRIATIONS, AND AGRARIAN REFORM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE ELN IS A POLITICAL-MILITARY ORGANIZATION DRAWING MEMBERS FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF COLOMBIANS: FROM STUDENTS AND INTELLECTUALS TO PEASANTS AND MIDDLE CLASS WORKERS. ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY THE ELN INCLUDE KIDNAPPINGS OF WEALTHY RANCHERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS; ASSASSINATIONS OF MILITARY OFFICERS, LABOR LEADERS AND PEASANTS; ARMED ROBBERIES; BOMBINGS; RAIDS ON ISOLATED VILLAGES; ASSAULTS ON POLICE POSTS AND ARMY PATROLS (PRIMARILY TO OBTAIN WEAPONS); AND OCCUPATIONS OF RADIO STATIONS AND NEWSPAPER OFFICES. MOST RECENTLY THE ELN HAS CONCENTRATED ITS EFFORTS ON ATTACKING PETROLEUM PIPELINES AND FACILITIES, DAMAGING COLOMBIA'S ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT CLIMATE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JANUARY, 1980: KIDNAPPED AN ENGLISHWOMAN AND HER SON FROM THEIR FARM IN CESAR DEPARTMENT, DEMANDING A $300,000 RANSOM. JANUARY, 1982: KIDNAPPED A DIPLOMAT ATTACHED TO THE EMBASSY OF HONDURAS IN BOGOTA TO PROTEST ALLEGED HONDURAN INTERFERENCE IN THE DOMESTIC AFFAIRS OF NICARAGUA AND EL SALVADOR. JULY, 1983: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SERIES OF DYNAMITE ATTACKS IN COLOMBIA AS PART OF "OPERATION FREE CENTRAL AMERICA." THE SALVADORAN CONSULATE IN MEDELLIN AND TWO LOCAL POLICE OFFICES WERE THE TARGETS. NOVEMBER, 1983: KIDNAPPED THE BROTHER OF THE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA; BUT AFTER FIDEL CASTRO INTERVENED, THE VICTIM WAS RETURNED UNHARMED FIFTEEN DAYS LATER. MAY, 1984: SIX ELN MEMBERS RAIDED A GOLD MINE NEAR THE NORTHWESTERN TOWN OF SEGOVIA AND SEIZED THE EQUIVALENT OF ALMOST $90,000. JUNE, 1985: AMBUSHED AND KILLED EIGHT POLICEMEN NEAR THE VENEZUELAN BORDER. NOVEMBER, 1986: BOMBED A DREDGE IN THE NECHI RIVER IN COLOMBIA AND TEMPORARILY PARALYZED GOLD PRODUCTION IN THE AREA. DECEMBER, 1986: MADE NUMEROUS RAIDS AGAINST U.S.- ASSOCIATED OIL PRODUCTION SUBSIDIARIES, DESTROYING EQUIPMENT AND STEALING EXPLOSIVES. JANUARY-JUNE, 1987: CONTINUED TO TARGET COLOMBIA'S OIL PRODUCTION BY BLOWING UP SECTIONS OF PIPELINE AND ATTACKING OIL CAMPS. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE ELN MAY HAVE ATTAINED THE LEADERSHIP POSITION WITHIN THE NATIONAL GUERRILLA COORDINATOR, REPLACING M-19. APRIL-AUGUST, 1987: BOMBED OIL OPERATION LOCATIONS AND U.S.-COLOMBIAN TARGETS, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE PROPERTY DAMAGE. JUNE, 1987: AMBUSHED A VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD UNIT ON AN ANTI-NARCOTICS MISSION NEAR THE COLOMBIAN BORDER. SEPTEMBER, 1987: ATTACKED A VENEZUELAN ARMY BORDER OUTPOST TO CAPTURE WEAPONS. OCTOBER, 1987: BOMBED THREE MORMON CHURCHES IN BOYACA AND A NAVAL FACILITY IN BARRANCABERMEJA. NOVEMBER, 1987: MURDERED SEVENTEEN POLICEMEN AND FOUR SOLDIERS IN SEPARATE AMBUSHES. FEBRUARY, 1988: DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT THE BOGOTA OFFICE OF A U.S. PETROLEUM COMPANY. MARCH, 1988: BOMBED A COLOMBIAN SUBSIDIARY OF A MAJOR U.S. BANKING FIRM IN BOGOTA. MAY, 1988: KIDNAPPED THE GERMAN HONORARY CONSULS IN MEDELLIN AND BUCARAMANGA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SANTANDER DEPARTMENTAL ASSEMBLY IN BUCARAMANGA, THREE COLOMBIA JOURNALISTS IN BUCARAMANGA, THE FRENCH PRESS ATTACHE IN BOGOTA. FAILED TO CARRY OUT PLAN TO KIDNAP THE FRENCH HONORARY COUNSEL IN CALI AND THE PANAMANIAN CONSUL GENERAL IN CARTAGENA. ALL HOSTAGES RELEASED UNHARMED DURING MAY, 1988. JUNE, 1988: KIDNAPPED AN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE OF AN AMERICAN COMPANY. RELEASED UNHARMED IN NOVEMBER, 1988 AFTER REPORTED PAYMENT OF RANSOM. SEPTEMBER, 1988 DETONATED A CAR BOMB UNDER THE ARMORED VEHICLE OF A CANADIAN OIL COMPANY EXECUTIVE IN DOWNTOWN BOGOTA. THE TARGET WAS UNHURT, BUT A PASSERBY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. OCTOBER, 1988: TOWNS ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATION WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC). AT LEAST THREE POLICE OFFICERS AND ONE CIVILIAN WERE KILLED. FIFTEEN POLICE OFFICERS, A PRIEST AND A NUN WERE KIDNAPPED. OCTOBER, 1988: KIDNAPPED A COLOMBIAN ANTHROPOLOGIST OF AMERICAN ORIGIN IN A NORTHERN JUNGLE AREA. THE VICTIM HAD BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING A CIA AGENT BECAUSE OF HIS WORK WITH THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION. HE WAS RELEASED UNHARMED IN JULY, 1989. DECEMBER, 1988: TOWN ATTACKED - ONE POLICE OFFICER AND THREE CIVILIANS WERE KILLED. FEBRUARY, 1989: TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) AND THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL). FIVE POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED AND ELEVEN POLICE OFFICERS WERE KIDNAPPED. MARCH, 1989: KIDNAPPED AN AMERICAN FROM HER FAMILY'S RANCH. RELEASED UNHURT IN JUNE, 1989 AFTER A RANSOM PAYMENT. MARCH, 1989: KIDNAPPED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF COLOMBIAN OIL DISTRIBUTORS. STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN. APRIL, 1989: KIDNAPPED FOUR SPANISH AND ITALIAN ENGINEERS EMPLOYED AT A HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT. STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN. APRIL, 1989: KIDNAPPED FIVE COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS. RELEASED WITHIN A WEEK WITH A MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC. JUNE, 1989: KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN AND ONE SPANISH JOURNALISTS. THEIR STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN. OCTOBER, 1989: KIDNAPPED A SPANISH BUSINESSMAN IN QUITO, ECUADOR. THE VICTIM HAD EXTENSIVE BUSINESS HOLDINGS IN COLOMBIA. RELEASED AFTER A RANSOM WAS REPORTEDLY PAID. OCTOBER, 1989: TOWNS ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATIONS WITH FARC AND THE EPL. DECEMBER, 1989: KIDNAPPED A BRITISH CITIZEN RESIDENT IN COLOMBIA WHO WAS INVOLVED IN SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER SUBSTATIONS TO OIL COMPANIES. HIS STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN. FEBRUARY, 1990: KIDNAPPED THREE RESIDENT AMERICANS AS A PROTEST TO THE ATTENDANCE OF PRESIDENT BUSH TO THE CARTAGENA DRUG SUMMIT. VICTIMS RELEASED UNHARMED APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY HAD BEEN ABDUCTED. MAY, 1990: ATTACKED A CANADIAN-OWNED GOLD MINE NEAR ZARAGOZA, KILLED A COLOMBIAN ENGINEER AND KIDNAPPED THREE COMPANY EXECUTIVES (TWO COLOMBIANS AND A PERUVIAN). THE ELN PROMISED TO RELEASE THEIR HOSTAGES IF THE COMPANY WOULD CLOSE ITS DOORS. THE COMPANY STATED ITS INTENTION TO COMPLY AND THE HOSTAGES WERE RELEASED UNHARMED TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY HAD BEEN ABDUCTED. NOVEMBER, 1990: KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN AND THREE AMERICAN EMPLOYEES OF AN AMERICAN COMPANY. ONE COLOMBIAN WAS QUICKLY RELEASED WITH A MESSAGE TO THE AUTHORITIES. THE OTHER VICTIMS WERE RELEASED UNHARMED SEVERAL DAYS LATER AFTER THE REPORTED PAYMENT OF RANSOM. JANUARY, 1991: CONDUCTED A JOINT ATTACK WITH FARC ON A MAJOR FRENCH-COLOMBIAN OIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. FORTY VEHICLES AND PIECES OF HEAVY MACHINERY WERE DESTROYED, THE COLOMBIAN SECURITY CHIEF WAS KILLED, AND THREE FRENCH ENGINEERS WERE KIDNAPPED. THEY WERE RELEASED UNHARMED IN JULY, 1991. MAY, 1991: KIDNAPPED SEVEN COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS. THREE DAYS AFTER THEY WERE ABDUCTED, THE SEVEN WERE RELEASED AFTER BEING "INSTRUCTED." SEPTEMBER, 1991: MURDERED A SECURITY GUARD EMPLOYED BY A U.S. COMPANY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ELN HAS A LONG-STANDING STRATEGY OF CONDUCTING OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENERGY SECTOR. ITS OBJECTIVE IS TWO-FOLD: TO DEPRIVE THE GOVERNMENT OF REVENUES AND TO DRIVE OUT FOREIGN FIRMS WHICH SYMBOLIZE COLOMBIA'S ALLEGED SUBSERVIENCE TO "IMPERIALISM." MANY OF THE ELN'S ATTACKS HAVE TARGETED THE CANO LIMON-COVENAS CRUDE OIL PIPELINE. THESE ATTACKS HAVE BEEN SO NUMEROUS THAT IT WOULD BE UNWIELDY TO LIST THEM INDIVIDUALLY. YEAR PIPELINE ATTACKS 1987 10 1988 52 1989 32 1990 31 1991 60 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION false marked NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION showNameProp NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION 10/28/92 GP00015 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: A RADICAL LEFTIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION THAT FIRST APPEARED IN OCTOBER, 1990. IT IS NAMED AFTER THE DECEASED BROTHER OF PRESIDENT PAZ ZAMORA. IT CURRENTLY OPERATES UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE ELN (BOLIVIA); AND IS A VIOLENT, EXTREMELY ANTI-U.S., MARXIST-LENINIST ORGANIZATION. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN. PROBABLY FEWER THAN 100. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: PERU'S MTRA (TUPAC AMARU) HAS PROVIDED TRAINING, LIMITED FUNDING, AND LOGISTIC SUPPORT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHHRONOLOGY JUNE, 1990: THE BOLIVIAN OWNER OF THE LA PAZ COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY WAS KIDNAPPED WHILE HE WAS BEING DRIVEN TO WORK IN DOWNTOWN LA PAZ. THE VICTIM WAS MURDERED BY HIS CAPTORS ON DECEMBER 5, 1990, DURING A RESCUE ATTEMPT BY BOLIVIA POLICE. OCTOBER, 1990: ATTACKED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. EMBASSY'S MARINE SECURITY GUARD DETACHMENT IN LA PAZ WITH AUTOMATIC WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES. ONE BOLIVIAN POLICE OFFICER STANDING GUARD AT THE MARINE HOUSE WAS KILLED AND ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. NONE OF THE MARINES WERE INJURED. OCTOBER, 1990: BOMBED A MONUMENT TO U.S. PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY IN LA PAZ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY false marked NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY showNameProp NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY (NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY 10/28/92 GP00008 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: THE GUERRILLA ARM OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES, AN AVOWEDLY MAOIST GROUP FORMED IN DECEMBER, 1969 WITH THE AIM OF OVERTHROWING THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH PROTRACTED GUERRILLA WARFARE. ALTHOUGH PRIMARILY A RURAL-BASED GUERRILLA GROUP, THE NPA HAS AN ACTIVE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE TO CARRY OUT TERRORISM. THE NPA USES CITY-BASED ASSASSINATION SQUADS CALLED "SPARROW UNITS." THE NPA DERIVES MOST OF ITS FUNDING FROM CONTRIBUTIONS AND "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES" EXTORTED FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: IN ADDITION TO GUERRILLA ACTIVITIES, THE NPA HAS USED URBAN TERRORISM, INCLUDING ATTACKS ON GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, POLICE, AND MILITARY OFFICERS IN MANILA AND OTHER MAJOR CITIES. THE NPA HAS ALSO VOWED TO KILL U.S. CITIZENS WHO ALLEGEDLY ARE INVOLVED IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE'S COUNTER-INSURGENCY CAMPAIGN. THE NPA HAS MURDERED TEN U.S. MILITARY MEMBERS AND PRIVATE AMERICAN CITIZENS SINCE 1987. IT HAS ALSO ATTACKED U.S. BUSINESSES LOCATED IN RURAL AREAS WHO REFUSED TO PAY REVOLUTIONARY TAXES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 16,000 PLUS SUPPORT GROUPS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES FUNDING FROM OVERSEAS FUNDRAISERS IN WESTERN EUROPE AND ELSEWHERE; ALSO LINKED TO LIBYA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * REPLACE THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT WITH A COMMUNIST REGIME; * CONSOLIDATE GAINS IN RURAL AREAS AND FOCUS ON WINNING PEASANT SUPPORT; * SLOWLY ERODE SUPPORT OF THE GENERAL FILIPINO POPULACE FOR CONTINUED U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE; * PROVOKE A MORE REPRESSIVE RESPONSE FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH ITS COUNTER-INSURGENCY EFFORT, THEREBY ALIENATING LARGER SEGMENTS OF THE FILIPINO POPULACE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: A MAOIST-ORIENTED INSURGENT ORGANIZATION, THE NPA IS THE MILITARY WING OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES (CPP), A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION FORMED IN 1968. THE CPP IS DEDICATED TO OVERTHROWING THE CURRENT FILIPINO REGIME BY EMPLOYING MAOIST PRINCIPLES OF PEASANT REVOLUTION, INVOLVING PROTRACTED GUERRILLA WARFARE. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE NPA HAS INCREASED STEADILY IN SIZE AND CAPABILITY; AND INSURGENT ACTIVITIES HAVE CONCOMINANTLY ESCALATED IN SCOPE AND MAGNITUDE. THE NPA HAS BEEN FAIRLY SUCCESSFUL IN RURAL AREAS, WHERE IT HAS BEEN ABLE TO EXERT INFLUENCE AND EVEN ESTABLISH CONTROL OVER VILLAGE COMMUNITIES. IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING ITS INCEPTION, THE NPA CONDUCTED RURAL INSURGENT OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT MANY OF THE COUNTRY'S PROVINCES. OPERATIONS OFTEN WERE CONDUCTED ON LOCAL OR REGIONAL LEVELS, USUALLY WITH THE INTENT OF SECURING WEAPONS AND FUNDS AND HARASSING SECURITY FORCES. AS IT GREW IN SIZE, STRENGTH, AND CONFIDENCE, THE NPA INCREASINGLY BECAME ENGAGED IN A CAMPAIGN OF INTIMIDATION AND TERROR, AS IT BEGAN TO TARGET LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OPPOSED TO THE COMMUNIST MOVEMENT. OTHER FREQUENT TARGETS INCLUDED SECURITY PERSONNEL, LOCAL POLICE, INFORMANTS, AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WHO ESPOUSED ANTI-COMMUNIST RHETORIC. THE GOVERNMENT'S INABILITY TO CURB THE GROWTH OF THE MOVEMENT WAS NOT SIMPLY A FAILED COUNTERINSURGENCY EFFORT. THE MARCOS REGIME ALSO HAD FAILED TO INSTITUTE THE NECESSARY POLITICAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC REFORMS, AS WELL AS TO CURB RAMPANT CORRUPTION, MOVES THAT WOULD HAVE PLACATED CRITICS AND WON BACK POPULAR SUPPORT. AS THEY GAINED MOMENTUM, THE CPP AND NPA WERE ABLE TO EXPAND THEIR INFLUENCE INTO THE URBAN AREAS OF THE PHILIPPINES. THEIR POLITICAL STRENGTH ALSO WAS ENHANCED THROUGH ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN WITHIN THE SPHERE OF THE GROUPS' LEGAL POLITICAL ORGANIZATION, THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT. EXCEPT FOR AN INCIDENT IN WHICH THREE U.S. NAVAL OFFICERS WERE KILLED NEAR SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE IN 1974, UNTIL 1987 THE NPA HAD REFRAINED FROM ACTIVELY TARGETING AMERICANS. THE GROUP HAS, HOWEVER, CONDUCTED CONTINUOUS SURVEILLANCE AND INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION OPERATIONS AGAINST U.S. PERSONNEL AND ASSETS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. IN RECENT YEARS, THE NPA HAS THREATENED TO TARGET ANY U.S. PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN EITHER THE COUNTERINSURGENCY EFFORT OR THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF THE PHILIPPINES. ON 28 OCTOBER, 1987, HOWEVER, TWO U.S. SERVICEMEN AND A RETIREE, IN ADDITION TO A FILIPINO BYSTANDER, WERE MURDERED IN ANGELES CITY. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK ON BEHALF OF THE NPA. SINCE THAT TIME THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN NPA OPERATIONS DIRECTED AGAINST BOTH OFFICIAL AS WELL AS PRIVATE U.S. INTERESTS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY APRIL, 1974: MURDERED THREE U.S. NAVAL PERSONNEL NEAR SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE. SEPTEMBER, 1978: MURDERED THE MAYOR OF KALINGA APAYO. FEBRUARY, 1979: MURDERED THE SON OF THE THEN-COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY. DECEMBER, 1981: IMPLICATED IN KIDNAPPING THE SON-IN-LAW OF PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS; THE NPA DENIED INVOLVEMENT. APRIL, 1982: MURDERED THE MAYOR OF CALBAYOG CITY. JULY, 1982: IMPLICATED IN THE MURDERS OF THE MAYORS OF RIZAL AND DIGOS. APRIL, 1983: MURDERED THE POLICE CHIEF AND FIVE POLICE OFFICERS IN BARANGAY TIBLAWAN. NOVEMBER, 1983: MURDERED THE MAYOR OF LUBA. MAY, 1984: ASSASSINATED BRIGADIER GENERAL KARNIXAL, POLICE COMMANDER OF QUEZON CITY. CLAIMED BY THE ALEX BONCAYO BRIGADE, AN ELITE SPARROW UNIT OF THE NPA. SEPTEMBER, 1984: INFILTRATED A PRISON ARMORY ON LEYTE ISLAND, SEIZING AN UNSPECIFIED NUMBER OF WEAPONS. NOVEMBER, 1984 - JANUARY, 1985: ASSASSINATED THE MAYORS OF ZAMBOANGA CITY AND SANTA ANA, THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF LAPUYAN, AND THE POLICE CHIEF OF NUEVA ECIJA. OCTOBER, 1987: MURDERED TWO AMERICAN SERVICEMEN, AN AMERICAN RETIREE, AND A FILIPINO BYSTANDER. CLAIMED BY THE ALEX BONCAYO BRIGADE, AND LATER BY THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT ON BEHALF OF THE NPA. NOVEMBER, 1987: TWO HUNDRED NPA GUERRILLAS ATTACKED TWO U.S. OWNED AND OPERATED BANANA PLANTATIONS BURNING WAREHOUSES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. THIS WAS THE SECOND NPA ATTACK ON THIS PLANTATION; THE FIRST HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN AUGUST, 1987. FEBRUARY, 1989: NPA GUERRILLAS ATTACKED A MINING COMPANY OPERATION WITH MORTARS AND SMALL ARMS. THE FACILITY WAS RANSACKED AND THE ARMORY WAS LOOTED. FIFTEEN SECURITY GUARDS, TWO CIVILIANS, AND EIGHT NPA REBELS DIED IN THE ATTACK. APRIL, 1989: THE NPA ATTEMPTED TO AMBUSH A CONVOY OF U.S. AIR FORCE SECURITY POLICE NEAR CLARK AIR FORCE BASE. THE AMBUSH WAS ABORTED WHEN THE CONVOY ARRIVED EARLY. THE NPA GUERRILLAS FLED. APRIL, 1989: THE NPA ATTACKED A U.S.-PHILIPPINE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY ATOP MOUNT CABUYO. THREE ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS AND A COMMUNICATIONS TRAILER WERE DAMAGED. APRIL, 1989: AN NPA UNIT ASSASSINATED U.S. ARMY COLONEL JAMES N. ROWE. THE VICTIM WAS ATTACKED WHILE BEING DRIVEN TO WORK. THE DRIVER OF THE VICTIM'S VEHICLE WAS WOUNDED. APRIL, 1989: NPA REBELS ATTACKED AN INTER-CITY FERRY FROM SPEED BOATS, ROBBING PASSENGERS. MAY, 1989: KIDNAPPED A JAPANESE AID WORKER. SEPTEMBER, 1989: ASSASSINATED TWO FORD AEROSPACE TECHNICIANS AS THE VICTIMS DROVE HOME FROM THEIR JOB AT CLARK AIR FORCE BASE. DECEMBER, 1989: TWO RIFLE GRENADES WERE FIRED INTO THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND. NO INJURIES. DECEMBER, 1989: CARRIED OUT A RIFLE GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES INFORMATION SERVICE (USIS) LIBRARY IN DAVAO CITY. NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1990: DETONATED THREE BOMBS IN DAVAO CITY IN ONE DAY. ONE OF THE DEVICES DETONATED AT THE USIS FACILITY. FEBRUARY, 1990: ASSASSINATED AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, HIS FILIPINO WIFE AND HIS FATHER-IN-LAW NEAR THE CITY OF TAGBILARAN. MARCH, 1990: MURDERED AN ELDERLY AMERICAN RANCHER FOR VICTIM'S REFUSAL TO PAY THE NPA REVOLUTIONARY TAXES. MAY, 1990: A UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER WAS MURDERED BY THE NPA IN OLONGAPO CITY NEAR SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE. MAY, 1990: TWO U.S. AIR FORCE PERSONNEL WERE KILLED AND A THIRD ESCAPED UNHURT WHEN THE NPA AMBUSHED THE THREE NEAR CLARK AIR FORCE BASE. MAY, 1990: TWO RIFLE GRENADES FIRED AT THE THOMAS JEFFERSON CULTURAL CENTER, A USIS FACILITY, IN MANILA. JUNE, 1990: A U.S. PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER WAS KIDNAPPED, HELD 49 DAYS, AND RELEASED UNHARMED. JULY, 1990: SUSPECTED NPA MEMBERS DROVE BY THE USIS FACILITY IN DAVAO CITY, SPRAYING IT WITH SMALL ARMS FIRE. NO INJURIES. SEPTEMBER, 1990: NPA TERRORISTS BOMBED THE VOICE OF AMERICA (VOA) TRANSMITTER ANTENNA SITE IN TARLAC PROVINCE. NO INJURIES. NOVEMBER, 1990: FIRED TWO RIFLE GRENADES AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN MANILA. NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1991: FIFTY NPA REBELS ATTACKED A PHILIPPINE POLICE BARRACKS NEAR THE SITE OF A VOICE OF AMERICA TRANSMITTER SITE. ATTEMPTED TO PLACE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES ON TRANSMITTER ANTENNAS, BUT THE DEVICES WERE DISARMED. NOVEMBER, 1991: AMBUSHED A PHILIPPINE ARMY PATROL, KILLING TWENTY TWO. FEBRUARY, 1992: AN NPA UNIT AMBUSHED A PHILIPPINE ARMY PATROL OF 100 TROOPS. AT LEAST THIRTY-SEVEN OF THE TROOPS WERE KILLED. RELIABLE REPORTING INDICATES THAT THE ATTACK WAS PARTICULARLY SAVAGE, WITH MANY OF VICTIMS' CORPSES SHOWING CLEAR SIGNS OF MUTILATION. MARCH, 1992: PHILIPPINE POLICE RESCUED AN AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN WHO HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED AND HELD HOSTAGE BY A GROUP CALLING ITSELF "RED SCORPION" BELIEVED TO BE A FACTION OF THE NPA. MARCH, 1992: NPA IS SUSPECTED IN THE MURDER OF AN ASSISTANT DEAN OF A UNIVERSITY LOCATED IN MANILA. THE VICTIM WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD AS HE WALKED TO WORK. JUNE, 1992: AN NPA UNIT RAIDED AN AMERICAN-OWNED FOOD PROCESSING PLANT IN DAVAO, WRECKING EQUIPMENT AND KIDNAPPING FILIPINO EMPLOYEES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT false marked PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT showNameProp PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT 08/06/92 GP00040 KEY WORDS: PLF; FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE; FLP DESCRIPTION: THE PLF IS A TERRORIST GROUP THAT BROKE AWAY FROM THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC) IN THE MID-1970S. IT LATER SPLIT AGAIN INTO THREE FACTIONS: PRO-PLO; PRO-SYRIAN; AND, PRO-LIBYAN. THE PRO-PLO FACTION IS LED BY MUHAMMAD ABBAS (ABU ABBAS), WHO BECAME A MEMBER OF THE PLO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN 1984, BUT LEFT THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN 1991. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: THE ABU ABBAS FACTION OF THE PLF CARRIED OUT AN ABORTIVE SEABORNE ATTACK STAGED FROM LIBYA AGAINST ISRAEL ON MAY 30, 1990. THE SAME GROUP WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OCTOBER, 1985 ATTACK ON THE CRUISE SHIP "ACHILLE LAURO" AND THE MURDER OF U.S. CITIZEN LEON KLINGHOFFER. A WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF ABU ABBAS IS OUTSTANDING IN ITALY. THE PLF OPENLY SUPPORTED IRAQ DURING THE PERSIAN GULF WAR. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: AT LEAST FIFTY WITHIN ABU ABBAS FACTION. OTHER TWO FACTIONS: 200-250. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES LOGISTIC AND MILITARY SUPPORT MAINLY FROM PLO, BUT ALSO FROM LIBYA AND IRAQ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCE: * DISMANTLE THE CURRENT STATE OF ISRAEL; * TERRORIZE ISRAEL BY DIRECT ATTACKS ON ITS SOIL; * ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE IN PLACE OF ISRAEL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: ALTHOUGH ORIGINALLY A PART OF THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC), THE PLF WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER MUHAMMAD ABU AL ABBAS, IN OPPOSITION TO PFLP-GC LEADER AHMED JIBRIL'S SUPPORT FOR THE SYRIAN INCURSION INTO LEBANON IN JUNE, 1976. AFTER UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTING TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE PFLP-GC IN SEPTEMBER, 1976, THE PLF WAS SPLIT FROM THE PFLP-GC OFFICIALLY BY PLO CHAIRMAN YASSIR ARAFAT IN APRIL, 1977. THE PLF WAS ESTABLISHED WITH IRAQI SUPPORT, AND ITS EXISTENCE AS AN INDEPENDENT GROUP WAS RECOGNIZED WHEN IT OBTAINED SEATS ON THE PALESTINE NATIONAL COUNCIL IN 1981 WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS IN DAMASCUS. NEAR THE END OF 1983, THE PLF ITSELF SPLIT INTO FACTIONS WHEN ABU ABBAS FELT THAT HIS ORGANIZATION HAD BECOME TOO CLOSE TO SYRIA. LEAVING DAMASCUS, ALONG WITH MANY SUPPORTERS, ABU ABBAS WENT TO TUNIS TO ALIGN HIMSELF WITH ARAFAT AND THE MAINSTREAM FATAH ORGANIZATION. FOLLOWING THE ACHILLE LAURO INCIDENT, THE ABU ABBAS FACTION RELOCATED TO BAGHDAD AT THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNMENT OF TUNISIA. THE PARTS OF THE PLF REMAINING IN DAMASCUS WERE FURTHER SPLIT IN JANUARY, 1984 WHEN ABD AL FATAH GHANEM ATTEMPTED A TAKEOVER OF THE PLF OFFICES AND HELD TAL'AT YAQUB, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE PLF, HOSTAGE. THROUGH SYRIAN INTERVENTION, YAQUB WAS RELEASED AND GHANEM FORMED HIS OWN FACTION WITH TIES TO LIBYA. YAQUB'S FACTION JOINED THE PALESTINE NATIONAL SALVATION FRONT AND IS GENERALLY ALIGNED WITH SYRIA. OPERATIONALLY, THE ABBAS FACTION OF THE PLF HAS DEMONSTRATED CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL ACUMEN. THE GROUP HAS EMPLOYED HOT AIR BALLOONS AND HANG GLIDERS FOR AIRBORNE OPERATIONS, AND A CIVILIAN PASSENGER SHIP FOR MOUNTING A SEABORNE INFILTRATION OPERATION. THE ACHILLE LAURO HIJACKING IN OCTOBER, 1985 - FOLLOWED BY THE MURDER OF AN ELDERLY AMERICAN CITIZEN - LEON KLINGHOFFER - CONTRIBUTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION OF ABU ABBAS AND THE PLF. IN 1988, THE PLF AND YASSIR ARAFAT FEUDED OVER THE PLO'S MODERATING STANCE ON ISRAEL AND ON THE USE OF TERROR AGAINST ISRAEL. THE DIFFERENCES APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN OVERCOME WHEN THE PLO REFUSED TO CONDEMN AN ATTEMPTED ATTACK BY THE PLF ON A TEL AVIV BEACH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JULY, 1978: KIDNAPPED 51 UNIFIL SOLDIERS IN TYRE; FORCED BY FATAH TO RELEASE THEM SEVERAL HOURS LATER. SEPTEMBER, 1978: THREE PLF TERRORISTS WERE CAPTURED IN NORTHERN ISRAEL. THEY HAD INTENDED A HOSTAGE TAKING OPERATION WITH THE GOAL OF SEEKING THE RELEASE OF PLF PRISONERS HELD IN ISRAEL. APRIL, 1979: FOUR PLF OPERATIVES LANDED FROM THE SEA NEAR NAHARIYAH, INTENDING TO SEIZE ISRAELI HOSTAGES TO BE USED IN EXCHANGE FOR TERRORISTS BEING HELD BY THE ISRAELIS. THE TERRORISTS KILLED A MAN AND HIS DAUGHTER IN THEIR APARTMENT, AS WELL AS AN ISRAELI POLICEMAN. TWO TERRORISTS WERE KILLED DURING THE FIGHTING AND TWO WERE CAPTURED. AUGUST, 1979: ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL BY SEA NEAR ROSH HANIQRA. THREE TERRORISTS WERE CAPTURED AND ONE KILLED. JULY, 1980: ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL USING A HOT-AIR BALLOON. THE BALLOON EXPLODED AFTER TAKING OFF, KILLING ONE TERRORIST. MARCH, 1981: ATTEMPTED TO SEND TWO ONE-MAN HANG GLIDERS INTO ISRAEL. BOTH WERE CAPTURED. APRIL, 1981: ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL USING A HOT-AIR BALLOON. THE BALLOON WAS SHOT DOWN, AND TWO PLF OPERATIVES WERE KILLED. DOCUMENTS FOUND ON THE TERRORISTS INDICATED THAT THEIR MISSION WAS TO TAKE HOSTAGES IN EXCHANGE FOR IMPRISONED PLF MEMBERS IN ISRAEL. JUNE, 1984: A SQUAD FROM THE GHANEM FACTION OF THE PLF WAS CAPTURED IN NORTHERN ISRAEL, BELIEVED TO BE ON A HOSTAGE-TAKING OPERATION. OCTOBER, 1985: HIJACKED THE ITALIAN CRUISE SHIP "ACHILLE LAURO." AFTER HOLDING HOSTAGES FOR 2 DAYS AND MURDERING ONE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND U.S. PASSENGER, THE TERRORIST TEAM AND ABU ABBAS SURRENDERED TO THE EGYPTIANS IN EXCHANGE FOR A PROMISE OF SAFE PASSAGE. THEY WERE APPREHENDED AT A NATO AIR BASE IN SICILY AFTER U.S. AIRCRAFT INTERCEPTED AND FORCED DOWN THE EGYPTIAN AIRLINER THAT WAS FLYING THE TERRORISTS TO SAFEHAVEN. ABU ABBAS WAS SOON RELEASED BY THE ITALIANS. THE FOUR PLF TERRORISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HIJACKING WERE CONVICTED OF THEIR CRIMES AND SENTENCED TO PRISON. MAY, 1990: ISRAELI MILITARY FORCES FOILED AN ATTEMPT BY PLF TERRORISTS TO LAND ON AN ISRAELI BEACH. THE PLAN OF THE TERRORISTS WERE TO ATTACK AND OCCUPY HOTELS ON THE TEL AVIV BEACH FRONT. MAY, 1992: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPT TO RAID THE ISRAELI RED SEA RESORT OF EILAT. KILLED A SECURITY GUARD BEFORE ISRAELI MILITARY KILLED ONE AND WOUNDED ONE TERRORIST. BELIEVED TO HAVE ATTEMPTED TO SWIM FROM AQABA IN JORDAN ALONG THE COAST LINE TO EILAT. COMES EXACTLY TWO YEARS AFTER ATTEMPT IN MAY 1990 (5/30) TO ATTACK BEACH AT TEL AVIV. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATIO false marked PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATIO showNameProp PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATIO 1PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION 10/28/92 GP00013 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: FOUNDED IN 1964 AS A PALESTINIAN NATIONALIST UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE. AFTER THE 1967 ARAB-ISRAELI WAR, CONTROL OF THE PLO DEVOLVED TO THE LEADERSHIP OF THE VARIOUS FEDAYEEN MILITIA GROUPS, THE MOST DOMINANT OF WHICH WAS YASSIR ARAFAT'S AL-FATAH. IN 1969, ARAFAT BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THE PLO'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, A POSITION HE STILL HOLDS. IN THE EARLY 198OS, THE PLO BECAME FRAGMENTED INTO SEVERAL CONTENDING GROUPS BUT REMAINS THE PREEMINENT PALESTINIAN ORGANIZATION. THE UNITED STATES CONSIDERS THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION TO BE AN UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION THAT INCLUDES SEVERAL CONSTITUENT GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS HOLDING DIFFERING VIEWS ON TERRORISM. AT THE SAME TIME U.S. POLICY ACCEPTS THAT ELEMENTS OF THE PLO HAVE ADVOCATED, CARRIED OUT, OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTS OF TERRORISM. PLO CHAIRMAN ARAFAT PUBLICLY RENOUNCED TERRORISM IN DECEMBER, 1988 ON BEHALF OF THE PLO. THE UNITED STATES CONSIDERS THAT ALL PLO GROUPS, INCLUDING AL-FATAH, FORCE 17, HAWARI GROUP, PLF, AND THE PFLP, ARE BOUND BY ARAFAT'S RENUNCIATION OF TERRORISM. THE U.S.- PLO DIALOGUE WAS SUSPENDED AFTER THE PLO FAILED TO CONDEMN THE 30 MAY 1990 PLF ATTACK ON ISRAELI BEACHES. PLF HEAD ABU ABBAS LEFT THE PLO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN SEPTEMBER 1991; AND HIS SEAT WAS FILLED BY ANOTHER PLF MEMBER. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: IN THE EARLY 1970S SEVERAL GROUPS AFFILIATED WITH THE PLO CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST ATTACKS. BY THE MID-1970S, UNDER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE, THE PLO CLAIMED IT WOULD RESTRICT ATTACKS TO ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. SEVERAL TERRORIST ATTACKS WERE LATER CARRIED OUT BY GROUPS AFFILIATED WITH THE PLO/FATAH, INCLUDING THE HAWARI GROUP, THE PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF), AND FORCE 17, AGAINST TARGETS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE AB0VE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT SOURCE DOCUMENTS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Group Profiles) ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION 10/28/92 GP00023 KEY WORDS: ANO; FATAH THE REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL; FRC; ARAB REVOLUTIONARY BRIGADES; ARB; BLACK SEPTEMBER; ARAB REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL; BLACK JUNE; ROSM; REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION OF SOCIALIST MUSLIMS; PUNISHMENT; AL-IQTAB; FATAH THE CORRECTIVE MOVEMENT; BLACK SEPTEMBER-BLACK JUNE; MARTYRS OF ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: AN INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST ORGANIZATION LED BY SABRI AL-BANNA (AKA ABU NIDAL "FATHER OF STRUGGLE"). SPLIT FROM FATAH IN 1974. COMPOSED OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES, INCLUDING MILITARY, POLITICAL, ETC. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CARRIED OUT MORE THAN 90 TERRORIST OPERATIONS SINCE 1973-74 IN APPROXIMATELY 20 COUNTRIES, KILLING OR INJURING ALMOST 900 PEOPLE. THE ANO PRIMARILY TARGETS THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, ISRAEL, EUROPEAN NATIONS, JEWS OF ANY NATIONALITY, THE PLO, VARIOUS ARAB NATIONS. THE ANO'S METHODS OF OPERATION INCLUDE ARMED ATTACKS ON AIRPORTS, HIJACKINGS, ARMED ATTACKS ON PUBLIC GATHERING PLACES, BOMBINGS, ASSASSINATIONS, AND KIDNAPPINGS. THE GROUP'S ATTACKS ARE NOTED FOR THEIR FEROCITY AND THEIR INTENTIONS OF CAUSING MASSIVE CASUALTIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL HUNDRED PLUS MILITIA IN LEBANON, PLUS AN OVERSEAS SUPPORT STRUCTURE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: THE ANO WAS HEADQUARTERED IN IRAQ (1974-83) AND SYRIA (1983-87); CURRENTLY MAINTAINS A PRESENCE IN LIBYA WITH A SUBSTANTIAL PRESENCE IN LEBANON. THE ANO ALSO MAINTAINS A PRESENCE IN ALGERIA AS WELL AS IN OTHER NATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA. SOME ELEMENTS OF THE ANO MAY HAVE RELOCATED TO IRAQ FROM LIBYA IN MID-1990. THE GROUP HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS ABILITY TO OPERATE OVER A WIDE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, INCLUDING THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, AFRICA, AND ASIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION HAS RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT, INCLUDING SAFEHAVEN, TRAINING, LOGISTICAL ASSISTANCE, AND FINANCIAL AID FROM IRAQ, SYRIA, AND LIBYA. THE GROUP CONTINUES TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM LIBYA, IN ADDITION TO CLOSE LOGISTICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR TERRORIST OPERATIONS. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: *PLACE THE "ARMED STRUGGLE" AGAINST THE "ZIONIST ENEMY" AS THE FIRST PRIORITY OF THE PALESTINE RESISTANCE MOVEMENT; *UNDERMINE EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE AN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE BY TERRORIZING PRO-ARAFAT PALESTINIANS AND BY ATTACKING ISRAELI AND JEWISH TARGETS; *THREATEN OR ATTACK "REACTIONARY" REGIMES IN EGYPT, JORDAN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, AND THE GULF SHEIKDOMS; *AFFIRM ARAB COMMITMENT TO THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL; *INTIMIDATE THOSE NATIONS CURRENTLY HOLDING ABU NIDAL OPERATIVES IN PRISON INTO RELEASING THEM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: A REJECTIONIST AND EXTREMELY VIOLENT TERRORIST GROUP, THE ANO OPPOSES ALL EFFORTS TOWARD POLITICAL RECONCILIATION OF THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. THE GROUP CONTENDS THAT BOTH INTER-ARAB AND INTRA-PALESTINIAN TERRORISM ARE NEEDED TO PRECIPITATE AN ALL-EMBRACING ARAB REVOLUTION THAT ALONE CAN LEAD TO THE LIBERATION OF "OCCUPIED PALESTINE." THE ANO IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TERRORIST GROUP IN EXISTENCE, AND ITS AREA OF OPERATIONS IS ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE. THE GROUP MADE ITS INITIAL APPEARANCE AFTER THE OCTOBER 1973 ARAB-ISRAELI WAR WHEN YASSIR ARAFAT DECIDED TO RESTRICT TERRORIST OPERATIONS TO ISRAELI TARGETS. ABU NIDAL DECIDED TO FIGHT ANY EFFORT AT MODERATION BY CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AGAINST ISRAELI TARGETS AND BY TARGETING PRO-ARAFAT PALESTINIANS AND MODERATE ARAB STATES. THE RIFT BETWEEN ABU NIDAL AND ARAFAT BECAME SO INTENSE THAT ABU NIDAL WAS TRIED IN ABSENTIA AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY ARAFAT. SINCE ITS FOUNDING, THE ANO HAS ALSO TARGETED THOSE NATIONS HOLDING ITS OPERATIVES AS PRISONERS. AS ABU NIDAL'S FOLLOWING GREW, THE GROUP'S OPERATIONS AGAINST PALESTINIAN MODERATES ESCALATED. DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1978, THE ANO ASSASSINATED THREE PROMINENT PLO OFFICIALS, WHO WERE ALLIES OF ARAFAT. ALTHOUGH A TEMPORARY RAPPROCHEMENT TOOK PLACE IN 1978, THE ANO CONTINUES TO TARGET MODERATE PALESTINIAN ELEMENTS. DESPITE ITS SUPPORT BY A SUCCESSION OF STATE SPONSORS THE GROUP MAINTAINS ITS OWN POLITICAL AGENDA. ALTHOUGH MANY OF THE ANO'S OPERATIONS COINCIDE WITH THE INTERESTS OF ITS SPONSORS, THE GROUP ALSO CONDUCTS INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS. THE ANO IS FINANCIALLY SOUND AND MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST ECONOMICALLY VIABLE OF ALL TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS. THE GROUP IS BELIEVED TO DRAW ONE THIRD OF ITS INCOME FROM PATRON STATES, ONE THIRD FROM GRAFT OR BLACKMAIL/EXTORTION, AND ONE THIRD FROM ITS OWN NETWORK OF BUSINESSES AND FRONT ORGANIZATIONS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY SEPTEMBER, 1973 - WHILE STILL AFFILIATED WITH FATAH, ABU NIDAL MOUNTED AN OPERATION, SEIZING THE EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA IN PARIS, AND DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF ABU DAWUD, A FATAH TERRORIST BEING HELD IN JORDAN. OCTOBER, 1974: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF FATAH OFFICIAL ABU MAZIM. ABU NIDAL WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH IN ABSENTIA BY FATAH FOR THIS ATTEMPT. SEPTEMBER, 1976: ATTACK AND TAKEOVER OF THE SEMIRAMIS HOTEL IN DAMASCUS OCTOBER, 1976: ATTACKS ON SYRIAN EMBASSIES IN ISLAMABAD AND ROME. NOVEMBER, 1976: ATTACK ON THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN AMMAN. DECEMBER, 1976: FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST SYRIAN FORTEIGN MINISTER IN DAMASCUS. OCTOBER, 1977: ANOTHER FAILED ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, THIS TIME IN ABU DHABI. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS WAS KILLED. AUGUST, 1978: ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF THE PLO IN PAKISTAN. JULY, 1980: ATTACK ON THE CHILDREN OF A JEWISH SCHOOL IN ANTWERP. JULY, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE ISRAELI COMMERCIAL ATTACHE IN BRUSSELS. MAY, 1981: MURDERED A VIENNA CITY COUNCILMAN AND THREATENED TO KILL AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR KREISKY. AUGUST, 1981: MACHINEGUNNED A VIENNA SYNAGOGUE, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING SEVENTEEN PEOPLE. JUNE, 1982: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF SHLOMO ARGOV, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. JUNE, 1982: MURDERED A PLO OFFICIAL IN ROME WITH A CAR BOMB. AUGUST, 1982: ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) CONSUL IN BOMBAY. SEPTEMBER, 1982: ASSASSINATED A KUWAITI DIPLOMAT IN MADRID. OCTOBER, 1982: KILLED ONE CHILD AND INJURED TEN PEOPLE IN A GRENADE AND MACHINE-GUN ATTACK ON A SYNAGOGUE IN ROME. APRIL, 1983: MURDERED PLO OFFICIAL ISSAM SARTAWI AT THE SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN LISBON. OCTOBER, 1983: ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO ITALY IN ROME. OCTOBER, 1983: SEVERELY WOUNDED THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO INDIA IN NEW DELHI. NOVEMBER, 1983: ATTACKED SECURITY GUARDS ASSIGNED TO THE JORDANIAN EMBASSY IN ATHENS, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING ANOTHER. DECEMBER, 1983: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER IN IZMIR, TURKEY. FEBRUARY, 1984: IMPLICATED IN THE PARIS MURDER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE. MARCH, 1984: ASSASSINATED A BRITISH DIPLOMAT IN ATHENS. NOVEMBER, 1984: ASSASSINATED THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER IN BOMBAY, INDIA. DECEMBER, 1984: MURDERED ARAFAT SUPPORTER ISMAIL DARWISH IN ROME. MARCH, 1985: KIDNAPPED BRITISH JOURNALIST ALEC COLLETT IN BEIRUT; COLLETT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN MURDERED ONE YEAR LATER, BUT INFORMATION IS INCONCLUSIVE. MARCH, 1985: ATTACKED THE ROME OFFICES OF ALIA, THE ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES, WOUNDING THREE PEOPLE. ALSO BELIEVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON ALIA OFFICES IN ATHENS AND NICOSIA. APRIL, 1985: FIRED A ROCKET AT AN ALIA AIRLINER AS IT TOOK OFF FROM ATHENS AIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THE ROCKET DID NOT DETONATE, IT LEFT A HOLE IN THE FUSELAGE. JULY, 1985: BOMBED THE BRITISH AIRWAYS OFFICE IN MADRID, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING TWENTY SEVEN. FIVE MINUTES LATER ATTACKED THE MADRID OFFICES OF ALIA, TWO BLOCKS AWAY, WOUNDING TWO PERSONS. SEPTEMBER, 1985: GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST THE CAFE DE PARIS IN ROME, WOUNDING THIRTY EIGHT PEOPLE. SEPTEMBER, 1985: HIJACKED AN EGYPTIAN AIRLINER TO MALTA, WHERE SIXTY PEOPLE WERE KILLED DURING A RESCUE ATTEMPT BY EGYPTIAN FORCES. DECEMBER, 1985: ATTACKED THE AIRPORTS AT ROME AND VIENNA, KILLING SIXTEEN AND WOUNDING SCORES. CLAIMED BY THE CELLS OF THE ARAB FEDAYEEN. SEPTEMBER, 1986: ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF PAN AMERICAN FLIGHT #73 AT KARACHI, KILLING TWENTY TWO PERSONS. SEPTEMBER, 1986: LESS THAN TWENTY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE KARACHI ATTACK, ANO OPERATIVES ATTACKED THE NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE IN ISTANBUL, KILLING MORE THAN TWENTY WORSHIPPERS. JULY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A RESTAURANT ON THE WEST BANK OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES, WOUNDING FIFTEEN. NOVEMBER, 1987: CLAIMED TO HAVE SEIZED A YACHT OFF THE COAST OF ISRAEL AND TAKEN ITS EIGHT OCCUPANTS HOSTAGE. MARCH, 1988: A LONE GUNMAN ATTACKED AN ALITALIA AIRLINES CREW ABOARD A COMMUTER BUS IN BOMBAY, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING THE CREW CAPTAIN. MAY, 1988: IN KHARTOUM, SUDAN, ANO OPERATIVES KILLED EIGHT AND WOUNDED TWENTY ONE IN SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON THE ACROPOLE HOTEL AND THE SUDAN CLUB. JULY, 1988: FOLLOWING THE PREMATURE DETONATION OF A CAR BOMB AT AN ATHENS PIER, IN WHICH TWO ANO OPERATIVES WERE KILLED, ANO GUNMEN ABOARD THE DAY CRUISE SHIP "CITY OF POROS" ATTACKED THE PASSENGERS, KILLING NINE AND WOUNDING NINETY EIGHT. JANUARY, 1991: ABU IYAD, CONSIDERED THE SECOND MOST SENIOR OFFICIAL OF FATAH AFTER YASSIR ARAFAT; AND ABU HUL, COMMANDER OF THE WESTERN SECTOR FORCES OF FATAH, WERE ASSASSINATED BY AN ABU NIDAL OPERATIVE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD false marked PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD showNameProp PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD 10/28/92 GP00042 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: THE PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD (PIJ) ORIGINATED AMONG MILITANT PALESTINIAN FUNDAMENTALISTS IN THE GAZA STRIP DURING THE 1970S. THE PIJ MAY BE A SERIES OF LOOSELY AFFILIATED FACTIONS, RATHER THAN A COHESIVE GROUP. IT IS COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF AN ISLAMIC PALESTINIAN STATE AND TO THE THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL THROUGH "HOLY WAR." BECAUSE OF ITS STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE STATE OF ISRAEL, THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN ENEMY OF THE PIJ. THE PIJ ALSO OPPOSES MODERATE ARAB GOVERNMENTS THAT IT BELIEVES HAVE BEEN TAINTED BY WESTERN SECULARISM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: THE PIJ DEMONSTRATED ITS TERRORIST CREDENTIALS WHEN IT ATTACKED A TOUR BUS IN EGYPT IN FEBRUARY, 1990 ABD KILLED ELEVEN PEOPLE. THE PIJ ALSO HAS CARRIED OUT CROSS BORDER RAIDS AGAINST ISRAELI TARGETS IN THE WEST BANK AND THE GAZA STRIP. A PIJ LEADER IN JORDAN HAS PUBLICLY THREATENED TO ATTACK U.S. INTERESTS. PIJ AGENTS WERE ARRESTED IN EGYPT IN SEPTEMBER, 1991 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE COUNTRY TO CONDUCT TERRORIST OPERATIONS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: UNCERTAIN, POSSIBLY IRAN AND SYRIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JULY, 1989: A PASSENGER ON A BUS GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING IT TO CRASH KILLING SIXTEEN AND INJURING TWENTY FIVE ON THE ROAD BETWEEN TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM. THE ARAB ATTACKER SURVIVED AND WAS SENTENCED TO SIXTEEN LIFE SENTENCES. THE PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK; HOWEVER, THE AFFILIATION OF THE PERPETRATOR HAS NOT BEEN DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISHED. FEBRUARY, 1990: PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK OF AN ISRAELI TOUR BUS ENROUTE FROM RAFFAH, ISRAEL TO CAIRO EGYPT. THE ATTACK TOOK PLACE IN THE SINAI PENINSULA. ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND SEVENTEEN WERE WOUNDED. MAY, 1990: A SUSPECTED PIJ MEMBER STABBED A SOVIET JEWISH IMMIGRANT TO DEATH IN EAST JERUSALEM. MAY, 1990: SUSPECTED PIJ OPERATIVES ATTACKED A BUS IN AMMAN, JORDAN WOUNDING NINE FRENCH TOURISTS. ONE PALESTINIAN MAN WAS ARRESTED SHORTLY AFTER THE ATTACK AND FIVE PIJ MEMBERS WERE ARRESTED IN JUNE, 1990, FOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ATTACK. THERE WERE NO CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY. MAY, 1990: A PIPE-BOMB DETONATED AT A MARKET IN JERUSALEM, KILLING ONE AND INJURING NINE PERSONS. PIJ AND SIX OTHER PALESTINIAN GROUPS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK. OCTOBER, 1990: A TERRORIST STABBED THREE ISRAELIS TO DEATH AND WOUNDED ANOTHER IN JERUSALEM. CLAIMED BY PIJ AND FORCE 17. NOVEMBER, 1990: A TERRORIST INFILTRATED ISRAEL FROM JORDAN AND KILLED AN ISRAELI SOLDIER NEAR THE ALLENBY BRIDGE. A FACTION OF THE PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. SEPTEMBER, 1991: TWO PIJ MEMBERS WERE ARRESTED BY EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES AT THE PORT OF NUWAYBI. TWO ROCKET LAUNCHERS WERE SEIZED. THE SUSPECTS ADMITTED THAT THEY PLANNED TO ATTACK AN EGYPTIAN CRUISE SHIP ON THE NILE. THE PIJ ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SUSPECTS WERE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION false marked POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIB. GC showNameProp POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIB. GC POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - GENERAL COMMAND 10/28/92 GP00041 KEY WORDS: PFLP-GC DESCRIPTION: SPLIT FROM THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP) IN 1968, CLAIMING THAT IT WANTED TO FOCUS MORE ON FIGHTING AND LESS ON POLITICS. VIOLENTLY OPPOSED TO ARAFAT'S PLO. LED BY AHMED JIBRIL, A FORMER CAPTAIN IN THE SYRIAN ARMY. CLOSELY ALLIED WITH, SUPPORTED BY, AND PROBABLY DIRECTED BY SYRIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: CLAIMS TO HAVE SPECIALIZED IN SUICIDE OPERATIONS. HAS CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS CROSS-BORDER ATTACKS INTO ISRAEL, USING UNUSUAL MEANS, SUCH AS HOT-AIR BALLOONS AND MOTORIZED HANG-GLIDERS. HAFIZ KASSEM DALKAMONI, A RANKING PFLP-GC OFFICIAL, WAS CONVICTED IN GERMANY IN JUNE, 1991 FOR BOMBING U.S. TROOP TRAINS. HE FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES IN GERMANY FOR OTHER TERRORIST OFFENSES, INCLUDING MANSLAUGHTER. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL HUNDRED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES LOGISTIC AND MILITARY SUPPORT FROM SYRIA, ITS CHIEF SPONSOR. FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM LIBYA. SAFEHAVEN FROM SYRIA. SUPPORT ALSO FROM IRAN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCE: * DESTROY ISRAEL AND ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINE IN ITS PLACE; * TERRORIZE ISRAELI CITIZENS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE BORDER REGIONS AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES; * OPPOSE ANY MOVES TOWARD MODERATION IN THE PALESTINIAN MOVEMENT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: AHMED JIBRIL FORMED THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE- GENERAL COMMAND IN 1968 WHEN HE BECAME DISENCHANTED WITH GEORGE HABASH'S LEADERSHIP OF THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP). AN OFFICER IN THE SYRIAN ARMY, JIBRIL WAS INITIALLY INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING CONVENTIONAL MILITARY CAPABILITIES TO COMPLEMENT PFLP-GC TERRORIST ACTIVITIES. AS A RESULT THE PFLP-GC HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS CONVENTIONAL MILITARY EXPERTISE. IN ADDITION TO GROUND INFILTRATION CAPABILITIES, THE PFLP-GC HAS WORKED TOWARD DEVELOPING AIR AND NAVAL INFILTRATION CAPABILITIES AS WELL. PFLP-GC TERRORIST ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED THE USE OF LETTER BOMBS AND CONDUCTING MAJOR CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS DIRECTED AT ISRAELI TARGETS. THE PFLP-GC HAS ALSO SHARED ITS TERRORIST EXPERTISE WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST GROUPS, SUCH AS THE ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF ARMENIA, AS WELL AS EUROPEAN GROUPS WHICH HAVE SENT MEMBERS TO LEBANON FOR TRAINING. THE PFLP-GC ARSENAL INCLUDES SOPHISTICATED WEAPONRY SUCH AS SOVIET SA-7 ANTIAIRCRAFT MISSILES, HEAVY ARTILLERY, AND LIGHT AIRCRAFT SUCH AS MOTORIZED HANG GLIDERS AND ULTRA LIGHTS. THE COMMUNIST BLOC COUNTRIES PROVIDED SMALL ARMS SUCH AS KALASHNIKOV ASSAULT RIFLES AND RPG-7 ANTITANK ROCKETS, BUT SYRIA AND LIBYA MAY HAVE SERVED AS CONDUITS FOR SUCH SUPPORT. THE PFLP-GC ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE LEBANESE CONFLICT, INCLUDING SNIPING ATTACKS THAT INJURED U.S. MARINES WHO WERE MEMBERS OF THE PEACE KEEPING FORCES IN BEIRUT IN 1982-83. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP ATTACKED ISRAELI CITIZENS AND INTERESTS THROUGH OPERATIONS LAUNCHED FROM LEBANON. THE PFLP-GC HAS ALSO OCCASIONALLY RECRUITED WEST BANK PALESTINIANS TO CONDUCT TERROROIST OPERATIONS INSIDE ISRAEL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JULY, 1968: HIJACKED AN EL AL AIRLINER ENROUTE FROM ROME TO TEL AVIV, DIVERTING IT TO ALGERIA. THE HIJACKERS DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF 1,000 PRISONERS HELD IN ISRAEL. WEEKS LATER, THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL RELEASED 16 ARAB INFILTRATORS AS A "HUMANITARIAN" GESTURE." FEBRUARY, 1969: MACHINEGUNNED AN EL AL AIRLINER AS IT WAS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FROM ZURICH TO TEL AVIV. AUGUST, 1969: HIJACKED A TWA AIRLINER ENROUTE TO ATHENS AND TEL AVIV AND FORCED IT TO LAND IN DAMASCUS, WHERE THE PASSENGERS WERE EVACUATED AND THE AIRCRAFT DESTROYED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. APRIL, 1974: ATTACKED QIRYAT SHEMONA, ISRAEL, KILLING EIGHTEEN AND WOUNDING SIXTEEN IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THE THREE TERRORISTS ALSO KILLED TWO MEMBERS OF THE ISRAELI ASSAULT FORCE THAT ENGAGED IN A FOUR HOUR GUN BATTLE WITH THE TERRORISTS. ALL THREE TERRORISTS WERE KILLED, PROBABLY BY THEIR OWN GRENADES. THE INTENTION OF THE OPERATION WAS TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF 100 CAPTURED PALESTINIANS BEING HELD IN ISRAELI PRISONS. APRIL, 1978: KIDNAPPED AN ISRAELI SOLDIER IN SOUTHERN LEBANON. IN MARCH, 1979, ISRAEL EXCHANGED SIXTY SIX ARAB PRISONERS FOR THE SOLDIER AND TEN OTHERS IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. SEPTEMBER, 1982: SEIZED THREE ISRAELI SOLDIERS IN BEIRUT, HOLDING THEM UNTIL MAY, 1985, AND THEN EXCHANGED THEM FOR 1,150 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS HELD BY ISRAEL. APRIL, 1986: A MEMBER OF THE PFLP-GC THREW A FIRE BOMB AT A BUS IN JERUSALEM. THE GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY IN DAMASCUS. NOVEMBER, 1987: A MEMBER OF THE GROUP SUCCESSFULLY INFILTRATED ISRAEL FROM LEBANON USING A HANG GLIDER, KILLING SIX ISRAELI SOLDIERS AND WOUNDING SEVEN BEFORE BEING KILLED. OCTOBER, 1988: WEST GERMAN POLICE ARRESTED 14 MEMBERS OF THE PFLP-GC, SEIZING WEAPONS, SEMTEX, AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES. NOVEMBER, 1990: A PFLP-GC TEAM ATTEMPTED TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL BY A SPEEDBOAT. THE TERRORISTS WERE INTERCEPTED BY THE ISRAELIS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA NORTH OF TYRE, LEBANON. THE SPEEDBOAT WAS DESTROYED AND ALL FIVE ABOARD WERE KILLED. THE PFLP-GC CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION false marked POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION showNameProp POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE 11/11/92 GP00043 KEY WORDS: PFLP; RED EAGLE DESCRIPTION: MARXIST-LENINIST GROUP THAT IS A MEMBER OF THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO). FOUNDED IN 1967 BY GEORGE HABASH. AFTER FATAH, THE PFLP IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POLITICAL AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION IN THE PALESTINIAN MOVEMENT. ALTHOUGH REMAINING IN THE PLO, HABASH HAS PUBLICLY DIFFERED WITH YASSIR ARAFAT. THE PFLP HAS SPAWNED SEVERAL DANGEROUS TERRORIST GROUPS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: COMMITTED NUMEROUS ACTS OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM BETWEEN 1970 AND 1977. SINCE THE DEATH IN 1978 OF WADI HADDAD, THE PFLP'S OPERATIONAL PLANNER OF TERRORISM, THE GROUP HAS CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELI OR MODERATE ARAB TARGETS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES MOST OF ITS FINANCIAL AND MILITARY AID FROM SYRIA AND LIBYA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * CREATE AN IMAGE OF THE PALESTINIAN STRUGGLE AS A PART OF A WORLD-WIDE MARXIST-LENINIST REVOLUTION; * LIBERATE PALESTINE THROUGH "ARMED STRUGGLE." * ESTABLISH A MARXIST-LENINIST GOVERNMENT IN PALESTINE; * OPPOSE EFFORTS AT A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE PFLP WAS FORMED AFTER THE ARAB DEFEAT IN THE 1967 ARAB-ISRAELI WAR. GEORGE HABASH CREATED THE PFLP AS A MERGER OF THREE FORMERLY AUTONOMOUS GROUPS - THE ARAB NATIONALIST MOVEMENT'S HEROES OF THE RETURN; THE NATIONAL FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE; AND THE INDEPENDENT PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE PRESENT PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT - PLF). REFERRED TO BY HIS FOLLOWERS AS "AL-HAKIM" (THE "WISE ONE" OR "THE PHYSICIAN"), HABASH HAS REMAINED CONSISTENT IN HIS POSITION TOWARDS SOLVING THE PALESTINIAN PROBLEM - THE TOTAL LIBERATION OF PALESTINE. THE PFLP ESTABLISHED ITSELF EARLY AS ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT PALESTINIAN TERRORIST GROUPS. IT CONCURRENTLY SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH STRONG TIES TO OTHER MARXIST REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATIONS. THOSE LINKS FACILITATED PFLP OPERATIONS IN EUROPE WHICH GAVE THE GROUP MUCH OF ITS NOTORIETY. HABASH STRONGLY FAVORS WELL-PUBLICIZED ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN TARGETS, AND THE PFLP REPUTATION FOR RUTHLESSNESS WAS BUILT ON THAT STRATEGY. AS A RESULT OF IDEOLOGICAL INFLEXIBILITY, INTERNAL DISPUTES, AND PERSONALITY CONFLICTS, THE PFLP HAS SPAWNED SEVERAL SPLINTER GROUPS, INCLUDING THE PFLP-GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC) AND THE DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (DFLP). THE PFLP WAS ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EARLY 1970S. AS A RESULT OF PUBLICITY THAT ATTRACTED CONDEMNATION EVEN FROM COMMUNIST BLOC COUNTRIES, THE PFLP CURTAILED INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND CONCENTRATED ON DEVELOPING CONVENTIONAL AND GUERRILLA FORCES FOR USE AGAINST TARGETS IN ISRAEL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JULY, 1968: HIJACKED AN EL AL AIRLINER ENROUTE FROM ROME TO ISRAEL. SEPTEMBER, 1969: CONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUS HIJACKINGS OF THREE AIRLINERS. TWO WERE FLOWN TO JORDAN AND ONE TO EGYPT, AND ALL THREE WERE BLOWN UP BEFORE TELEVISION CAMERAS. MAY, 1972: EMPLOYED JAPANESE RED ARMY TERRORISTS TO CONDUCT A MACHINEGUN ATTACK IN THE ARRIVALS HALL OF THE LOD (BEN GURION) AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ISRAEL. TWENTY SEVEN CIVILIANS, INCLUDING SIXTEEN PUERTO RICAN TOURISTS VISITING THE HOLY LAND, WERE KILLED. JULY, 1973: HIJACKED A JAPANESE AIRLINER TO LIBYA AND BLEW IT UP. DECEMBER, 1974: THREW HANDGRENADES INTO A CROWDED TEL AVIV THEATER, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING TWENTY-FOUR. JUNE, 1976: HIJACKED AN AIR FRANCE AIRLINER TO ENTEBBE, UGANDA, WHERE FOUR CIVILIANS WERE KILLED DURING THE RESCUE OPERATION BY ISRAELI FORCES. AUGUST, 1976: KILLED FOUR PASSENGERS ON AN EL AL AIRLINER IN ISTANBUL. OCTOBER, 1977: HIJACKED A LUFTHANSA AIRLINER TO MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF TERRORISTS HELD IN WEST GERMAN PRISONS. WEST GERMAN BORDER POLICE TROOPS (GSG-9) STORMED THE PLANE, KILLING THREE TERRORISTS AND CAPTURING A FOURTH. THE HIJACKING WAS CONDUCTED BY GERMAN AS WELL AS PFLP OPERATIVES. APRIL, 1979: AFTER A FOILED ATTEMPT TO TAKE OVER AN EL AL AIRCRAFT AT ZAVENTEM AIRPORT IN BRUSSELS, THE PFLP OPERATIVES THREW A GASOLINE BOMB AND A HAND GRENADE INTO A VISITOR'S CAFE, WOUNDING FIVE BELGIANS; THEN ENTERED AN AIRPORT RESTAURANT, SHOOTING AND WOUNDING SEVEN CUSTOMERS. MARCH, 1984: KILLED THREE PASSENGERS IN AN ATTACK ON A BUS IN ASHDOD, ISRAEL. APRIL, 1984: KILLED ONE AND WOUNDED EIGHT PASSENGERS IN A BUS HIJACKING IN ASHKELON, ISRAEL. MAY, 1985: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING AN ISRAELI BUS. NOVEMBER, 1986: STABBED TO DEATH A TWENTY TWO YEAR OLD YESHIVA STUDENT ON A STREET IN THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM. MAY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE TOWN OF METALLAH IN THE NORTHERN GALILEE. JUNE, 1989: POSSIBLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KIDNAPPING OF THE AMERICAN DIRECTOR OF A RELIEF AGENCY IN THE GAZA STRIP. THE VICTIM WAS EVENTUALLY RELEASED UNHARMED. THE KIDNAPPER WAS KILLED IN A SHOOT OUT WITH ISRAELI SECURITY FORCES. NOVEMBER, 1990: PFLP GUERRILLAS CLASHED WITH ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES INSIDE ISRAEL'S SELF-DECLARED SECURITY ZONE IN SOUTHERN LEBANON. FIVE ISRAELI SOLDIERS AND TWO PFLP GUERRILLAS WERE KILLED. DECEMBER, 1990: AN ISRAELI BORDER POLICEMAN WAS SHOT AND SERIOUSLY WOUNDED WHILE HE WAS MONITORING A DEMONSTRATION AT A REFUGEE CAMP IN THE GAZA STRIP. THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JANUARY, 1991: A PAN AMERICAN AIRLINES OFFICE IN TURIN, ITALY WAS FIREBOMBED. A PERSON CLAIMING TO REPRESENT THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JULY, 1991: AN ISRAELI MOTORIST WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED WHILE DRIVING IN THE GAZA. THE PFLP AND DFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. OCTOBER, 1991: TERRORISTS ATTACKED A BUS IN THE GAZA, KILLING TWO ISRAELI SETTLERS AND WOUNDING FIVE. THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FROM DAMASCUS. JANUARY, 1992: AN ISRAELI BUS AND CAR DRIVING IN THE WEST BANK WERE ATTACKED NEAR THE TOWN OF RAMALLAH. SIX SETTLERS WERE WOUNDED. BOTH THE PFLP AND THE PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEFENSE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION false marked $8%8&8J8(8)8*8+8,8-8.8/808182838485868788898 ;8<8=8>8?8@8A8B8C8D8E8F8G8I8 L8M8N8O8 Q8R8S8T8 V8W8X8 Z8[8\8]8^8 ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION false marked ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION showNameProp ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION (ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION 10/28/92 GP00023 KEY WORDS: ANO; FATAH THE REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL; FRC; ARAB REVOLUTIONARY BRIGADES; ARB; BLACK SEPTEMBER; ARAB REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL; BLACK JUNE; ROSM; REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION OF SOCIALIST MUSLIMS; PUNISHMENT; AL-IQTAB; FATAH THE CORRECTIVE MOVEMENT; BLACK SEPTEMBER-BLACK JUNE; MARTYRS OF ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: AN INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST ORGANIZATION LED BY SABRI AL-BANNA (AKA ABU NIDAL "FATHER OF STRUGGLE"). SPLIT FROM FATAH IN 1974. COMPOSED OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES, INCLUDING MILITARY, POLITICAL, ETC. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CARRIED OUT MORE THAN 90 TERRORIST OPERATIONS SINCE 1973-74 IN APPROXIMATELY 20 COUNTRIES, KILLING OR INJURING ALMOST 900 PEOPLE. THE ANO PRIMARILY TARGETS THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, ISRAEL, EUROPEAN NATIONS, JEWS OF ANY NATIONALITY, THE PLO, VARIOUS ARAB NATIONS. THE ANO'S METHODS OF OPERATION INCLUDE ARMED ATTACKS ON AIRPORTS, HIJACKINGS, ARMED ATTACKS ON PUBLIC GATHERING PLACES, BOMBINGS, ASSASSINATIONS, AND KIDNAPPINGS. THE GROUP'S ATTACKS ARE NOTED FOR THEIR FEROCITY AND THEIR INTENTIONS OF CAUSING MASSIVE CASUALTIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL HUNDRED PLUS MILITIA IN LEBANON, PLUS AN OVERSEAS SUPPORT STRUCTURE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: THE ANO WAS HEADQUARTERED IN IRAQ (1974-83) AND SYRIA (1983-87); CURRENTLY MAINTAINS A PRESENCE IN LIBYA WITH A SUBSTANTIAL PRESENCE IN LEBANON. THE ANO ALSO MAINTAINS A PRESENCE IN ALGERIA AS WELL AS IN OTHER NATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA. SOME ELEMENTS OF THE ANO MAY HAVE RELOCATED TO IRAQ FROM LIBYA IN MID-1990. THE GROUP HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS ABILITY TO OPERATE OVER A WIDE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, INCLUDING THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, AFRICA, AND ASIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION HAS RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT, INCLUDING SAFEHAVEN, TRAINING, LOGISTICAL ASSISTANCE, AND FINANCIAL AID FROM IRAQ, SYRIA, AND LIBYA. THE GROUP CONTINUES TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM LIBYA, IN ADDITION TO CLOSE LOGISTICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR TERRORIST OPERATIONS. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: *PLACE THE "ARMED STRUGGLE" AGAINST THE "ZIONIST ENEMY" AS THE FIRST PRIORITY OF THE PALESTINE RESISTANCE MOVEMENT; *UNDERMINE EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE AN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE BY TERRORIZING PRO-ARAFAT PALESTINIANS AND BY ATTACKING ISRAELI AND JEWISH TARGETS; *THREATEN OR ATTACK "REACTIONARY" REGIMES IN EGYPT, JORDAN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, AND THE GULF SHEIKDOMS; *AFFIRM ARAB COMMITMENT TO THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL; *INTIMIDATE THOSE NATIONS CURRENTLY HOLDING ABU NIDAL OPERATIVES IN PRISON INTO RELEASING THEM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: A REJECTIONIST AND EXTREMELY VIOLENT TERRORIST GROUP, THE ANO OPPOSES ALL EFFORTS TOWARD POLITICAL RECONCILIATION OF THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. THE GROUP CONTENDS THAT BOTH INTER-ARAB AND INTRA-PALESTINIAN TERRORISM ARE NEEDED TO PRECIPITATE AN ALL-EMBRACING ARAB REVOLUTION THAT ALONE CAN LEAD TO THE LIBERATION OF "OCCUPIED PALESTINE." THE ANO IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TERRORIST GROUP IN EXISTENCE, AND ITS AREA OF OPERATIONS IS ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE. THE GROUP MADE ITS INITIAL APPEARANCE AFTER THE OCTOBER 1973 ARAB-ISRAELI WAR WHEN YASSIR ARAFAT DECIDED TO RESTRICT TERRORIST OPERATIONS TO ISRAELI TARGETS. ABU NIDAL DECIDED TO FIGHT ANY EFFORT AT MODERATION BY CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AGAINST ISRAELI TARGETS AND BY TARGETING PRO-ARAFAT PALESTINIANS AND MODERATE ARAB STATES. THE RIFT BETWEEN ABU NIDAL AND ARAFAT BECAME SO INTENSE THAT ABU NIDAL WAS TRIED IN ABSENTIA AND SENTENCED TO DEATH BY ARAFAT. SINCE ITS FOUNDING, THE ANO HAS ALSO TARGETED THOSE NATIONS HOLDING ITS OPERATIVES AS PRISONERS. AS ABU NIDAL'S FOLLOWING GREW, THE GROUP'S OPERATIONS AGAINST PALESTINIAN MODERATES ESCALATED. DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1978, THE ANO ASSASSINATED THREE PROMINENT PLO OFFICIALS, WHO WERE ALLIES OF ARAFAT. ALTHOUGH A TEMPORARY RAPPROCHEMENT TOOK PLACE IN 1978, THE ANO CONTINUES TO TARGET MODERATE PALESTINIAN ELEMENTS. DESPITE ITS SUPPORT BY A SUCCESSION OF STATE SPONSORS THE GROUP MAINTAINS ITS OWN POLITICAL AGENDA. ALTHOUGH MANY OF THE ANO'S OPERATIONS COINCIDE WITH THE INTERESTS OF ITS SPONSORS, THE GROUP ALSO CONDUCTS INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS. THE ANO IS FINANCIALLY SOUND AND MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST ECONOMICALLY VIABLE OF ALL TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS. THE GROUP IS BELIEVED TO DRAW ONE THIRD OF ITS INCOME FROM PATRON STATES, ONE THIRD FROM GRAFT OR BLACKMAIL/EXTORTION, AND ONE THIRD FROM ITS OWN NETWORK OF BUSINESSES AND FRONT ORGANIZATIONS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY SEPTEMBER, 1973 - WHILE STILL AFFILIATED WITH FATAH, ABU NIDAL MOUNTED AN OPERATION, SEIZING THE EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA IN PARIS, AND DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF ABU DAWUD, A FATAH TERRORIST BEING HELD IN JORDAN. OCTOBER, 1974: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF FATAH OFFICIAL ABU MAZIM. ABU NIDAL WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH IN ABSENTIA BY FATAH FOR THIS ATTEMPT. SEPTEMBER, 1976: ATTACK AND TAKEOVER OF THE SEMIRAMIS HOTEL IN DAMASCUS OCTOBER, 1976: ATTACKS ON SYRIAN EMBASSIES IN ISLAMABAD AND ROME. NOVEMBER, 1976: ATTACK ON THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN AMMAN. DECEMBER, 1976: FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST SYRIAN FORTEIGN MINISTER IN DAMASCUS. OCTOBER, 1977: ANOTHER FAILED ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, THIS TIME IN ABU DHABI. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS WAS KILLED. AUGUST, 1978: ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF THE PLO IN PAKISTAN. JULY, 1980: ATTACK ON THE CHILDREN OF A JEWISH SCHOOL IN ANTWERP. JULY, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE ISRAELI COMMERCIAL ATTACHE IN BRUSSELS. MAY, 1981: MURDERED A VIENNA CITY COUNCILMAN AND THREATENED TO KILL AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR KREISKY. AUGUST, 1981: MACHINEGUNNED A VIENNA SYNAGOGUE, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING SEVENTEEN PEOPLE. JUNE, 1982: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF SHLOMO ARGOV, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. JUNE, 1982: MURDERED A PLO OFFICIAL IN ROME WITH A CAR BOMB. AUGUST, 1982: ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) CONSUL IN BOMBAY. SEPTEMBER, 1982: ASSASSINATED A KUWAITI DIPLOMAT IN MADRID. OCTOBER, 1982: KILLED ONE CHILD AND INJURED TEN PEOPLE IN A GRENADE AND MACHINE-GUN ATTACK ON A SYNAGOGUE IN ROME. APRIL, 1983: MURDERED PLO OFFICIAL ISSAM SARTAWI AT THE SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN LISBON. OCTOBER, 1983: ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO ITALY IN ROME. OCTOBER, 1983: SEVERELY WOUNDED THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO INDIA IN NEW DELHI. NOVEMBER, 1983: ATTACKED SECURITY GUARDS ASSIGNED TO THE JORDANIAN EMBASSY IN ATHENS, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING ANOTHER. DECEMBER, 1983: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER IN IZMIR, TURKEY. FEBRUARY, 1984: IMPLICATED IN THE PARIS MURDER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE. MARCH, 1984: ASSASSINATED A BRITISH DIPLOMAT IN ATHENS. NOVEMBER, 1984: ASSASSINATED THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER IN BOMBAY, INDIA. DECEMBER, 1984: MURDERED ARAFAT SUPPORTER ISMAIL DARWISH IN ROME. MARCH, 1985: KIDNAPPED BRITISH JOURNALIST ALEC COLLETT IN BEIRUT; COLLETT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN MURDERED ONE YEAR LATER, BUT INFORMATION IS INCONCLUSIVE. MARCH, 1985: ATTACKED THE ROME OFFICES OF ALIA, THE ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES, WOUNDING THREE PEOPLE. ALSO BELIEVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON ALIA OFFICES IN ATHENS AND NICOSIA. APRIL, 1985: FIRED A ROCKET AT AN ALIA AIRLINER AS IT TOOK OFF FROM ATHENS AIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THE ROCKET DID NOT DETONATE, IT LEFT A HOLE IN THE FUSELAGE. JULY, 1985: BOMBED THE BRITISH AIRWAYS OFFICE IN MADRID, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING TWENTY SEVEN. FIVE MINUTES LATER ATTACKED THE MADRID OFFICES OF ALIA, TWO BLOCKS AWAY, WOUNDING TWO PERSONS. SEPTEMBER, 1985: GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST THE CAFE DE PARIS IN ROME, WOUNDING THIRTY EIGHT PEOPLE. SEPTEMBER, 1985: HIJACKED AN EGYPTIAN AIRLINER TO MALTA, WHERE SIXTY PEOPLE WERE KILLED DURING A RESCUE ATTEMPT BY EGYPTIAN FORCES. DECEMBER, 1985: ATTACKED THE AIRPORTS AT ROME AND VIENNA, KILLING SIXTEEN AND WOUNDING SCORES. CLAIMED BY THE CELLS OF THE ARAB FEDAYEEN. SEPTEMBER, 1986: ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF PAN AMERICAN FLIGHT #73 AT KARACHI, KILLING TWENTY TWO PERSONS. SEPTEMBER, 1986: LESS THAN TWENTY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE KARACHI ATTACK, ANO OPERATIVES ATTACKED THE NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE IN ISTANBUL, KILLING MORE THAN TWENTY WORSHIPPERS. JULY, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A RESTAURANT ON THE WEST BANK OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES, WOUNDING FIFTEEN. NOVEMBER, 1987: CLAIMED TO HAVE SEIZED A YACHT OFF THE COAST OF ISRAEL AND TAKEN ITS EIGHT OCCUPANTS HOSTAGE. MARCH, 1988: A LONE GUNMAN ATTACKED AN ALITALIA AIRLINES CREW ABOARD A COMMUTER BUS IN BOMBAY, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING THE CREW CAPTAIN. MAY, 1988: IN KHARTOUM, SUDAN, ANO OPERATIVES KILLED EIGHT AND WOUNDED TWENTY ONE IN SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON THE ACROPOLE HOTEL AND THE SUDAN CLUB. JULY, 1988: FOLLOWING THE PREMATURE DETONATION OF A CAR BOMB AT AN ATHENS PIER, IN WHICH TWO ANO OPERATIVES WERE KILLED, ANO GUNMEN ABOARD THE DAY CRUISE SHIP "CITY OF POROS" ATTACKED THE PASSENGERS, KILLING NINE AND WOUNDING NINETY EIGHT. JANUARY, 1991: ABU IYAD, CONSIDERED THE SECOND MOST SENIOR OFFICIAL OF FATAH AFTER YASSIR ARAFAT; AND ABU HUL, COMMANDER OF THE WESTERN SECTOR FORCES OF FATAH, WERE ASSASSINATED BY AN ABU NIDAL OPERATIVE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. Groups AL FATAH false marked AL FATAH showNameProp AL FATAH &AL FATAH 10/28/92 GP00024 KEY WORDS: FATAH; FORCE 17; BLACK SEPTEMBER; HAWARI SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP; BSO; AL-ASIFA; THE STORM; BLACK SEPTEMBER ORGANIZATION; FATAH SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP; HAWARI GROUP; MARTYRS OF TAL AL ZA'ATAR; AMN ARAISSI. DESCRIPTION: HEADED BY YASSIR ARAFAT, AL FATAH JOINED THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO) IN 1968 AND ATTAINED THE LEADERSHIP ROLE IN 1969. ITS COMMANDERS WERE EXPELLED FROM JORDAN FOLLOWING VIOLENT CONFRONTATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN FORCES IN 1970-71, BEGINNING WITH THE "BLACK SEPTEMBER" OF 1970. THE ISRAELI INVASION OF LEBANON IN 1982 LED TO THE GROUP'S DISPERSAL TO SEVERAL COUNTRIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA INCLUDING TUNISIA, YEMEN, ALGERIA, IRAQ, AND OTHERS. RE-INFILTRATED SOUTHERN LEBANON OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. MAINTAINS SEVERAL MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE WINGS THAT HAVE CARRIED OUT TERRORIST OPERATIONS, INCLUDING FORCE 17 AND THE HAWARI SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP. TWO OF FATAH'S LEADERS, ABU JIHAD AND ABU IYAD, WERE ASSASSINATED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: IN THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES, AL FATAH OFFERED TRAINING TO A WIDE RANGE OF MIDDLE EASTERN, EUROPEAN, ASIAN AND AFRICAN TERRORIST AND INSURGENT GROUPS. AL-FATAH HAS CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS ACTS OF TERRORISM IN WESTERN EUROPE AS WELL AS AFRICA, ASIA, AND THE MIDDLE EAST DURING THE EARLY TO MID 1970S. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 6,000 TO 8,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: CLOSE AND LONGSTANDING POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL TIES TO KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, AND OTHER MODERATE STATES. THESE RELATIONS BECAME STRAINED FOLLOWING ARAFAT'S SUPPORT OF IRAQ DURING THE PERSIAN GULF CRISIS AND WAR (1990-1991). AL FATAH HAS RECEIVED WEAPONS AND TRAINING FROM THE SOVIET UNION AND SEVERAL EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. NORTH KOREA AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE REPORTEDLY SUPPLIED WEAPONS TO AL FATAH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * SEEK TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT, SECULAR PALESTINIAN STATE; ORIGINALLY COMMITED TO RECAPTURING ALL OF PALESTINE, BUT NOW MAY ACCEPT A STATE BASED UPON A GAZA AND WEST BANK FORMULATION; * RECOGNIZE THE PLO AS THE SOLE LEGITIMATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: FORMED BY PALESTINIAN EXILES IN KUWAIT IN 1957, AL FATAH SURFACED IN 1959 AND BEGAN CARRYING OUT RAIDS INTO ISRAEL IN 1965. AFTER THE 1967 SIX DAY WAR, FATAH, THE MILITARY ARM OF THE PLO, GREW RAPIDLY AND ECLIPSED OTHER PALESTINIAN ORGANIZATIONS. IN 1969, FATAH LEADER YASSIR ARAFAT ASSUMED THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PLO. THE INCREASE IN FATAH'S POWER AFTER 1967 ALSO CREATED NEW PROBLEMS FOR THE ORGANIZATION; AND IN 1968 ISRAEL INITIATED STRIKES IN RETALIATION FOR FATAH OPERATIONS BY ATTACKING FATAH LOCATIONS AND BASES IN JORDAN. FATAH, MEANWHILE, BEGAN TO COMPETE DIRECTLY AGAINST JORDANIAN AUTHORITY IN AREAS SUCH THE JORDAN RIVER VALLEY. THESE TENSIONS CULMINATED IN SEPTEMBER, 1970 (REFERRED TO AS "BLACK SEPTEMBER" BY PALESTINIAN RADICALS) WHEN JORDANIAN FORCES FOUGHT FATAH TO RE-ASSERT GOVERNMENT CONTROL. FATAH-JORDANIAN TENSIONS CONTINUED THROUGH 1971 WHEN THE REMAINDER OF FATAH FORCES WERE FORCED TO LEAVE JORDAN. NEARLY ALL FATAH FORCES WERE RE-LOCATED TO LEBANON. FATAH'S STRATEGY OF USING INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM CHANGED IN THE WAKE OF THE 1973 ARAB-ISRAELI "YOM KIPPUR" WAR. INCREASED EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER WESTERN NATIONS TO FORGE A PEACE PROCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST CAUSED ARAFAT TO RECONSIDER HIS STANCE IN THE REGION. IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE FATAH'S IMAGE WITH THE UNITED STATES AND THE WEST, ARAFAT DECIDED TO LIMIT THE EMPLOYMENT OF TERRORIST OPERATIONS TO ISRAEL, LEBANON, AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. FATAH HAS NOT ALWAYS ADHERED TO THIS POLICY, AS ELEMENTS OF FATAH, SUCH AS FORCE 17 AND THE HAWARI ORGANIZATION, HAVE CONDUCTED OPERATIONS AGAINST ISRAELI AND NON-ISRAELI TARGETS OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. ISRAEL'S 1982 INVASION OF LEBANON (PROVOKED BY THE ABU NIDAL ORAGNIZATION'S ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM) DEALT A SEVERE BLOW TO FATAH. AFTER SUFFERING A TOTAL MILITARY DEFEAT IN LEBANON AT THE HANDS OF THE ISRAELIS, FATAH FORCES WERE PERMITTED TO LEAVE BEIRUT EN MASSE. FATAH ESTABLISHED ITS CURRENT HEADQUARTERS IN TUNISIA IN 1982. THE EFFECTS OF THE ISRAELI RAID ON PLO HEADQUARTERS IN TUNIS IN OCTOBER, 1985, PROMPTED A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE FATAH PRESENCE IN TUNIS. TODAY, ONLY A NOMINAL PLO HEADQUARTERS STAFF REMAINS IN TUNIS. THE PRIMARY CONCENTRATIONS OF FATAH PERSONNEL ARE IN YEMEN, SUDAN, IRAQ, AND ALGERIA. ALMOST ALL INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN PLO DIPLOMATIC POSTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ARE DRAWN FROM THE RANKS OF FATAH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY NOTE: MANY OF THE INCIDENTS RELATED BELOW WERE CARRIED OUT AND IN MANY CASES CLAIMED BY COVERT FATAH SURROGATES, SUCH AS BLACK SEPTEMBER, FORCE 17, THE HAWARI GROUP, ETC. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARCH, 1971: A FIVE MAN FATAH TEAM DESTROYED FUEL TANKS AT THE OIL DOCK FACILITIES IN ROTTERDAM. JULY, 1971: ATTACKED AN ALIA (ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES) OFFICE IN ROME. JULY, 1971: ATTACKED AN ALIA PLANE AT CAIRO. AUGUST, 1971: HIJACKED AN ALIA FLIGHT TO ALGERIA. SEPTEMBER, 1971: ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF AN ALIA FLIGHT FROM BEIRUT TO CAIRO. NOVEMBER, 1971: ASSASSINATED THE JORDANIAN PRIME MINISTER, WASFI EL-TAL, IN CAIRO. CLAIMED BY BLACK SEPTEMBER. DECEMBER, 1971: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN LONDON. FEBRUARY, 1972: ASSASSINATED FIVE PALESTINIANS AND ONE JORDANIAN IN WEST GERMANY. MARCH, 1972: ATTEMPTED ATTACK AGAINST THE LONDON RESIDENCE OF JORDAN'S KING HUSSEIN. SEPTEMBER, 1972: EIGHT BLACK SEPTEMBER TERRORISTS SEIZED THE DORMITORY OF ISRAELI ATHLETES AT THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE IN MUNICH. WHEN THE INCIDENT WAS EVENTUALLY RESOLVED, ELEVEN ISRAELI ATHLETES AND COACHES WERE DEAD, A GERMAN POLICEMAN WAS DEAD, FIVE TERRORISTS HAD BEEN KILLED, AND THREE CAPTURED. THE ARRESTED TERRORISTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY FOLLOWING A LUFTHANSA HIJACKING IN OCTOBER, 1972. SEPTEMBER, 1972: SENT LETTER BOMBS FROM AMSTERDAM TO ISRAEL AND TO ISRAELI EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES IN PARIS, GENEVA, MONTREAL, VIENNA, OTTAWA, BRUSSELS, KINSHASA, BUENOS AIRES, AND WASHINGTON. NOVEMBER, 1972: ASSASSINATED A SYRIAN JOURNALIST IN FRANCE. DECEMBER, 1972: CAPTURED THE ISRAELI EMBASSY IN BANGKOK. TERRORISTS HELD SIX EMPLOYEES HOSTAGE, BUT RELEASED THEM AFTER 19 HOURS. JANUARY, 1973: ATTACKED THE JEWISH AGENCY IN PARIS. MARCH, 1973: OCCUPIED THE SAUDI EMBASSY IN SUDAN. THREE WESTERN DIPLOMATS INCLUDING THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR, THE AMERICAN DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION, AND THE BELGIAN CHARGE, WERE MURDERED. SEPTEMBER, 1973: ATTEMPTED MISSILE ATTACK AGAINST AN EL AL AIRCRAFT IN ROME. SEPTEMBER, 1975: SEIZED AND OCCUPIED THE EGYPTIAN EMBASSY IN MADRID. THE TERRORISTS TOOK SIX DIPLOMATS HOSTAGE WHOM THEY THREATENED TO KILL UNLESS EGYPT WITHDREW FROM PEACE TALKS IN GENEVA AND CONDEMNED INTERIM AGREEMENTS WITH ISRAEL. THE TERRORISTS TOOK THEIR HOSTAGES TO ALGIERS, WHERE THEY WERE RELEASED. JULY, 1978: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE IRAQI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. AUGUST, 1978: ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE IRAQI CONSUL IN KARACHI. APRIL, 1985: THE COASTAL FREIGHTER "ATAVARIUS" WAS INTERCEPETED AND SUNK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INFILTRATE A FATAH RAIDING PARTY INTO ISRAEL. TWENTY RAIDERS WERE KILLED AND EIGHT WERE CAPTURED. SEPTEMBER, 1985: FORCE 17 OPERATIVES SEIZED A PRIVATE PLEASURE BOAT IN LARNACA, CYPRUS, TOOK THREE ISRAELIS ON BOARD HOSTAGE, AND BEFORE SURRENDERING, MURDERED THEM. OCTOBER, 1985: FORCE 17 MURDERED TWO ISRAELI MERCHANT SEAMEN IN BARCELONA. FEBRUARY, 1986: FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BUS BOMBING IN ISRAEL THAT WOUNDED SIX. JULY, 1986: FATAH OPERATIVES BELONGING TO THE HAWARI ORGANIZATION WERE ARRESTED IN MOROCCO WHILE PLANNING A TERRORIST OPERATION. SEPTEMBER, 1986: AN ISRAELI CITIZEN WAS STABBED TO DEATH IN A MARKET IN GAZA. FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK. FEBRUARY, 1987: NINE PEOPLE WERE INJURED BY A BOMB ABOARD A BUS ENROUTE TO JERUSALEM FROM HAIFA. FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JULY, 1987: FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BUS BOMBING IN ISRAEL THAT INJURED TWO PEOPLE. JULY, 1987: AN ANTI-ARAFAT CARTOONIST WAS MURDERED IN LONDON. FORCE 17 HAS BEEN IMPLICATED IN THE ATTACK. MARCH, 1988: A BUS WAS HIJACKED BETWEEN BEERSHEBA AND DIMONA, ISRAEL. THREE PASSENGERS WERE KILLED BEFORE ISRAELI SECURITY FORCES STORMED THE BUS. FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. OCTOBER, 1990: THREE ISRAELIS WERE STABBED TO DEATH AND ONE WAS WOUNDED. PERSONS CLAIMING TO REPRESENT FORCE SEVENTEEN AS WELL AS THE PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE NOTE THAT FURTHER INFORMATION ON FATAH TERRORIST OPERATIONS MAY BE FOUND IN THE PROFILES OF VARIOUS FATAH SURROGATES SUCH AS FORCE 17. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. ARAB ORGANIZATION 15 MAY false marked ARAB ORGANIZATION 15 MAY showNameProp ARAB ORGANIZATION 15 MAY ARAB ORGANIZATION 15 MAY 10/28/92 GP00025 KEY WORDS: 15 MAY ORGANIZATION; MAY 15 ORGANIZATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: FORMED IN 1979 FROM THE REMNANTS OF WADDI HADDAD'S POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP(PFLP-SOG). MAY 15 WAS LED BY MUHAMMAD AL-UMARI (AKA ABU IBRAHIM), WHO IS ALSO KNOWN THROUGHOUT MIDDLE EASTERN TERRORISM CIRCLES AS THE "BOMB MAN." THE GROUP WAS NEVER A PART OF THE PLO. IT REPORTEDLY DISBANDED IN THE MID-1980S WHEN SEVERAL KEY MEMBERS JOINED COLONEL HAWARI'S SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP OF FATAH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: MAY 15 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEVERAL BOMBINGS IN THE EARLY TO MID-1980S, INCLUDING HOTEL BOMBINGS IN LONDON (1980), EL AL'S ROME AND ISTANBUL OFFICES (1981), AND THE ISRAELI EMBASSIES IN ATHENS AND VIENNA (1981). ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS INCLUDE A BOMBING ON BOARD A PAN AMERICAN FLIGHT FROM TOKYO TO HONOLULU (AUGUST, 1982), AND AN ATTEMPTED BOMBING OF A PAN AMERICAN AIRLINER IN RIO DE JANIERO (AUGUST, 1981). THE ACCUSED BOMBER IN AUGUST, 1982 PAN AMERICAN INCIDENT, MUHAMMAD RASHID, IS CURRENTLY IMPRISONED IN GREECE ON DIFFERENT CHARGES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: 50 TO 60 OPERATIVES IN THE EARLY 1980S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: BAGHDAD UNTIL 1984. BEFORE DISBANDING, THE GROUP OPERATED PRIMARILY THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, AND EAST ASIA. ABU IBRAHIM IS REPORTEDLY IN IRAQ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: PROBABLY RECEIVED LOGISTICAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM IRAQ UNTIL 1984. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES * DESTROY ISRAEL * INTIMIDATE MODERATE PALESTINIANS AND OTHER ARABS WHO FAVOR A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT OF THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE ORGANIZATION TAKES ITS NAME FROM THE DATE OF THE FOUNDING OF ISRAEL. MAY 15 TRADITIONALLY HAS USED DISTINCTIVE AND HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES. THE ORGANIZATION FREQUENTLY TARGETTED UNDEFENDED PUBLIC AREAS. AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS HAVE BEEN FAVORED TARGETS BECAUSE OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL VISIBILITY. NO OPERATIONS HAVE DEFINITIVELY BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO MAY 15 SINCE THE MID-1980S. SEVERAL RECENT BOMBINGS, HOWEVER, RAISE THE POSSIBILITY THAT MAY 15 MEMBERS ARE ACTIVE OR HAVE BEEN ABSORBED INTO OTHER TERRORIST GROUPS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JANUARY, 1980: KILLED A 22 YEAR OLD ARAB STUDENT AND WOUNDED A GERMAN NATIONAL IN A BOMBING OF THE MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL IN LONDON. MAY, 1981: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE OUTSIDE THE ROME OFFICE OF EL AL AIRLINES. AUGUST, 1981: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE EL AL OFFICE AT LEONARDO DA VINCI AIRPORT IN ROME. AUGUST, 1981: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE EMBASSY OF ISRAEL IN ATHENS. JANUARY, 1982: KILLED ONE CHILD AND WOUNDED 46 PERSONS IN THE BOMBING OF A JEWISH RESTAURANT IN WEST BERLIN. AUGUST, 1982: KILLED ONE PERSON AND INJURED FOURTEEN WITH A TIME-DELAY EXPLOSIVE DEVICE THAT DETONATED ON A PAN AMERICAN AIRCRAFT SHORTLY BEFORE IT LANDED IN HAWAII. DECEMBER, 1983: ATTEMPTED TO BLOW UP THREE AIRLINERS IN FLIGHT. EXPLOSIVE DEVICES WERE DISCOVERED ABOARD TWO ISRAEL-BOUND FLIGHTS AND A SUITCASE BOMB WAS DISCOVERED PRIOR TO BEING LOADED ABOARD A ROME-NEW YORK FLIGHT. JANUARY, 1984: ATTEMPTED TO BLOW UP AN EL AL FLIGHT FROM TEL AVIV TO ATHENS WITH A SUITCASE BOMB. THE ATTEMPT FAILED DUE TO A TECHNICAL MALFUNCTION IN THE DEVICE. OCTOBER, 1985: ITALIAN POLICE ARRESTED TWO MEMBERS OF MAY 15 AND SEIZED DEVICES FOR USE IN ATTACKS ON AMERICAN EXPRESS AND THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ROME. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIB false marked ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIB showNameProp ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIB !ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF ARMENIA 10/28/92 GP00026 KEY WORDS: ASALA; ORLY GROUP; THIRD OCTOBER ORGANIZATION; 3RD OCTOBER ORGANIZATION; ASALA - REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT; ASALA-RM; ASALA - MILITANT; ASALA-M.DESCRIPTION: A MARXIST-LENINIST ARMENIAN TERRORIST GROUP FORMED IN 1975 WITH THE STATED INTENTION OF COMPELLING THE GOVERNMENT OF TURKEY TO ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY ITS ALLEGED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEATHS OF 1.5 MILLION ARMENIANS IN 1915, PAY REPARATIONS, AND CEDE TERRIRTORY FOR AN ARMENIAN HOMELAND. LED BY HAGOP HAGOPIAN UNTIL HIS ASSASSINATION IN ATHENS IN APRIL, 1988. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: INITIAL BOMBING AND ASSASSINATION ATTACKS WERE DIRECTED AGAINST TURKISH TARGETS. ASALA LATER ATTACKED FRENCH AND SWISS TARGETS TO FORCE THE RELEASE OF IMPRISONED COMRADES. MADE SEVERAL MINOR BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST U.S. AIRLINE OFFICES IN WESTERN EUROPE IN EARLY 1980S. BOMBING OF TURKISH AIRLINE COUNTER AT ORLY AIRPORT IN PARIS - SEVEN KILLED AND 55 INJURED - LED TO A SPLIT IN THE GROUP OVER THE ISSUE OF CAUSING INDISCRIMINATE CASUALTIES. SUFFERING FROM INTERNAL SCHISMS, THE GROUP HAS BEEN RELATIVELY INACTIVE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL HUNDRED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: LEBANON; EUROPE; UNITED STATES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: HAS RECEIVED AID, INCLUDING TRAINING AND SAFEHAVEN, FROM SYRIA. MAY ALSO HAVE RECEIVED SOME AID FROM LIBYA. EXTENSIVE TIES TO RADICAL PALESTINIAN GROUPS, INCLUDING THE PFLP, PFLP-GC, AND THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * USE REVOLUTIONARY VIOLENCE TO FORCE AN END TO THE "EXPLOITATION, REPRESSION, AND TERROR OF TURKISH COLONIALISM" AND THE "IMPERIALISM" OF NATO AND ZIONISM; * ATTACK TURKISH REPRESENTATIVES AND INTERESTS WORLDWIDE, AS WELL AS INTERESTS OF THOSE COUNTRIES THAT SUPPORT TURKEY; * AFFIRM "SCIENTIFIC SOCIALISM" AS THE POLITICAL DOCTRINE OF THE RECONSTITUTED ARMENIAN HOMELAND; * TRANSFORM "SOVIET" ARMENIA INTO A BASE FOR REVOLUTIONARY STRUGGLE AGAINST TURKEY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: ASALA IS A TRANSNATIONAL, ETHNIC TERRORIST ORGANIZATION THAT ESPOUSES A MARXIST-LENINIST POLITICAL IDEOLOGY AND SOLIDARITY WITH LEFTIST AND SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS WORLDWIDE. ITS PRIMARY GOAL IS REESTABLISHING THE HISTORICAL ARMENIAN HOMELAND, AN AREA THAT INCLUDES EASTERN TURKEY, NORTHERN IRAN, AND ARMENIA (OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES). ASALA ALSO DEMANDS AN ADMISSION OF GUILT FROM TURKEY FOR THE ALLEGED GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS DURING THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, AS WELL AS AN END TO THE DISCRIMINATION THEY CLAIM ARMENIANS SUFFER IN TURKEY. TO FURTHER ITS GOALS ASALA HAS COMMITTED A SERIES OF ASSASSINATIONS, BOMBINGS, AND ASSAULTS. ASALA TERRORISM HAS PROGRESSED THROUGH TWO PHASES. DURING THE FIRST PHASE, THE GROUP CARRIED OUT ATTACKS AGAINST TURKISH DIPLOMATIC PERSONNEL AND INSTALLATIONS IN ORDER TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE "ARMENIAN QUESTION" AND GAIN SUPPORT AMONG ARMENIANS. IN THE SECOND PHASE ASALA EXPANDED ITS OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE ATTACKS AGAINST "IMPERIALIST" TARGETS. THE FIRST OF THESE WERE BOMBINGS IN NOVEMBER, 1979, AGAINST KLM AND LUFTHANSA OFFICES IN PARIS AND TWA'S OFFICE IN MADRID. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP LAUNCHED ATTACKS AGAINST THE CITIZENS AND PROPERTY OF COUNTRIES HOLDING ASALA MEMBERS IN PRISONS. THE POLICY OF INDISCRIMINATE VIOLENCE AND DISPUTES OVER LEADERSHIP EVENTUALLY CAUSED A SPLIT IN ASALA. FOLLOWING THE JULY, 1983 ASALA BOMBING OF THE TURKISH AIRLINES TICKET COUNTER AT ORLY AIRPORT, PARIS, THAT KILLED SEVEN, A DISSIDENT GROUP, ASALA-RM, WAS FORMED. ASALA-RM VIEWED INDISCRIMINATE "BLIND" TERRORISM AS DETRIMENTAL TO THE ARMENIAN CAUSE AND FAVORED LIMITNG TERRORIST ATTACKS TO TURKISH TARGETS. ASALA-M CONTINUED TO FAVOR UNRESTRICTED TERRORISM AGAINST TURKISH AS WELL AS "IMPERIALIST" TARGETS. FOLLOWING THE SPLIT, ASALA'S MEMBERS WERE APPARENTLY PREOCCUPIED IN AN INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLE, LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN TERRORIST OPERATIONS. ASALA, HOWEVER, WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN AMONG THOSE GROUPS INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF BOMBINGS IN PARIS IN LATE 1986 THAT KILLED AND INJURED SOME 200. THE ATTACKS WERE CLAIMED BY THE "COMMITTEE FOR SOLIDARITY WITH ARAB AND MIDDLE EASTERN PRISONERS" AND WERE INTENDED TO PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE TO RELEASE THREE SUSPECTED TERORORIST PRISONERS, INCLUDING ASALA MEMBER, VAROUJAN GARABEDJIAN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JANUARY, 1975: BOMBED THE BEIRUT HEADQAURTERS OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES BECAUSE OF ITS ROLE IN ASSISTING ARMENIANS TO EMIGRATE TO OTHER COUNTRIES. OCTOBER, 1975: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO AUSTRIA. THE OPERATION WAS ALSO CLAIMED BY THE JUSTICE COMMANDOS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE (JCAG). OCTOBER, 1975: CLAIMED RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE MURDERS OF THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE AND HIS CHAUFFER, WHO WERE MACHINE-GUNNED TO DEATH WHILE ENROUTE TO THE TURKISH EMBASSY. FEBRUARY, 1976: ASSASSINATED THE FIRST SECRETARY OF THE TURKSIH EMBASSY IN BEIRUT. OCTOBER, 1976: DETONATED TWO BOMBS IN ISTANBUL, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING FOUR. NOVEMBER, 1979: BOMB THE TWA OFFICE IN MADRID. DECEMBER, 1979: BOMBED THE TURKISH AIRLINES OFFICE IN LONDON. IN CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY, ASALA EXPRESSED SOLIDARITY WITH THE TERRORIST MOVEMENTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND. DECEMBER, 1979: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE TURKISH PRESS ATTACHE IN PARIS. MARCH, 1980: BOMBED THE OFFICES HOUSING THE TURKISH AIRLINES AND THE TOURIST BUREAU IN ROME, KILLING TWO PERSONS. JUNE, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A TURKISH CONSULAR EMPLOYEE IN GENEVA. OCTOBER, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE ALITALIA OFFICE IN MADRID. OCTOBER, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE TURKISH AIRLINES OFFICE IN LONDON. NOVEMBER, 1980: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE SWISSAIR OFFICE IN MADRID. JANUARY, 1981: BOMBED THE SWISSAIR OFFICE AND THE SWISS CONSULATE IN MILAN IN RETALIATION FOR THE ARREST OF TWO ARMENIAN MILITANTS IN GENEVA. MARCH, 1981: ASSASSINATED THE TURKISH LABOR ATTACHE AND CONSUL FOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS IN PARIS. SEPTEMBER, 1981: STORMED THE TURKISH CONSULATE IN PARIS, KILLING A GUARD AND SERIOUSLY WOUNDING A VICE-CONSUL. THE TERRORISTS HELD 51 PERSONS HOSTAGE FOR FIFTEEN HOURS BEFORE SURRENDERING. JUNE, 1982: ATTEMPTED TO BOMB THE AIR CANADA FREIGHT OFFICE AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. POLICE DISARMED THE DEVICE FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE IT WAS SET TO DETONATE. AUGUST, 1982: ATTACKED ISTANBUL'S ESENBOGA AIRPORT, KILLING SEVEN AND WOUNDING SEVENTY TWO. JUNE, 1983: CARRIED OUT A GRENADE AND MACHINE GUN ATTACK ON THE ISTANBUL BAZAAR, KILLING TWO. JULY, 1983: BOMBED THE TURKISH AIRLINES COUNTER AT ORLY, PARIS, KILLING SEVEN. MARCH, 1984: WOUNDED THE FIRST SECRETARY AND THE DEPUTY MILITARY ATTACHE OF THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN TEHRAN. JANUARY-MAY, 1986: STAGED FIVE INCIDENTS IN LEBANON, RESULTING IN ONE KIDNAPPING, NINE DEATHS, TWO INJURIES, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM BOMBINGS AGAINST "DASHNAG" (RIGHT WING) ARMENIAN POLITICAL PARTY MEMBERS. ASALA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY OR WAS SUSPECTED IN ALL OF THE OPERATIONS. SEPTEMBER, 1986: SUSPECTED OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE PARIS BOMBING CAMPAIGN. OCTOBER, 1987: IN EAST BEIRUT, LEBANON, GUNMEN ATTACKED THREE MEMBERS OF THE FRENCH EMBASSY GUARD FORCE, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING ONE. ASALA CLAIMED THE ATTACK WAS CARRIED OUT TO PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE TO RELEASE ASALA PRISONERS HELD IN FRANCE. APRIL, 1988: ASALA LEADER HAGOP HAGOPIAN KILLED IN ATHENS. DECEMBER, 1991: A LONE GUNMAN OPEENED FIRE ON A LIMOSINE IN WHICH THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO HUNGARY WAS RIDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A CALLER CLAIMING TO REPRESENT ASALA TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY false marked BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY showNameProp BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY :BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY 10/28/92 GP00027 KEY WORDS: ETA; EUSKADI TA ASAKATASUNA; ETA-M; ETA-PM DESCRIPTION: FOUNDED IN THE LATE 1950S WITH THE AIM OF CREATING AN INDEPENDENT HOMELAND IN SPAIN'S BASQUE REGION (PRIMARILY THE NORTHERN PROVINCES OF VIZCAYA, ALAVA, AND GUIPUZCOA). THE ETA HAS A MUTED COMMITMENT TO MARXISM. IN 1974, THE GROUP SPLIT INTO TWO FACTIONS - ETA/POLITICAL MILITARY, AND ETA/MILITARY; THE FORMER HAS BEEN RELATIVELY INACTIVE SINCE LIMITED HOME RULE WAS GRANTED IN 1982. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: CHIEFLY BOMBINGS, KIDNAPPINGS, ASSASSINATIONS OF SPANISH GOVERNMENT TARGETS, AND RECENTLY FOREIGN (FRENCH, U.S.) TARGETS IN SPAIN. HAS ALSO CONDUCTED LIMITED OPERATIONS AGAINST SPANISH BUSINESS AND DIPLOMATIC TARGETS IN ITALY, NETHERLANDS, GERMANY. ETA'S BOMBING ATTACKS ARE LETHAL, SOPHISTICATED, AND INCREASINGLY INDISCRIMINATE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: ETA HAS RECEIVED TRAINING AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING ITS HISTORY IN LIBYA, LEBANON, AND NICARAGUA. ETA ALSO HAS REPORTEDLY CLOSE TIES TO THE PROVISIONAL IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY (PIRA). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT BASQUE NATION THROUGH TERRORISM AGAINST SPANISH INTERESTS TO PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN INTO MAKING DESIRED CONCESSIONS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE ETA IS ONE OF THE OLDEST WEST EUROPEAN TERRORIST GROUPS STILL OPERATING. ALTHOUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF ETA GENERALLY ESPOUSES A MARXIST- LENINIST IDEOLOGICAL STANCE, THE PRIMARY MOTIVATION FOR MANY OF ITS MEMBERS IS BASQUE NATIONALISM. THE ETA ACTUALLY IS COMPOSED OF SEVERAL FACTIONS THAT ESTABLISHED A LOOSE ALLIANCE BUT STILL MAINTAIN SEPARATE IDENTITIES. THE MORE AGGRESSIVE FACTION IS KNOWN AS ETA-MILITARY WING (ETA-M). IT ADVOCATES A RELENTLESS CAMPAIGN OF TERRORISM DIRECTED AT THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN. ANOTHER FACTION, THE ETA POLITICAL-MILITARY FRONT (ETA-PM), NOW LARGELY INACTIVE, PRACTICED TERRORISM BUT TRIED TO COMBINE IT WITH GRASS ROOTS POLITICAL AGITATION IN ORDER TO BROADEN THE BASE OF REVOLUTION. THE ETA REGULARLY TARGETS SPANISH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY, AND SECURITY AND POLICE FORCES, AS WELL AS MODERATE BASQUES FOR ASSASSINATION. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP HAS CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS BOMBINGS AGAINST GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AND ECONOMIC TARGETS, INCLUDING SEASONAL CAMPAIGNS AGAINST TOURIST RESORTS. THE ETA IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 700 DEATHS SINCE 1968, AND CAN CLAIM TO BE ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT TERRORIST GROUPS IN EUROPE. ETA GENERATES ITS FUNDS THROUGH KIDNAPPINGS, ARMED ROBBERIES, AND THE EXTORTION OF "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES." THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ETA IS QUITE SOPHISTICATED. THE MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS (COMMANDOS") ARE ORGANIZED INTO THREE OR FOUR MEMBER CELLS. MOST COMMANDOS ARE "LEGAL" - ETA MEMBERS NOT KNOWN TO THE AUTHORITIES - WHO LIVE OPEN LIVES WITHOUT SUSPICION. THEY CARRY OUT OPERATIONS AND THEN DISAPPEAR INTO THEIR ENVIRONMENT. A SMALLER NUMBER OF COMMANDOS ARE "ILLEGALS," WHOSE INVOLVEMENT IN THE ETA ARE KNOWN TO THE AUTHORITIES AND WHO LIVE AND OPERATE ENTIRELY UNDERGROUND. THERE IS ALSO A LARGE GROUP THAT PROVIDES INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER SUPPORT NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE ETA'S INFRASTRUCTURE. RESOURCES FOR A WIDE-RANGING PROGRAM OF TERRORISM ARE AVAILABLE NOT ONLY IN THE SPANISH BASQUE AREA, BUT IN THE FRENCH BASQUE AREAS ALONG THE BORDER. THE INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS OF ETA ARE QUITE EXTENSIVE. IT HAS REPORTED TIES WITH THE PROVISIONAL IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY (PIRA), WITH WHICH IT SHARES NUMEROUS CHARACTERISTICS. ITS OTHER CONNECTIONS MAY BE BASED UPON COMMON IDEOLOGICAL (MARXIST) ORIENTATIONS. IN THE PAST ETA MEMBERS HAVE TRAINED AT CAMPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS PROVIDED SAFEHAVEN AND TRAINING TO ETA. THERE ARE ALSO REPORTS OF ETA MEMBERS IN NICARAGUA, SOME OF WHOM HAVE BEEN IMPLICATED IN ATTACKS AGAINST OPPONENTS OF THE SANDINISTA GOVERNMENT. POLICE OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ETA HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUS AND OFTEN SUCCESSFUL; HOWEVER, ETA SEEMS ABLE TO REBOUND FROM EVEN THE MOST AMBITIOUS COUNTERTERRORIST OPERATIONS. BECAUSE OF THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP'S SUPPORT BASE AND THE HIGH LEVEL OF NATIONALIST SENTIMENT AMONG THE BASQUES, ETA VIOLENCE IS EXPECTED TO PLAGUE SPAIN FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY DECEMBER, 1973: ASSASSINATED SPANISH PRIME MINISTER LUIS CARRERO BLANCO, HIS CHAUFFER, AND A SECURITY OFFICER WITH A REMOTE-CONTROLLED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. SEPTEMBER, 1974: BOMBED A CROWDED CAFE NEXT TO A SECURITY HEADQUARTERS IN MADRID. THIRTEEN CIVILIANS WERE KILLED AND SEVENTY WERE WOUNDED. OCTOBER, 1976: ASSASSINATED A SENIOR ADVISER TO KING JUAN CARLOS, HIS DRIVER, AND THREE SECURITY GUARDS. MARCH, 1978: DETONATED A POWERFUL BOMB AT THE BILBAO NUCLEAR POWERPLANT, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING FOURTEEN. JUNE/JULY, 1979: INITIATED A "TOURIST WAR" IN SPANISH SEASIDE RESORT AREAS. FOURTEEN TIME BOMBS WERE DETONATED, INJURING TWO AND CAUSING EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. NOVEMBER, 1979: KIDNAPPED A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN MADRID. THE VICTIM WAS RELEASED AFTER THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO REVIEW AND EXPEDITE CASES AGAINST BASQUE PRISONERS AND TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF TORTURE. FEBRUARY, 1980: FIRED AN ANTI-TANK ROCKET AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE IN MADRID. THE ROCKET MISSED THE BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. JANUARY, 1981: KIDNAPPED ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST MEN IN SPAIN, RELEASING HIM AFTER 58 DAYS AND PAYMENT OF A RANSOM REPORTED AT $3.29 MILLION. JANUARY, 1982: KIDNAPPED A LEADING INDUSTRIALIST AND HELD HIM FOR A MONTH BEFORE RECEIVING A REPORTED RANSOM PAYMENT OF $1.3 MILLION. OCTOBER, 1982: DETONATED NEARLY TWO DOZEN BOMBS AT SEVERAL BANKS IN THE BASQUE PROVINCES. FEBRUARY, 1983: KILLED THREE AND WOUNDED NINE IN THE BOMBING OF A BILBAO BANK THAT HAD REFUSED TO PAY "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES." APRIL, 1984: KILLED A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER IN PAMPLONA. A BOOBYTRAP IN THE GETAWAY CAR DETONATED WHILE IT WAS BEING EXAMINED, KILLING TWO POLICE OFFICERS. DECEMBER, 1984: BOMBED SECTIONS OF THE ROTA-ZARAGOZA MILITARY PETROLEUM PIPELINE. CLAIMED THE ACT WAS AGAINST THE SPANISH MILITARY. JULY, 1985: SHOT AND KILLED SPAIN'S DIRECTOR OF DEFENSE POLICY, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING HIS CHAUFFER - IN MADRID. SEPTEMBER, 1985: DETONATED A CAR BOMB BY REMOTE CONTROL IN MADRID, INJURING TEN MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL GUARD. AN AMERICAN BYSTANDER WAS KILLED. FEBRUARY, 1986: MURDERED VICE ADMIRAL CRISTOBOL COLON AND HIS CHAUFFER IN MADRID IN A MACHINE GUN AND GRENADE ATTACK. JULY, 1986: REMOTE CONTROLLED DETONATION OF A DEVICE HIDDEN IN A PARKED VAN IN MADRID. THE 100 POUND DEVICE DETONATED AS A BUS CARRYING CIVIL GUARD CADETS WAS PASSING. TEN CADETS WERE KILLED AND SEVERAL DOZEN WERE INJURED. JULY, 1986: DETONATED A BOMB IN MADRID, KILLING NINE PEOPLE. JULY, 1986: FIRED A DOZEN ANTI-TANK ROCKETS BY REMOTE CONTROL FROM A HOME MADE LAUNCHER AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE IN MADRID, INJURING TWO MILITARY OFFICERS. AFTER THE ATTACK, THE CAR TO WHICH THE LAUNCHER WAS ATTACHED EXPLODED, INJURING TEN. OCTOBER, 1986: MURDERED THE GOVERNOR OF GUIPUZCOA PROVINCE BY DETONATING AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE THAT HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE ROOF OF THE VICTIM'S CAR. THE VICTIM'S WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE ALSO KILLED. DECEMBER, 1986: KIDNAPPED A SPANISH BUSINESSMAN AND HELD HIM FOR 69 DAYS BEFORE RECEIVING A REPORTED RANSOM PAYMENT OF $1.5 MILLION. JANUARY, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB, DESTROYING A PASSING MILITARY BUS IN ZARAGOZA, KILLING AN ARMY OFFICER AND THE CIVILIAN DRIVER OF THE BUS. FORTY PERSONS WERE WOUNDED. JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1987: PERPETRATED A SERIES OF ARSON AND BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST FRENCH INTERESTS IN MONDRAGON, BILBAO, AND LASARTE. BELIEVED TO BE IN PROTEST OF FRANCE'S DEPORTATION OF BASQUE GUERRILLAS TO SPAIN. MARCH, 1987: STAGED A SUBMACHINE GUN ATTACK IN VITORIA, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING AN ARMY OFFICER. MARCH, 1987: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE BARCELONA PORT. ONE CIVIL GUARDSMAN WAS KILLED AND FIFTEEN PERSONS WERE INJURED. MARCH/APRIL, 1987: CONTINUED ARSON AND BOMBING ATTACKS AIMED MAINLY AT FRENCH TARGETS. APRIL, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR A BARCELONA CIVIL GUARD BARRACKS, KILLING ONE AND INJURING SEVEN. MAY, 1987: DETONATED THREE CAR BOMBS NEAR THE MADRID HEADQUARTERS OF THE SPANISH NAVY, AIR FORCE, AND CIVIL GUARD, KILLING ONE AND INJURING NINE. JUNE, 1987: IN SAN SEBASTIAN, DETONATED A CAR BOMB AS TWO POLICE VANS PASSED, INJURING SIX. JUNE, 1987: DETONATED TWO EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AT A STATE-OWNED PETRO-CHEMICAL PLANT. DAMAGE ESTIMATES VARIED BETWEEN $8 TO $16 MILLION. JUNE, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN A PARKING GARAGE UNDER A SUPERMARKET IN BARCELONA, KILLING TWENTY ONE AND INJURING MANY OTHERS. AUGUST, 1987: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE IN VITORIA AS A NATIONAL POLICE VEHICLE PASSED; TWO PERSONS WERE KILLED AND ONE WAS INJURED. AUGUST, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN EIBAR, INJURING THIRTEEN. SEPTEMBER, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN SAN SEBASTIAN AS TWO NATIONAL POLICE VANS PASSED. ONE POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED AND SIX PEOPLE WERE HURT. DECEMBER, 1987: DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN FRONT OF A SPANISH CIVIL GUARD APARTMENT COMPLEX, KILLING ELEVEN AND INJURING FORTY. APRIL, 1989: DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ON A SECONDARY RAILROAD LINE FIFTY MILES SOUTH OF MADRID, CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE AND NO INJURIES. JULY, 1989: MURDERED TWO ARMY OFFICERS IN MADRID. SEPTEMBER, 1989: MURDERED A GOVERNMENT PROSECUTER IN MADRID. SEPTEMBER, 1989: POSTMAN KILLED BY A PARCEL BOMB. JANUARY, 1990: A FRENCH AUTO DEALERSHIP IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF ALAVA IS BOMBED. JANUARY, 1990: A NATIONAL POLICEMAN WAS KILLED BY A BOMB PLACED NEXT TO HIS PERSONAL AUTO. FEBRUARY, 1990: AT LEAST THREE LETTER/PARCEL BOMBS WERE SENT BY ETA. ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED THE SENIOR JUDGE OF THE NATIONAL HIGH COURT OF SPAIN, ONE INJURED TWO POSTAL WORKERS, AND A THIRD WAS DISARMED. APRIL, 1990: A MEMBER OF THE CIVIL GUARD WAS SHOT DEAD AS HE RETURNED TO HIS HOME FROM WORK. APRIL, 1990: ETA PUBLISHED A COMMUNIQUE IN THE BASQUE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER "EGIN" STATING THAT IT WOULD ENGAGE IN ATTACKS ON THE SEVILLE WORLD'S FAIR - EXPO 92. JUNE, 1990: A RETIRED SPANISH ARMY COLONEL WAS SHOT DEAD IN SAN SEBASTIAN. JUNE, 1990: A MAN WAS SHOT DEAD IN A CAFE IN A SUBURB OF THE BASQUE CITY OF BILBAO. ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK, APOLOGIZING TO THE VICTIM'S FAMILY FOR HAVING MURDERED THE WRONG PERSON. JUNE, 1990: A FRENCH AUTO DEALERSHIP IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF VIZCAYA WAS BOMBED. JUNE, 1990: AN OFFICE BUILDING IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, WAS BOMBED BY ETA. THE BUILDING HOUSED THE OFFICES OF IBERIAN AIR, THE SPANISH NATIONAL CARRIER. JULY, 1990: A SPANISH BANK IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, WAS BOMBED BY ETA. A DUTCH NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED AN INTERVIEW WITH A BASQUE ACTIVIST WHO CLAIMED THAT ETA BOMBINGS IN HOLLAND WERE INTENDED AS "LESSONS" TO THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT FOR ITS COOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN. AUGUST, 1990: A SERIES OF BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST RAIL LINES THROUGHOUT SPAIN TOOK PLACE. SEPTEMBER, 1990: A CAR BOMB DETONATED AT A CIVIL GUARD FACILITY IN BILBAO. A CIVIL GUARDSMAN AND A CIVILIAN WERE KILLED. TWO GUARDSMEN WERE INJURED. SEPTEMBER, 1990: A CAR BOMB DETONATED IN THE CITY OF CARTAGENA OUTSIDE THE LIVING QUARTERS OF 400 CIVIL GUARD PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES. SEVENTEEN PERSONS WERE INJURED. NOVEMBER, 1990: TWO POLICEMEN WERE KILLED AND TWO WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN A TRUCK BOMB DETONATED AS THE VICTIMS' VEHICLE PASSED IN A BILBAO SUBURB. FEBRUARY, 1991: ETA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BOMBING OF A SPANISH NAVY PATROL BOAT IN THE PORT OF FUENTTERRABIA. MARCH, 1991: ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A SPANISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY EXECUTIVE IN VALENCIA. APRIL, 1991: A SPANISH POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED, AND HIS WIFE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN A CAR BOMB DETONATED UNDER THEIR AUTOMOBILE. TWO BYSTANDERS WERE ALSO INJURED IN THE BOMBING WHICH OCCURED IN A SUBURB OF BILBAO. APRIL, 1991: A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OF A NATIONAL POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED IN SAN SEBASTIAN BY A BOMB THAT HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER HER FATHER'S CAR. THE BLAST INJURED THE FATHER AND THREE OTHER CHILDREN. ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. MAY, 1991: NINE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND APPROXIMATELY 50 INJURED IN A TOWN NEAR BARCELONA WHEN A CAR BOMB DETONATED. FOUR OF THE DEAD WERE CHILDREN. JUNE, 1991: A SPANISH AIR FORCE OFFICER WAS KILLED, AND FOUR CHILDRED WERE INJURED WHEN A BOMB PLANTED UNDER THE OFFICER'S CAR DETONATED. JUNE, 1991: A PRISON OFFICER, TWO INMATES, AND A VISITING FAMILY MEMBER WERE KILLED AND MORE THAN TWENTY PERSONS WERE INJURED WHEN A PARCEL BOMB DETONATED IN A PRISON'S ENTRY CONTROL ROOM. JULY, 1991: ETA ISSUED A WARNING TO FRENCH TRAVEL AGENCIES STATING THAT TOURISM WOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEGITIMATE "MILITARY" TARGET BY ETA. JULY, 1991: A SPANISH TOUR BUS WAS FIREBOMBED IN ROME. AUGUST, 1991: ETA BOMBED RAIL LINES AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SPAIN. AUGUST, 1991: TWO BOMBS WERE PLANTED OUTSIDE SPANISH TRAVEL AGENCIES IN ROME. BOTH BOMBS WERE DISARMED BY THE POLICE. OCTOBER, 1991: TWO MEMBERS OF THE SPANISH CIVIL GUARD WERE SHOT DEAD IN THE CITY OF SAN SEBASTIAN. NOVEMBER, 1991: A BOMB PLANTED IN THE CAR OF A CIVIL GUARDSMAN IN BILBAO KILLED THE TWO YEAR OLD SON OF THE INTENDED VICTIM. THE CIVIL GUARDSMAN AND ANOTHER CHILD WERE INJURED IN THE ATTACK. DECEMBER, 1991: TWO PLAINCLOTHES SPANISH POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT DEAD IN BARCELONA. DECEMBER, 1991: THE ETA BOMBED THE LEADING LUXURY HOTEL IN THE SOUTHERN CITY OF SEVILLE, THE SITE OF EXPO 92. JANUARY, 1992: A SPANISH AIR FORCE MAJOR WAS SHOT DEAD IN AN AMBUSH IN BARCELONA. JANUARY, 1992: A FORMER SENATOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE BASQUE AUTONOMOUS REGIONS WAS ASSASSINATED NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA. JANUARY, 1992: TWO MEMBERS OF A SPANISH MILITARY BAND WERE SHOT DEAD IN THE CENTER OF BARCELONA. FEBRUARY, 1992: FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND AT LEAST SIX WERE INJURED WHEN A BOMB DESTROYED A POLICE VAN IN CENTRAL MADRID. MARCH, 1992: A RETIRED SPANISH ARMY COLONEL WAS KILLED BY A LETTER BOMB THAT HAD BEEN SENT TO HIM IN MADRID. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. CHUKAKU-HA false marked CHUKAKU-HA showNameProp CHUKAKU-HA CHUKAKU-HA 10/28/92 GP00028 KEY WORDS: NUCLEUS FACTION; MIDDLE CORE FACTION; KANSAI REVOLUTIONARY ARMY DESCRIPTION: ULTRA LEFTIST/RADICAL GROUP WITH ITS ORIGINS IN THE FRAGMENTATION OF THE JAPANESE COMMUNIST PARTY IN 1957. THE LARGEST DOMESTIC MILITANT GROUP, WITH A POLITICAL ARM, AND A SMALL, COVERT ACTION WING KNOWN AS THE KANSAI REVOLUTIONARY ARMY. THE ORGANIZATION'S FUNDING IS DERIVED FROM MEMBERSHIP DUES, SALES OF ITS NEWSPAPERS, AND FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: PARTICIPATES IN MASS PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS, SUPPORTS FARMERS' PROTESTS OF CONSTRUCTION AT NARITA AIRPORT, AMONG OTHER CAUSES; SABOTAGED PART OF THE JAPANESE RAILROAD SYSTEM IN 1985-86; SPORADIC ATTACKS USUALLY INTENDED TO CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE THROUGH THE USE OF CRUDE ROCKETS AND INCENDIARY DEVICES. ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS HAVE INCLUDED SMALL SCALE ROCKET ATTACKS AGAINST U.S. DIPLOMATIC AND MILITARY TARGETS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: APPROXIMATELY 3,500 (ESTIMATED 200 DEDICATED OPERATIVES). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: NONE KNOWN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * ABOLISH THE CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY; * ABOLISH THE MONARCHY; * TERMINATE THE U.S. - JAPAN SECURITY TREATY AND REMOVE U.S. FORCES FROM JAPAN; * HALT CONSTRUCTION OF THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE CHUKAKU-HA IS THE MOST POWERFUL FACTION OF THE JAPANESE NEW LEFT, OR EXTREME LEFT WING RADICALS, WHICH IS COMPOSED OF APPROXIMATELY 33 FACTIONS. OFFICIAL ESTIMATES OF THE STRENGTH OF THE NEW LEFT MOVEMENT IN JAPAN ARE IN THE RANGE OF 35,000, INCLUDING SYMPATHIZERS. THE CHUKAKU-HA DEVELOPED AFTER A CONFRONTATION AND SUBSEQUENT SPLIT FROM THE KAKUMARU-HA, WHICH HAD BEEN THE FOREMOST ORGANIZER OF THE JAPANESE NEW LEFT UNTIL 1983. AT ISSUE BETWEEN THE TWO FACTIONS WAS WHETHER TO PURSUE THE POLICIES OF THE NEW LEFT OR TO CONCENTRATE ON INSTIGATING A MASS STRUGGLE. THE CHUKAKU-HA OPTED FOR THE LATTER OPERATIONAL PHILOSPHY. THE CHUKAKU-HA BECAME THE MORE ACTIVE FACTION AND ADOPTED TERRORISM AS A TACTIC. THE OPERATIONAL AND TACTICAL SKILLS OF THE GROUP ARE IMAGINATIVE AND INCLUDE USE OF TIMED INCENDIARY DEVICES, FLAMETHROWERS, AND MORTARLIKE LAUNCHERS, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS "ROCKETS." DESPITE SUCH TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY, RELATIVELY FEW CASUALTIES HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROUP'S OPERATIONS. THE OPERATIVES OF CHUKAKU-HA COMPRISE AN EXTREMELY SECRETIVE GROUP, AVOIDING PUBLIC GATHERINGS OR DEMONSTRATIONS. CONTACTS WITH OUTSIDERS ARE SEVERELY RESTRICTED. THE GROUP FOCUSES ITS ATTACKS PRIMARILY UPON JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION AT NARITA AIRPORT, OR UPON THE NATIONAL RAILWAY SYSTEM; ALTHOUGH IT HS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A NUMBER OF ATTACKS AGAINST U.S. TARGETS. PUBLIC STATEMENTS IN THE GROUP'S PERIODICAL "ZENSHIN" ("ADVANCE") INDICATE THAT SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS COULD BE TARGETED. THIS SHIFT IN TACTICS AND CONTINUING IMPROVEMENTS IN WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY ARE OF GROWING CONCERN TO GOVERNMENT SECURITY ORGANIZATIONS. FUNDS FOR THE GROUP ARE GENERATED FROM CONTRIBUTIONS SOLICITED FROM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP TO SUPPORT THE APPROXIMATELY 200 DEDICATED ACTIVISTS WHO HAVE NO OTHER SOURCE OF INCOME. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JUNE, 1979: BURNED TWO VEHICLES AND CUT COMMUNICATIONS LINES TO TOKYO'S HANEDA AIRPORT WHEN PRESIDENT CARTER ARRIVED. SEPTEMBER, 1984: ATTACKED THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS WITH A TRUCK- MOUNTED FLAME-THROWER AND DETONATED A TIME BOMB NEAR THE EMBASSY OF ISRAEL. APRIL, 1985: USED A MORTAR-LIKE WEAPON IN SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON NARITA AND HAMEDA AIRPORTS. THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES BUT MAJOR DAMAGE TO AT LEAST ONE BUILDING. NOVEMBER, 1985: STORMED AND SET ABLAZE SEVERAL OF JAPAN'S LARGEST RAILWAY STATIONS. MARCH, 1986: LAUNCHED PROJECTILES AT THE IMPERIAL PALACE. MAY, 1986: LAUNCHED PROJECTILES AT THE BUILDINGS HOUSING THE ECONOMIC (G-7) SUMMIT MEETING. THE IMPROVISED MISSILES FLEW APPROXIMATELY 3,500 METERS. SEPTEMBER, 1986: UNIDENTIFIED ATTACKERS, SUSPECTED OF BEING MEMBERS OF CHUKAKU-HA BATTERED A RAILWAY TRADE UNION OFFICIAL TO DEATH AND SERIOUSLY INJURED EIGHT OTHERS IN A SERIES OF ATTACKS IN THEIR HOMES. OCTOBER, 1986: POLICE ARRESTED SEVEN SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE GROUP AND DISCOVERED A BOMB FACTORY IN NORTHERN JAPAN. NOVEMBER, 1986: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR TWO TIMED INCENDIARY DEVICES THAT EXPLODED AT THE RESIDENCE OF A FORMER EXECUTIVE OF THE AIRPORT PUBLIC CORPORATION. MARCH, 1987: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SERIES OF BOMBINGS INTENDED TO STOP CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES INVOLVED WITH EXPANSION WORK AT NARITA. JULY, 1987: TARGETED VEHICLES INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN OSAKA, AND EXPANDING NARITA; USED TIMED INCENDIARY DEVICES IN THIRTEEN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE SAME DAY. AUGUST, 1987: LAUNCHED FOUR INCENDIARY DEVICES FROM THE BED OF A STOLEN TRUCK IN THE DIRECTION OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE. JANUARY, 1988: FIRED FIVE ROCKET BOMBS TOWARD THE NEW TOKYO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT NARITA. THE ROCKETS WERE LAUNCHED FROM A TRUCK PARKED ON AN EMPTY LOT. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES WERE REPORTED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. DAL KHALSA false marked DAL KHALSA showNameProp DAL KHALSA DAL KHALSA 10/28/92 GP00011 KEY WORDS: POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * CREATE AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE IN THE PUNJAB; * TARGET THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT, THE SIKH MODERATE COMMUNITY, AND HINDUS IN GENERAL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE DAL KHALSA, THE OLDEST OF THE SIKH SEPARATIST GROUPS, WAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE AVOWED OBJECT OF DEMANDING AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE. IT BECAME INVOLVED IN TERRORISM AFTER THE SIKH INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT TURNED VIOLENT UNDER SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE IN 1981. THE DAL KHALSA WAS BANNED OFFICIALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AFTER ALLEGEDLY PARICIPATING IN THE APRIL 1982 SIKH-HINDU COMMUNAL RIOTING. THE GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF GENERAL A.S. VAIYDA, CHIEF OF THE INDIAN ARMY STAFF DURING THE 1984 ARMY ASSAULT ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE. THE ASSASSINATION OF VAIYDA TOOK PLACE IN AUGUST, 1986 AND DAL KHALSA CLAIMED THAT HE HAD BEEN ON THE GROUP'S TARGET LIST SINCE THE TIME OF THE ARMY ATTACK ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. DASHMESH false marked DASHMESH showNameProp DASHMESH DASHMESH 10/28/92 GP00012 KEY WORDS: DASHMESH REGIMENT; TENTH REGIMENT; 10TH REGIMENT POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * ESTABLISH KHALISTAN AS AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE; * TARGET INDIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, MODERATE SIKHS, AND HINDU RESIDENTS OF THE PUNJAB. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE DASHMESH "TENTH" REGIMENT PROBABLY WAS ORGANIZED UNDER THE AEGIS OF SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE. AFTER CONDUCTING A REIGN OF TERROR IN THE PUNJAB IN THE EARLY 1980S, HE WAS KILLED BY THE INDIAN ARMY IN A JUNE 1984 ATTACK ON THE SIKH GOLDEN TEMPLE. THE GROUP WAS NAMED AFTER THE SIKHS' REVERED 10TH AND LAST GURU, GOBIND SINGH, WHO IN THE 18TH CENTURY, IN ADDITION TO GREATLY INFLUENCING THE SIKH RELIGION, FORGED THE SIKHS INTO A WARRIOR CLASS. THE DASHMESH REGIMENT'S FOUNDER IS REPUTED TO HAVE BEEN MAJOR GENERAL SHAHEG SINGH, A SIKH OFFICER WITH EXPERIENCE TRAINING IRREGULARS IN BANGLADESH, AND WHO WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CASHIERED FROM THE INDIAN ARMY FOR CORRUPTION. HOWEVER, SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH IN THE ATTACK ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, THE GENERAL VEHEMENTLY DISCLAIMED ANY CONNECTION WITH THE DASHMESH REGIMENT OR ANY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SUCH A REGIMENT. SURINDER SINGH GILL, AN ORTHODOX SIKH WHO GAVE UP A PRIZED CIVIL SERVICE POSITION TO JOIN BHINDRANWALE, PROBABLY WAS THE GROUP'S FIRST LEADER. FOLLOWING THE ASSAULT ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, DASHMESH GAINED INCREASED COVERT AND POPULAR SUPPORT AND HAS CONTINUED TO CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERRORIST OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT INDIA AND THE WORLD. EXAMPLES OF ATTACKS CLAIMED BY DASHMESH ARE THE FOLLOWING: IN JUNE 1985 DASHMESH CLAIMED RESPONSIBILTY FOR AN INCIDENT AT TOKYO'S NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHEN A BOMB DESTINED FOR PLACEMENT ON AN AIR INDIA JET LINER EXPLODED PREMATURELY, KILLING TWO BAGGAGE HANDLERS. DASHMESH ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MIDAIR DESTRUCTION OF AN AIR INDIA 747 FROM A BOMB PLACED IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. ANOTHER TERRORIST GROUP, THE KASHMIR LIBERATION FRONT ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERAT false marked DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIB showNameProp DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIB DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE 10/28/92 GP00029 KEY WORDS: DFLP; POPULAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE; PDFLP DESCRIPTION: THE DFLP IS A MARXIST GROUP THAT SPLIT FROM THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP) IN 1969. THE GROUP IS CURRENTLY LED BY NAYIF HAWATMEH. BELIEVES PALESTINIAN GOALS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A POPULAR REVOLUTION. IN THE EARLY 1980'S, THE GROUP OCCUPIED A POLITICAL STANCE MIDWAY BETWEEN YASSIR ARAFAT AND THE MORE RADICAL REJECTIONIST GROUPS. ALTHOUGH A MEMBER OF THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION, THE DFLP DIFFERS WITH KEY ELEMENTS OF ARAFAT'S POLICIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: IN THE 1970'S THE DFLP CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS SMALL SCALE BOMBINGS AND ASSAULTS AND OTHER MORE SPECTACULAR OPERATIONS IN ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. THE GROUP HAS HISTORICALLY CONCENTRATED ON ATTACKING ISRAELI TARGETS, SUCH AS THE 1974 MASSACRE IN MA'ALOT IN WHICH 27 ISRAELIS WERE KILLED AND OVER 100 WOUNDED. SINCE 1988, THE DFLP HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SMALL SCALE BORDER RAIDS INTO ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: ESTIMATED AT 500. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * SEEK REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE IN THE ARAB WORLD, ESPECIALLY IN THE CONSERVATIVE MONARCHIES, AS A NECESSARY PRECURSOR TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF PALESTINIAN OBJECTIVES; * ADVOCATE AN INTERNATIONAL STANCE THAT PLACES THE PALESTINIAN STRUGGLE WITHIN A GENERAL WORLD CONTEXT OF LIBERATION IN AFRICA, ASIA, AND LATIN AMERICA; * REPEATEDLY AFFIRMS ITS "HOSTILITY AND RESISTANCE" TO U.S. POLICY IN THE REGION, ITS SUPPORT FOR THE NON-ALIGNED BLOC, AND ITS SOLIDARITY WITH ALL NATIONAL LIBERATION MOVEMENTS THAT FIGHT AGAINST "IMPERIALISM" AND RACISM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE DFLP IS A MARXIST-LENINIST HISTORICALLY PRO-SOVIET GROUP AND BELIEVES THAT THE PALESTINE NATIONAL GOAL CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT A REVOLUTION OF THE WORKING CLASS; ELITE MEMEBRS OF THE MOVEMENT SHOULD NOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE MASSES, AND LOWER CLASSES FIRST SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN TRUE SOCIALISM TO CARRY ON THE BATTLE. AT THE SPRING, 1977 PALESTINE NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING, THE DFLP GAVE ITS FULL SUPPORT TO THE PALESTINE NATIONAL PROGRAM, SEEKING CREATION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE FROM ANY TERRIRTORY LIBERATED FROM ISRAEL. IN MID-1979, THE DFLP REPORTEDLY EXPERIENCED AN UPSURGE IN ITS MEMBERSHIP AND AN ACCOMPANYING INCREASE IN INFLUENCE. ALTHOUGH IT REMAINED A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO), THE DFLP COOPERATED INCREASINGLY WITH ANTI-ARAFAT PALESTINIAN EXTREMISTS. DFLP TERRORIST OPERATIIONS HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN PLACE INSIDE OF ISRAEL OR THE OCCUPIED TERRIRTORIES. TYPICAL ACTS ARE MINOR BOMBINGS AND GRENADE ATTACKS, AS WELL AS SPECTACULAR OPERATIONS INTENDED TO SEIZE HOSTAGES AND ATTEMPT TO NEGOTIATE FOR THE RETURN OF ISRAELI-HELD PALESTINIAN PRISONERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY MAY, 1974: TOOK OVER A SCHOOLHOUSE AND MASSACRED ISRAELI HOSTAGES AFTER INFILTRATING USING UNIFORMS RESEMBLING THOSE OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF). MURDERED 27 AND WOUNDED 124. NOVEMBER, 1974: ATTACKED THE TOWN OF BET SHE'AN IN ISRAEL. THREE TERRORISTS BARRICADED THEMSELVES IN A BUILDING CARRYING HAND GRENADES AND KALASHNIKOVS (AK-47). THEY HAD DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF 15 PALESTINIANS. JULY, 1977: IMPLICATED IN SEVERAL TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM BOMBINGS. JANUARY, 1979: ATTEMPTED TO SEIZE 230 CIVILIANS AS HOSTAGES IN A GUEST HOUSE IN MA'ALOT. THREE TERRORISTS, ARMED WITH KALASHNIKOVS AND GRENADES, WERE KILLED BU ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES (IDF). MARCH, 1979: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLANTING BOMBS IN ISRAELI BUSES TO PROTEST PRESIDENT CARTER'S VISIT TO ISRAEL. MARCH, 1982: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GRENADE ATTACK IN THE GAZA STRIP THAT KILLED AN ISRAELI SOLDIER AND WOUNDED THREE OTHERS. FEBRUARY, 1984: CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GRENADE EXPLOSION IN JERUSALEM WHICH WOUNDED TWENTY ONE PERSONS. SEPTEMBER, 1985: ATTACKED AN ISRAELI BUS NEAR HEBRON. MARCH, 1986: SEVERAL DFLP GUERRILLAS, WEARING IDF UNIFORMS, ATTEMPTED TO INFILTRATE FROM LEBANON INTO ISRAEL, BUT WERE INTERCEPTED BY THE MAY, 1988: THREW MOLOTOV COCKTAILS AT TRADE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER ARIEL SHARON'S CAR. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS DEVRIMCI SOL false marked DEVRIMCI SOL showNameProp DEVRIMCI SOL DEVRIMCI SOL 10/28/92 GP00030 KEY WORDS: DEV SOL; DEV-SOL; REVOLUTIONARY LEFT DESCRIPTION: FORMED IN 1978 AS A SPLINTER FACTION OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE'S LIBERATION PARTY/FRONT. ESPOUSES A MARXIST IDEOLOGY,INTENSELY XENOPHOBIC, VIRULENTLY ANTI-U.S. AND ANTI-NATO. DEV SOL SEEKS TO UNIFY THE PROLETARIAT TO STAGE A NATIONAL REVOLUTION. THE GROUP FINANCES ITS ACTIVITIES LARGELY THROUGH ARMED ROBBERIES AND EXTORTION. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: CONDUCTED ATTACKS AGAINST U.S., TURKISH, AND NATO TARGETS UNTIL IT WAS WEAKENED BY MASSIVE ARRESTS DURING 1981-83. METHODDS OF ATTACK INCLUDE HANDGUN ASSASSINATIONS AND BOMBINGS. SINCE ITS REEMRGENCE DURING THE LATE 1980S, IT HAS CONCENTRATED ITS ATTACKS AGAINST CURRENT AND RETIRED TURKISH SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICIALS; RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDERS OF FOUR ACTIVE AND RETIRED GENERALS AND NEARLY 30 POLICE OFFICERS IN 1991, CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSASSINATING TWO AMERICAN CONTRACTORS AND ONE BRITISH BUSINESSMAN; ATTEMPTED TO MURDER A U.S. AIR FORCE OFFICER; AND CONDUCTED OVER 30 BOMBINGS AGAINST WESTERN DIPLOMATIC, CULTURAL, AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL HUNDRED HARDCORE RADICALS, SEVERAL DOZEN ARMED MILITANTS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: POSSIBLE TRAINING AND LOGISTIC SUPPORT FROM PALESTINIAN RADICALS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED RECENT INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY NOVEMBER, 1988: SIX BANKS IN ISTANBUL WERE TARGETS OF MOLOTOV COCKTAILS AND/OR SUSPECTED ARSON ATTACKS DURING ONE EVENING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. JUNE, 1990: A FORMER MILITARY OFFICER WAS SHOT TO DEATH IN HIS ISTANBUL OFFICE. NOVEMBER, 1990: A PUBLIC PROSECUTOR ASSIGNED TO A PRISON IN ISTANBUL, WAS SHOT DEAD WHILE HIS CAR WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. JANUARY, 1991: A BOMB WAS THROWN AT A U.S. MILITARY FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN ISTANBUL. JANUARY, 1991: TWO PRIVATE AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS - A PUBLISHING COMPANY AND A MARITIME ORGANIZATION WERE BOMBED. ONE EMPLOYEE OF THE MARITIME ORGANIZATION WAS WOUNDED. JANUARY, 1991: THE U.S. CONSULATE AND THE TURKISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION WERE BOMBED ON THE SAME DAY. JANUARY, 1991: A RETIRED TURKISH ARMY GENERAL, WHO WAS A SENIOR SECURITY ADVISOR TO THE PRIME MINISTER, WAS SHOT DEAD NEAR HIS HOME IN ANKARA. FEBRUARY, 1991: AN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE OF AN AMERICAN FIRM WAS ASSASSINATED IN FRONT OF HIS APARTMENT IN ADANA. FEBRUARY, 1991: A U.S. AIR FORCE OFFICER WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED IN AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AS HE ENTERED HIS APARTMENT IN IZMIR. MARCH, 1991: THE AMERICAN OFFICE MANAGER OF A U.S. FIRM WAS ASSASSINATED IN HIS ISTANBUL OFFICE BY THREE MEN POSING AS POLICE OFFICERS. APRIL, 1991: A RETIRED TURKISH ARMY GENERAL WAS ASSASSINATED IN HIS ISTANBUL HOME. THREE MEN, ONE DISGUISED AS AN ARMY LIEUTENANT, ENTERED THE VICTIM'S HOME, TIED UP THE VICTIM AND HIS WIFE, AND THEN SHOT THE GENERAL. APRIL, 1991: A MANIFESTO, REPORTEDLY ISSUED BY DEV SOL, STATED THAT DEV SOL WOULD "ACT AGAINST" TURKS WORKING FOR U.S. FIRMS AS IF THEY WERE AMERICANS. THE DOCUMENT WARNED THAT ANYONE ACCEPTING EMPLOYMENT WITH A U.S. FIRM RISKED BEING KILLED. APRIL, 1991: A POLICE STATION IN IZMIR WAS BOMBED. JUNE, 1991: ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND FOUR WERE WOUNDED IN A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN ISTANBUL, ALL OF WHICH OCCURRED ON THE SAME DAY (6/13) AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. JULY, 1991: FIVE TURKISH BANKS WERE BOMBED IN ISTANBUL ON THE NIGHT OF 7/18-19. THE BOMBINGS WERE SAID TO BE A PROTEST TO THE VISIT TO TURKEY OF U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH. JULY, 1991: THREE TURKISH NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED IN ISTANBUL IN TWO SEPARATE ATTACKS. ONE OF THE VICTIMS WAS KILLED AS HE LEFT HIS HOME FOR WORK. THE OTHER TWO VICTIMS WERE SHOT DEAD AS THEY SAT IN THEIR UNMARKED POLICE CAR. AUGUST, 1991: A BRITISH NATIONAL WAS MURDERED IN ISTANBUL. THE VICTIM WAS EMPLOYED BY A BRITISH-OWNED INSURANCE FIRM WHOSE ISTANBUL OFFICES HAD BEEN BOMBED BY DEV SOL IN JANUARY, 1991. OCTOBER, 1991: IN TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRING ONLY HOURS APART FIVE POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED AND TWO WERE WOUNDED IN SHOOTING ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL. DECEMBER, 1991: THE DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF OF ISTANBUL AND HIS DRIVER WERE SHOT DEAD IN AN ATTACK ON THEIR VEHICLE IN ISTANBUL. FEBRUARY, 1992: FIVE GUNMEN AMBUSHED AND MURDERED THREE TURKISH POLICE OFFICERS IN ISTANBUL'S RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. MARCH, 1992: A SUSPECTED DEV SOL OPERATIVE WAS KILLED WHEN A BOMB HE WAS CARRYING DETONATED PREMATURELY. POLICE SPECULATED THAT HE WAS ABOUT TO PLACE THE BOMB IN A MOSQUE IN THE NORTHERN TURKISH CITY OF ZONGULDAK WHEN THE DEVICE EXPLODED. MARCH, 1992: DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A BUS IN ISTANBUL. THE BUS WAS CARRYING TURKISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. TWO PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND AT LEAST FIVE WERE INJURED. APRIL, 1992: A DEV SOL TEAM ATTACKED A POLICE BUS IN IZMIR, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING NINE PERSONS. APRIL, 1992: DEV SOL ISSUED A BULLETIN STATING THEIR MAIN TARGETS AS: "...LOCAL AND FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES WHO SERVE THE IMPERIALISTS AND THEIR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND MILITARY BASES...PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN AND COMPANIES...OFFICERS AND NCOS OF THE TURKISH MILITARY...THE TURKISH INTELLIGENCE SERVICE; TURKISH NATIONAL POLICE...." ETC. APRIL, 1992: A ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE (RPG) WAS FIRED AT A REAR WALL OF THE COMPOUND HOUSING THE AMERICAN CONSULATE IN ISTANBUL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. APRIL, 1992: TWO POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT DEAD IN ISTANBUL AS THEY WAITED ON A STREET CORNER FOR A RIDE. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. APRIL, 1992: A POLICE OFFICER AND A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WERE SHOT DEAD AT A BUS STOP IN ISTANBUL. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. FORCE 17 false marked FORCE 17 showNameProp FORCE 17 FORCE 17 10/28/92 GP00031 KEY WORDS: DESCRIPTION: FORMED IN THE EARLY 1970S AS A PERSONAL SECURITY FORCE FOR ARAFAT AND OTHER PLO LEADERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: ACCORDING TO PRESS SOURCES, IN 1985 FORCE 17 EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF ITS OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELI TARGETS. THERE HAS BEEN NO CONFIRMED TERRORIST ACTIVITY OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES SINCE SEPTEMBER, 1985, WHEN FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR MURDERING THREE ISRAELIS AT LARNACA, CYPRUS, AN INCIDENT THAT WAS FOLLOWED BY ISRAELI AIR RAIDS ON PLO BASES IN TUNISIA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: THE PLO IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR FORCE 17. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: BASED IN BEIRUT PRIOR TO 1982. SINCE THEN, DISPERSED IN SEVERAL ARAB COUNTRIES. PRESENTLY OPERATING IN LEBANON, OTHER MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES, AND EUROPE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: THE SELECTED INCIDENTS CLAIMED BY OR ATTRIBUTED TO FORCE 17 HAVE BEEN INCLUDED UNDER THE SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY IN THE AL-FATAH PROFILE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOVE INFORMATION DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE SOURCE DOCUMENTS. GRAPO false marked GRAPO showNameProp GRAPO GRAPO 10/28/92 GP00033 KEY WORDS: OCTOBER 1ST ANTIFASCIST RESISTANCE GROUP; FIRST OF OCTOBER ANTIFASCIST RESISTANCE GROUP; GRUPO DE RESISTENCIA ANTIFASCISTA, PRIMERO DE OCTUBRE----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: A SMALL, MAOIST URBAN TERRORIST GROUP THAT RECRUITED MEMBERS FROM THE SPANISH COMMUNIST PARTY - RECONSTITUTED (PCE-R). SEEKS TO REMOVE U.S. MILITARY FORCES FROM SPAIN AND TO ESTABLISH A REVOLUTIONARY REGIME. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: CARRIED OUT SMALL-SCALE BOMBINGS ON U.S. AND NATO FACILITIES IN THE EARLY 1980S. SINCE THEN, SOME OF THE MEMBERS ARRESTED IN 1985 HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM PRISON AND HAVE RETURNED TO ACTION, INCLUDING KILLING A SPANISH BUSINESSMAN IN 1988. DURING 1990, GRAPO CARRIED OUT BOMBINGS IN MADRID, BARCELONA, AND TARRAGONA. IN MARCH, 1990 GRAPO MURDERED A PHYSICIAN INVOLVED IN FORCE-FEEDING GRAPO PRISONERS WHO WERE WAGING A HUNGER STRIKE. IN MARCH, 1992, FERNANDO SILVA, ONE OF THE LEADERS OF GRAPO, ESCAPED FROM HIS SPANISH PRISON CELL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: PROBABLY FEWER THAN A DOZEN ACTIVE OPERATIVES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: REPORTED TO HAVE HAD TIES TO ACTION DIRECTE IN FRANCE AND TO THE RED BRIGADES IN ITALY. GRAPO MAY ALSO HAVE TIES TO THE RED ARMY FACTION IN GERMANY. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE FORMED: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * VIOLENTLY OVERTHROW THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT AND ESTABLISH A MAOIST STATE; * OPPOSE SPAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN NATO AND U.S. PRESENCE IN SPAIN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: GRAPO WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE "MILITARY" ARM OF THE OUTLAWED COMMUNIST PARTY OF SPAIN - RECONSTITUTED (PCE-R), WHICH IS A SPLINTER GROUP OF THE OFFICIAL AND RECOGNIZED COMMUNIST PARTY OF SPAIN (PCE). AN URBAN-ORIENTED GROUP, GRAPO HAS COMMITTED ASSASSINATIONS, BOMBINGS, AND KIDNAPPINGS AGAINST SPANISH PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES. ON OCCASION IT ALSO HAS ATTACKED U.S. INTERESTS. THE GROUP APPEARS TO HAVE PREFERRED AMBUSHES USING AUTOMATIC WEAPONS. LIKE THE ETA, THE OTHER MAJOR SPANISH TERRORIST GROUP, GRAPO HAS FINANCED ITS OPERATIONS THROUGH KIDNAPS FOR RANSOM, BANK ROBBERIES, AND EXTORTING "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES" FROM INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES. THESE SOURCES OF FUNDS HAVE PROVEN ADEQUATE FOR FINANCING GRAPO'S RANGE OF OPERATIONS AND FOR PROCURING WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES. DIRECT TIES BETWEEN GRAPO AND FOREIGN TERRORIST GROUPS OR STATE SPONSORS HAVE NOT BEEN DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISHED. GRAPO, HOWEVER, HAS MADE PUBLIC STATEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF A NUMBER OF OTHER TERRORIST GROUPS, INCLUDING THE RED BRIGADES AND THE RED ARMY FACTION. GRAPO'S STRUCTURE HAS BEEN BASED ON A CELLULAR CONCEPT FOR MAXIMUM INTERNAL SECURITY. THESE CELLS ARE PROBABLY QUITE SMALL IN VIEW OF THE GROUP'S LIMITED NUMBERS. GRAPO MEMBERS ARE EITHER "LEGAL COMMANDOS" OR "LIBERATED COMMANDOS." THE LEGAL COMMANDOS, UNKNOWN TO POLICE, LEAD APPARENTLY NORMAL LIVES AND PERIODICALLY CARRY OUT TERRORIST ACTIONS. THE LIBERATED COMMANDOS ARE FULL-TIME MEMBERS WHO ARE KNOWN TO THE AUTHORITIES AND WHO LIVE UNDERGROUND. SUCCESSFUL SPANISH POLICE OPERATIONS IN RECENT YEARS HAVE LED TO THE ARREST OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GRAPO MEMBERS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY JANUARY, 1977: KIDNAPPED THE PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME MILITARY TRIBUNAL AND THE FORMER ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF. HE WAS RESCUED IN A POLICE RAID THE FOLLOWING MONTH. MAY, 1977: BOMBED THE U.S. CULTURAL CENTER IN MADRID ON THE DAY THAT VICE PRESIDENT WALTER MONDALE ARRIVED FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT. MARCH, 1978: ASSASSINATED THE DIRECTOR OF PENAL INSTITUTIONS IN MADRID. MARCH, 1979: ASSASSINATED A SEMI-RETIRED SPANISH BRIGADIER GENERAL IN MADRID AND CLAIMED THE ATTACK WAS IN PROTEST TO SPAIN'S PENDING ENTRY INTO NATO. MAY, 1979: KILLED 8 AND WOUNDED 40 IN A BOMBING AT A MADRID CAFE FREQUENTED BY RIGHTISTS. SEPTEMBER, 1980: KILLED A GENERAL AND WOUNDED HIS AIDE AND DRIVER IN A MACHINEGUN ATTACK IN BARCELONA. APRIL, 1982: AMBUSHED TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN BARCELONA, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING THE OTHER AUGUST, 1982: BOMBED THE BANK OF AMERICA IN MADRID AND THE SEARS BUILDING IN BARCELONA. MAY, 1983: SHOT AND KILLED A CIVIL GUARDSMAN IN A SCHOOLBUS IN LA CORUNA, NORTHERN SPAIN. JANUARY, 1984: SHOT AND KILLED TWO POLICEMEN IN MADRID. APRIL, 1984: KIDNAPPED A BANK OFFICIAL AND RELEASED HIM AFTER A LARGE RANSOM WAS REPORTEDLY PAID. JULY, 1984: ROBBED THE FRENCH BANK CREDIT LYONNAIS IN BARCELONA OF 300,000 PESETAS. THE ROBBERS DETONATED A BOMB THAT COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE BANK AND INJURED ONE PERSON. JULY-AUGUST, 1984: DETONATED A SERIES OF 15 BOMBS IN SEVERAL CITIES, CAUSING EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE TO A FRENCH BANK, A FRENCH CONSULATE, AND THE GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY, AMONG OTHERS. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. SEPTEMBER, 1984: MURDERED THE PRESIDENT OF THE SEVILLE ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESSMEN. SEPTEMBER, 1984: IN MADRID, MURDERED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF A LARGE REAL ESTATE COMPANY. SEPTEMBER, 1984: KIDNAPPED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF A COMPANY, WHO WAS FORCED TO WRITE A BANK DRAFT FOR ABOUT $30,000. A COMPANY EMPLOYEE WAS THEN KIDNAPPED AND FORCED TO CASH THE DRAFT. THE VICTIMS WERE THEN RELEASED AND THE TERRORISTS ESCAPED. JULY, 1987: SHOT AND SEVERELY INJURED A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS STANDING WATCH IN FRONT OF A POLICE STATION. MARCH, 1989: TWO CIVIL GUARDS MEMBERS WERE SHOT TO DEATH IN THE COURSE OF A BANK ROBBERY BY GRAPO MEMBERS. DECEMBER, 1989: TWO CIVIL GUARD MEMBERS WERE SHOT TO DEATH WHILE THEY WERE ON GUARD AT A GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN GIJON. MARCH, 1990: GRAPO TERRORISTS SHOT AND KILLED A PHYSICIAN WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE FORCED FEEDING OF AN IMPRISONED GRAPO TERRORIST WHO WAS ENGAGED IN A HUNGER STRIKE. SEPTEMBER, 1990: THREE BUILDINGS IN MADRID WERE BOMBED: THE STOCK EXCHANGE, IN WHICH SIX PERSONS WERE INJURED; THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE; AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT BUILDING. NOVEMBER, 1990: GRAPO BOMBED TWO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN BARCELONA AS POLICE AND SECURITY OFFICIALS BEGAN A TWO DAY MEETING TO DISCUSS SECURITY FOR THE BARCELONA OLYMPICS. DECEMBER, 1990: A GRAPO CAR BOMB KILLED SIX POLICE OFFICERS, AND WOUNDED TWO OFFICERS AND EIGHT CIVILIANS IN THE CITY OF SABADELL, 18 MILES NORTH OF BARCELONA. NOVEMBER, 1991: SPANISH SECURITY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THAT TWO GRAPO MEMBERS WHO WERE ARRESTED IN MADRID HAD PLANNED TO CARRY OUT A BOMB ATTACK AT THE SITE OF EXPO 92 IN SEVILLE. FEBRUARY, 1992: GRAPO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A GAS PIPELINE WHICH RUNS BETWEEN ZARAGOZA AND ROTA. A PORTION OF THE ZARAGOZA-VALENCIA HIGHWAY WAS FORCED TO CLOSE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, AND APPROXIMATELY 50,000 HOMES WERE TEMPORARILY WITHOUT GAS. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. GUATEMALAN NATIONAL REVOLUTIONAR false marked GUATEMALAN NATIONAL REVOLUT. showNameProp GUATEMALAN NATIONAL REVOLUT. Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) Date Formed: 1982. Estimated Membership: An estimated 1,500 guerrillas from various groups. The URNG is a loose coalition of three of the major insurgent groups in Guatemala that have used terrorist tactics - the Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORA), the Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP), and the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR). Headquarters: Delegations in Mexico City, Havana, and Managua. Area of Operations: Rural Guatemala, with the OPR in the southwest, the EGP mainly in the northwest highlands, and the FAR in the extreme north in Peten Department. Leadership: Leaders of each group are believed to form the joint leadership of the URNG, including Rodrigo Asturias Amado ("Gaspar Ilom") of the ORPA, Jorge Soto Garcia ("Pablo Monsanto") of the FAR, and Ricardo Ramirez de Leon ("Rolando Moran") of the EGP. Other Names: Political arm is known as the Guatemalan Committee for Patriotic Unity (CGUP). Sometimes claims operations in the name of any of its individual component groups. Sponsors: Cuba. Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Unit the guerrillas and revolutionary front organizations into a broad coalition to achieve the unity necessary to launch a "people's revolutionary war." * Defeat the "power of national and foreign wealth and install a patriotic, revolutionary, and democratic people's government." Background In 1980, the three groups of the URNG signed a unity agreement that was a precondition for increased Cuban support. The URNG was formalized in Havana in February 1982. As a result, the Government of Guatemala launched a large counteroffensive in an attempt to eliminate the guerrillas' popular support base. By the end of that year, the guerrillas were on the defensive and decreased activity for the next two years. In February 1985, they announced "a new stage of military struggle" but showed no evidence of being able to expand their operations. Cooperation and coordination among the groups is incomplete and irregular. Nonetheless, the URNG stresses joint political-military operations and coordination among its member groups on matters pertaining to territorial responsibilities, tactics, strategy, and external support. Cooperation between groups seems to work best in rural areas, mainly among the ORPA and the FAR. Cuba has assisted the URNG by supplying various groups with Western-made weapons such as assault rifles, recoilless rifles, machineguns, grenade launchers, and mortars, as well as Chinese-made Type-56 RPG-2 rocket launchers. In the 1960s, Cuba provided a great deal of aid, including weapons, training, logistic, political, and propaganda support to the FAR, the first of the Guatemalan groups to be formed. Recent Cuban support is suspected to be limited to minor financial aid for black market arms purchases. Nicaragua is believed to provide some aid. URNG groups also have ties with various Latin American terrorist organizations and solidarity movements in Latin America, Canada, the United States, and Europe. All three member groups of the URNG are anti-U.S. and have taken part in operations such as assassinations of civilians and economic sabotage, though most of their activities have been directed at the Army. The FAR is the oldest and most established of the organizations and seems to recover rapidly from serious losses, though it has not been as severely threatened as have the ORPA and the EGP. When guerrilla activity is too difficult to undertake, the FAR seems the most willing to resort to terrorist operations to remind the country that it still exists. A separate list of the FAR's activities is provided below. Selected Incident Chronology December 1983 - Hurled a fragmentation grenade at the Salvadoran Embassy in Guatemala City, causing material damage only. January 1984 - Attacked the official residence of junta leader General Oscar Mejia Victores with machineguns and grenade launchers. January 1985 - Occupied four towns in El Peten Department during a 3-day period and destroyed a Government vehicle transporting road construction materials. October 1985 - Blew up a light aircraft when it tried to land on a mined airstrip of the Panama Farm in Suchitepquez Department, killing the Norwegian Consul in Guatemala. FAR Attacks January 1968 - Machine-gunned and killed the head of the U.S. Military Mission and the U.S. Naval Attache in Guatemala City. Two other members of the U.S. Military Mission were wounded in the attack. August 1968 - Assassinated U.S. Ambassador John Gordon Mein on a Guatemala City street after he resisted an apparent kidnaping attempt. March 1979 - Assassinated an industrialist/landowner in Guatemala City who was the manager of two Us-owned enterprises in Huehuetenango. February 1985 - Occupied seven villages and terrorized a U.S. oil company camp in El Peten Department. July 1985 - Occupied the camp of a foreign oil company, two towns, and two highway sections. Clashed with Army troops in northern El Peten. February 1986 - Occupied the Hispanoil oil-drilling camp in El Peten and carried out sabotage actions. March 1986 - Occupied the Chinaja oil well in Alta Verapaz Department and carried out sabotage actions. May 1986 - Occupied several towns, sabotaged a pipeline, and attacked an Army company in El Peten. March 1991 - Admitted firing on the helicopter carrying Guatemala's new president, Jorge Serrano Elias, but claimed they thought the helicopter was carrying out rocket attacks against guerrilla columns. HAWARI GROUP false marked HAWARI GROUP showNameProp HAWARI GROUP HAWARI GROUP 10/28/92 GP00036 KEY WORDS: FATAH SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP; MARTYRS OF TAL AL ZA'ATAR; AMN ARAISSI DESCRIPTION: PART OF ARAFAT'S FATAH APPARATUS, THE GROUP IS NAMED AFTER ITS LEADER, COMMONLY KNOWN AS COLONEL HAWARI, WHO DIED IN AN AUTOMOBILE CRASH IN MAY, 1991, WHILE TRAVELING FROM BAGHDAD TO JORDAN. THE GROUP HAS TIES HISTORICALLY TO IRAQ. MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RADICAL PALESTINIAN 15 MAY ORGANIZATION. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: CARRIED OUT SEVERAL ATTACKS IN 1985 AND 1986, MAINLY IN EUROPE AND USUALLY AGAINST SYRIAN TARGETS. THE HAWARI GROUP HAS ALSO TARGETED AMERICANS, MOST NOTABLY IN THE APRIL 1986 BOMBING OF TWA FLIGHT #840 OVER GREECE IN WHICH FOUR AMERICANS WERE KILLED. THE FUTURE OF THE GROUP IS UNCERTAIN FOLLOWING HAWARI'S DEATH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: UNKNOWN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: THE PLO IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTATION. HIZBALLAH false marked HIZBALLAH showNameProp HIZBALLAH &HIZBALLAH 10/28/92 GP00032 KEY WORDS: HEZBOLLAH; PARTY OF GOD; ISLAMIC JIHAD; IJO; ISLAMIC JIHAD ORGANIZATION; REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION; RJO; ORGANIZATION OF THE OPPRESSED OF THE EARTH; ISLAMIC JIHAD FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: A RADICAL SHI'A GROUP FORMED IN LEBANON; DEDICATED TO THE CREATION OF AN IRANIAN STYLE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC IN LEBANON AND THE REMOVAL OF ALL NON-ISLAMIC INFLUENCES FROM THE AREA. STRONGLY ANTI-WEST AND ANTI-ISRAEL. CLOSELY ALLIED WITH, AND LARGELY DIRECTED BY, IRAN IN ITS ACTIVITIES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES: KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS ANTI-U.S. TERRORIST ATTACKS, INCLUDING THE SUICIDE TRUCK BOMBING ON THE U.S. MARINE BARRACKS IN BEIRUT IN OCTOBER, 1983 AND THE U.S. EMBASSY ANNEX IN SEPTEMBER, 1984. ELEMENTS OF THE GROUP ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KIDNAPPING OF MOST, IF NOT ALL, U.S. AND OTHER WESTERN HOSTAGES IN LEBANON. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRENGTH: SEVERAL THOUSAND. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION: OPERATES IN THE BEKAA VALLEY, THE SOUTHERN SUBURBS OF BEIRUT, AND IN SOUTHERN LEBANON. HIZBALLAH HAS ESTABLISHED CELLS IN WESTERN EUROPE, AFRICA, AND ELSEWHERE. THE GROUP HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACKS AS FAR AFIELD AS ARGENTINA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTERNAL AID: RECEIVES SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF TRAINING, FINANCIAL AID, WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, AS WELL AS POLITICAL, DIPLOMATIC AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE FORMED: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES: * ESTABLISH A REVOLUTIONARY SHI'A STATE IN LEBANON, MODELLED AFTER IRAN * ELIMINATE NON-ISLAMIC INFLUENCES AND FORCE WESTERN INTERESTS OUT OF THE REGION; * BECOME INSTITUTIONALIZED AS LEBANON'S PRINCIPAL ISLAMIC MOVEMENT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND: THE HIZBALLAH IS A POLITICAL, SOCIAL, AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION THAT GIVES FOCUS AND GENERAL IDENTITY IN LEBANON TO THE ISLAMIC MILITANCY OF THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION. THE HIZBALLAH ESPOUSES AN INTENSE HATRED OF ANY INFLUENCE THAT DOES NOT SUPPORT ITS VIEWS OF SHI'A IDEOLOGY. AN ELEMENT WITHIN THE GROUP ACTIVELY EMPLOYS TERRORISM AS A TACTIC TO SUPPORT THE GOALS, BOTH POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS, OF HIZBALLAH. THE HIZBALLAH MOVEMENT WAS BORN AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER OF SHEIKH HUSAYN MUSAWI'S ISLAMIC AMAL AND THE LEBANESE BRANCH OF THE DA'WA PARTY IN 1982-83. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT SHEIKH MUSAWI WAS KILLED IN EARLY 1992 IN SOUTHERN LEBANON IN AN ISRAELI ATTACK ON HIS MOTORCADE. THREE AREA COUNCILS - BEIRUT, THE BEKAA VALLEY, AND SOUTHERN LEBANON - OVERSEE HIZBALLAH ACTIVITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS. A SERIES OF FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES PLAY ROLES IN POLICY RECOMMENDATION AND EXECUTION. A CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL ("SHURA") FUNCTIONS AS THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNING BODY ON DAY-TO-DAY MATTERS BUT ACTUALLY EXISTS TO ADVISE IRAN ON THE UNIQUE SITUATION OF THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT IN LEBANON. HIZBALLAH ELEMENTS RECEIVE TRAINING IN THE BEKAA VALLEY OF EASTERN LEBANON. THROUGH THIS CONNECTION, IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARDSMEN PROVIDE POLITICAL INDOCTRINATION, FINANCING, AND MATERIAL SUPPORT. THE HIZBALLAH AND THE REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS WORK IN CLOSE CONCERT ON TERRORIST OPERATIONS. THE HIZBALLAH ITSELF SELDOM CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SPECIFIC ACTS, BUT DOES SO UNDER A VARIETY OF ALIASES. (SEE ALIASES FOR LIST OF HIZBALLAH NAMES). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGY APRIL,1983: COMMITTED SUICIDE CAR BOMB ATTACK ON THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BEIRUT, KILLING FORTY NINE AND WOUNDING 120. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. OCTOBER, 1983: SUICIDE DRIVERS DROVE TWO TRUCKS CARRYING HIGH EXPLOSIVES INTO THE U.S. MARINE AND FRENCH MILITARY BARRACKS IN BEIRUT, KILLING 241 U.S. AND 56 FRENCH. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. NOVEMBER, 1983: A HIZBALLAH OPERATIVE DROVE A CAR BOMB INTO THE ISRAELI HEADQUARTERS IN TYRE, CAUSING NUMEROUS CASUALTIES. DECEMBER, 1983: STAGED A SERIES OF CAR BOMB ATTACKS AGAINST THE U.S. AND FRENCH EMBASSIES IN KUWAIT. JANUARY, 1984: MURDERED AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT PRESIDENT MALCOLM KERR, A U.S. CITIZEN. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JANUARY, 1984: KIDNAPPED A SAUDI DIPLOMAT; RELEASED MAY, 1985. FEBRUARY, 1984: BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF FORMER IRANIAN GENERAL GHOLAM REZA OVEISI (MARTIAL LAW ADMINISTRATOR FOR TEHRAN UNDER THE SHAH) AND HIS BROTHER IN PARIS. FEBRUARY, 1984: KIDNAPPED U.S. PROFESSOR FRANK REIGER; RESCUED APRIL 1984. MARCH, 1984: KIDNAPPED U.S. JOURNALIST JEREMY LEVIN; ESCAPED FEBRUARY 1985. MARCH, 1984: KIDNAPPED WILLIAM BUCKLEY, U.S. DIPLOMAT STATIONED IN BEIRUT. HE WAS REPORTED KILLED IN 1985. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. BUCKLEY'S REMAINS WERE RETURNED TO THE U.S. EMBASSY IN 12/91. MAY, 1984: KIDNAPPED REVEREND BENJAMIN WEIR, A U.S. CITIZEN; RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER, 1985. SEPTEMBER, 1984: COMMITTED SUICIDE TRUCK BOMBING OF THE U.S. EMBASSY ANNEX IN EAST BEIRUT. TWENTY THREE PERSONS, INCLUDING TWO AMERICANS, WERE KILLED. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. DECEMBER, 1984: HIJACKED KUWAIT AIR FLIGHT #221 TO TEHRAN. MURDERED TWO OFFICIALS OF THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. JANUARY, 1985: KIDNAPPED FATHER LAWRENCE JENCO, U.S. CITIZEN; RELEASED IN JULY 1986. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. MARCH, 1985: KIDNAPPED GEOFFREY NASH, UK CITIZEN; RELEASED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. MARCH, 1985: KIDNAPPED BRIAN LEVICK, UK CITIZEN, RELEASED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. MARCH, 1985: KIDNAPPED AP JOURNALIST TERRY ANDERSON, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED IN DECEMBER, 1991. MAY, 1985: KIDNAPPED TWO FRENCH CITIZENS; ONE WAS KILLED IN MARCH, 1986 AND THE OTHER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED. MAY, 1985: KIDNAPPED DAVID JACOBSON, U.S. CITIZEN, OFFICIAL AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT; RELEASED NOVEMBER, 1986. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. MAY, 1985: MURDER OF DENNIS HILL, U.K. CITIZEN. HIZBALLAH SUSPECTED. JUNE, 1985: KIDNAPPED THOMAS SUTHERLAND, U.S. CITIZEN, OFFICIAL AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT. RELEASED IN NOVEMBER, 1991. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JUNE, 1985: HIJACKED TWA FLIGHT #847 EN ROUTE TO ATHENS. U.S. NAVY DIVER ROBERT STETHEM MURDERED. HIZBALLAH AND AMAL HELD 39 U.S. CITIZENS HOSTAGE FOR 17 DAYS IN BEIRUT BEFORE THEY WERE RELEASED. JULY, 1985: ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBINGS OF AN AIRLINE OFFICE AND A SYNAGOGUE IN COPENHAGEN. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND TWENTY SIX WERE INJURED. DECEMBER, 1985: IMPLICATED IN A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN PARIS. MARCH, 1986: KIDNAPPED FOUR FRENCH TELEVISION NEWS TEAM MEMBERS. THEY WERE RELEASED BETWEEN JUNE, 1986 AND NOVEMBER, 1987. SEPTEMBER, 1986: KIDNAPPED FRANK REED, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED APRIL, 1990. SEPTEMBER, 1986: KIDNAPPED U.S. CITIZEN JOSEPH CICIPPIO. RELEASED DECEMBER, 1991. SEPTEMBER, 1986: HIZBALLAH SUSPECTED IN THE MURDER OF COLONEL CHRISTIAN GOUTIERRE, FRENCH MILITARY ATTACHE IN BEIRUT. SEPTEMBER, 1986: SUSPECTED IN A SERIES OF PARIS BOMBINGS. OCTOBER, 1986: KIDNAPPED EDWARD AUSTIN TRACY, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED AUGUST 1991. REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JANUARY, 1987: KIDNAPPED ANGLICAN CHURCH ENVOY TERRY WAITE. RELEASED NOVEMBER 1991. JANUARY, 1987: KIDNAPPED BEIRUT UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS JESSE TURNER, ALAN STEEN, ROBERT POLHILL - U.S. CITIZENS - AND M. SINGH. SINGH WAS RELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1988. TURNER WAS RELEASED IN OCTOBER 1991, STEEN WAS RELEASED IN DECEMBER 1991, AND POLHILL WAS RELEASED IN APRIL 1990. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE OPPRESSED OF THE EARTH CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JULY, 1987: A SUSPECTED HIZBALLAH MEMBER HIJACKED AN AIR AFRIQUE FLIGHT BETWEEN ROME AND PARIS. THE SUSPECT HAD BOARDED THE FLIGHT IN BRAZZAVILLE. ONE FRENCH CITIZEN WAS MURDERED BEFORE THE HIJACKER WAS OVER- POWERED BY A MEMBER OF THE CABIN CREW. FEBRUARY, 1988: KIDNAPPED UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER AND U.S. MARINE LT. COLONEL RICHARD HIGGINS. LTC HIGGINS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MURDERED (DATE UNKNOWN). HIS REMAINS WERE HANDED OVER TO THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN BEIRUT IN DECEMBER 1991. APRIL, 1988: HIJACKED KUWAITI AIRWAYS FLIGHT #422 ENROUTE FROM BANGKOK TO KUWAIT. PLANE INITIALLY DIVERTED TO MASHAD, IRAN, THEN TO CYPRUS, AND FINALLY TO ALGIERS. TWO HOSTAGES WERE MURDERED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE HIJACKERS ESCAPED IN ALGIERS. OCTOBER, 1990: ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CAR BOMBING IN ANKARA, TURKEY, WHICH SERIOUSLY WOUNDED A SAUDI DIPLOMAT. NOVEMBER, 1990: ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER IN BEIRUT OF A SAUDI DIPLOMAT. MARCH, 1991: ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CAR BOMBING IN ANKARA, IN WHICH AN IRAQI DIPLOMAT WAS INJURED. MARCH, 1992: ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE ISRAELI EMBASSY IN BUENOS AIRES, IN WHICH 29 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 252 INJURED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS. TIN TRACY, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED AUGUST 1991. REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY. JANUARY, 1987: KIDNAPPED ANGLICAN CHURCH ENVOY TERRY WAITE. RELEASED NOVEMBER 1991. JANUARY, 1987: KIDNAPPED BEIRUT UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS JESSE TURNER, ALAN STEEN, ROBERT POLHILL - U.S. CITIZENS - AND M. SINGH. SINGH WAS RELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1988. TURNER WAS RELEAD Life Expectancy Female false marked Life Expectancy Female (years) showNameProp Life Expectancy Female (years) LIFEXFl LIFEXFh 41 Chad (1) 43 Afghanistan (2) 45 Guinea (3) 45 Niger (4) 45 Western Sahara (5) 47 Mali (6) 47 Angola (7) 48 Sierra Leone (8) 48 Guinea-Bissau (9) 49 Mozambique (10) 49 Central African Republic (11) 49 Bhutan (12) 50 Mauritania (13) 50 Djibouti (14) 50 Nigeria (15) 51 The Gambia (16) 51 Cambodia (17) 51 Malawi (18) 51 Nepal (19) 52 Laos (20) 52 Yemen (21) 52 Uganda (22) 53 Equatorial Guinea (23) 53 Benin (24) 53 Ethiopia (25) 53 Burkina (26) 54 Sudan (27) 54 Bangladesh (28) 55 Tanzania (29) 55 Madagascar (30) 55 Burundi (31) 55 Rwanda (32) 55 Haiti (33) 56 Gabon (34) 56 Zaire (35) 56 Kiribati (36) 56 Congo (37) 56 Papua New Guinea (38) 57 Ghana (39) 57 Ivory Coast (40) 57 Senegal (41) 57 Pakistan (42) 57 Somalia (43) 58 Togo (44) 58 India (45) 59 Liberia (46) 59 Zambia (47) 59 Comoros (48) 59 Mayotte (49) 60 Swaziland (50) 60 Cameroon (51) 61 Burma (52) 62 Egypt (53) 63 Namibia (54) 63 Lesotho (55) 64 Indonesia (56) 64 Bolivia (57) 64 Zimbabwe (58) 64 Cape Verde (59) 64 Kenya (60) 64 Tuvalu (61) 64 Marshall Islands (62) 64 Maldives (63) 64 Iraq (64) 65 Botswana (65) 65 World (66) 66 Turkmenistan (67) 66 Nicaragua (68) 66 Guatemala (69) 66 Iran (70) 67 Fiji (71) 67 South Africa (72) 67 Vietnam (73) 67 Morocco (74) 67 Peru (75) 67 Syria (76) 68 Guyana (77) 68 Philippines (78) 68 Mongolia (79) 68 Sao Tome and Principe (80) 68 Honduras (81) 68 Saudi Arabia (82) 68 Gaza Strip (83) 68 Algeria (84) 69 Brazil (85) 69 Saint Kitts and Nevis (86) 69 Greenland (87) 69 Nauru (88) 69 Micronesia, Federated States of (89) 69 Oman (90) 69 Northern Mariana Islands (91) 70 Uzbekistan (92) 70 Tajikistan (93) 70 Tonga (94) 70 Western Samoa (95) 70 Dominican Republic (96) 71 Kyrgyzstan (97) 71 Moldova (98) 71 Malaysia (99) 71 Suriname (100) 71 Lebanon (101) 71 Libya (102) 71 Thailand (103) 71 West Bank (104) 71 Wallis and Futuna (105) 72 Kazakhstan (106) 72 Korea, North (107) 72 Vanuatu (108) 72 Solomon Islands (109) 72 Ecuador (110) 72 Turkey (111) 72 China (112) 73 Azerbaijan (113) 73 Mauritius (114) 73 Korea, South (115) 73 Belize (116) 73 French Polynesia (117) 73 Bosnia and Herzegovina (118) 73 Trinidad and Tobago (119) 73 Cook Islands (120) 73 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (121) 73 Brunei (122) 73 Jordan (123) 74 Russia (124) 74 Estonia (125) 74 Croatia (126) 74 Argentina (127) 74 Romania (128) 74 Armenia (129) 74 Sri Lanka (130) 74 Qatar (131) 74 Grenada (132) 74 Colombia (133) 74 United Arab Emirates (134) 74 Tunisia (135) 74 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (136) 74 Paraguay (137) 75 Seychelles (138) 75 Latvia (139) 75 Ukraine (140) 75 Hungary (141) 75 Georgia (142) 75 El Salvador (143) 75 Saint Lucia (144) 75 Bahrain (145) 75 Serbia and Montenegro (146) 75 American Samoa (147) 75 Antigua and Barbuda (148) 75 British Virgin Islands (149) 75 Macedonia (150) 76 Lithuania (151) 76 Belarus (152) 76 Czechoslovakia (153) 76 Poland (154) 76 Bulgaria (155) 76 The Bahamas (156) 76 Uruguay (157) 76 Mexico (158) 76 New Caledonia (159) 76 Barbados (160) 76 Kuwait (161) 76 Guam (162) 76 Jamaica (163) 76 Saint Helena (164) 77 Reunion (165) 77 Chile (166) 77 Anguilla (167) 77 Netherlands Antilles (168) 77 Bermuda (169) 77 Turks and Caicos Islands (170) 77 Panama (171) 77 Virgin Islands (172) 78 Puerto Rico (173) 78 Slovenia (174) 78 Portugal (175) 78 French Guiana (176) 78 Venezuela (177) 78 Albania (178) 78 Taiwan (179) 78 Guernsey (180) 78 Jersey (181) 78 Denmark (182) 78 Ireland (183) 78 Man, Isle of (184) 78 Singapore (185) 78 Cyprus (186) 78 Montserrat (187) 78 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (188) 79 Gibraltar (189) 79 United States (190) 79 Germany (191) 79 United Kingdom (192) 79 Malta (193) 79 San Marino (194) 79 Dominica (195) 79 Cuba (196) 79 Cayman Islands (197) 79 Costa Rica (198) 80 Finland (199) 80 Monaco (200) 80 New Zealand (201) 80 Belgium (202) 80 Austria (203) 80 Luxembourg (204) 80 Aruba (205) 80 Australia (206) 80 Guadeloupe (207) 80 Israel (208) 81 Liechtenstein (209) 81 Spain (210) 81 Norway (211) 81 Canada (212) 81 Andorra (213) 81 Italy (214) 81 Sweden (215) 81 Faroe Islands (216) 81 Netherlands (217) 81 Greece (218) 81 Martinique (219) 81 Iceland (220) 82 France (221) 82 Japan (222) 83 Switzerland (223) 83 Hong Kong (224) 84 Macau (225) 84 Macau (1) 83 Hong Kong (2) 83 Switzerland (3) 82 Japan (4) 82 France (5) 81 Iceland (6) 81 Martinique (7) 81 Greece (8) 81 Netherlands (9) 81 Faroe Islands (10) 81 Sweden (11) 81 Italy (12) 81 Andorra (13) 81 Canada (14) 81 Norway (15) 81 Spain (16) 81 Liechtenstein (17) 80 Israel (18) 80 Guadeloupe (19) 80 Australia (20) 80 Aruba (21) 80 Luxembourg (22) 80 Austria (23) 80 Belgium (24) 80 New Zealand (25) 80 Monaco (26) 80 Finland (27) 79 Costa Rica (28) 79 Cayman Islands (29) 79 Cuba (30) 79 Dominica (31) 79 San Marino (32) 79 Malta (33) 79 United Kingdom (34) 79 Germany (35) 79 United States (36) 79 Gibraltar (37) 78 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (38) 78 Montserrat (39) 78 Cyprus (40) 78 Singapore (41) 78 Man, Isle of (42) 78 Ireland (43) 78 Denmark (44) 78 Jersey (45) 78 Guernsey (46) 78 Taiwan (47) 78 Albania (48) 78 Venezuela (49) 78 French Guiana (50) 78 Portugal (51) 78 Slovenia (52) 78 Puerto Rico (53) 77 Virgin Islands (54) 77 Panama (55) 77 Turks and Caicos Islands (56) 77 Bermuda (57) 77 Netherlands Antilles (58) 77 Anguilla (59) 77 Chile (60) 77 Reunion (61) 76 Saint Helena (62) 76 Jamaica (63) 76 Guam (64) 76 Kuwait (65) 76 Barbados (66) 76 New Caledonia (67) 76 Mexico (68) 76 Uruguay (69) 76 The Bahamas (70) 76 Bulgaria (71) 76 Poland (72) 76 Czechoslovakia (73) 76 Belarus (74) 76 Lithuania (75) 75 Macedonia (76) 75 British Virgin Islands (77) 75 Antigua and Barbuda (78) 75 American Samoa (79) 75 Serbia and Montenegro (80) 75 Bahrain (81) 75 Saint Lucia (82) 75 El Salvador (83) 75 Georgia (84) 75 Hungary (85) 75 Ukraine (86) 75 Latvia (87) 75 Seychelles (88) 74 Paraguay (89) 74 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90) 74 Tunisia (91) 74 United Arab Emirates (92) 74 Colombia (93) 74 Grenada (94) 74 Qatar (95) 74 Sri Lanka (96) 74 Armenia (97) 74 Romania (98) 74 Argentina (99) 74 Croatia (100) 74 Estonia (101) 74 Russia (102) 73 Jordan (103) 73 Brunei (104) 73 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (105) 73 Cook Islands (106) 73 Trinidad and Tobago (107) 73 Bosnia and Herzegovina (108) 73 French Polynesia (109) 73 Belize (110) 73 Korea, South (111) 73 Mauritius (112) 73 Azerbaijan (113) 72 China (114) 72 Turkey (115) 72 Ecuador (116) 72 Solomon Islands (117) 72 Vanuatu (118) 72 Korea, North (119) 72 Kazakhstan (120) 71 Wallis and Futuna (121) 71 West Bank (122) 71 Thailand (123) 71 Libya (124) 71 Lebanon (125) 71 Suriname (126) 71 Malaysia (127) 71 Moldova (128) 71 Kyrgyzstan (129) 70 Dominican Republic (130) 70 Western Samoa (131) 70 Tonga (132) 70 Tajikistan (133) 70 Uzbekistan (134) 69 Northern Mariana Islands (135) 69 Oman (136) 69 Micronesia, Federated States of (137) 69 Nauru (138) 69 Greenland (139) 69 Saint Kitts and Nevis (140) 69 Brazil (141) 68 Algeria (142) 68 Gaza Strip (143) 68 Saudi Arabia (144) 68 Honduras (145) 68 Sao Tome and Principe (146) 68 Mongolia (147) 68 Philippines (148) 68 Guyana (149) 67 Syria (150) 67 Peru (151) 67 Morocco (152) 67 Vietnam (153) 67 South Africa (154) 67 Fiji (155) 66 Iran (156) 66 Guatemala (157) 66 Nicaragua (158) 66 Turkmenistan (159) 65 World (160) 65 Botswana (161) 64 Iraq (162) 64 Maldives (163) 64 Marshall Islands (164) 64 Tuvalu (165) 64 Kenya (166) 64 Cape Verde (167) 64 Zimbabwe (168) 64 Bolivia (169) 64 Indonesia (170) 63 Lesotho (171) 63 Namibia (172) 62 Egypt (173) 61 Burma (174) 60 Cameroon (175) 60 Swaziland (176) 59 Mayotte (177) 59 Comoros (178) 59 Zambia (179) 59 Liberia (180) 58 India (181) 58 Togo (182) 57 Somalia (183) 57 Pakistan (184) 57 Senegal (185) 57 Ivory Coast (186) 57 Ghana (187) 56 Papua New Guinea (188) 56 Congo (189) 56 Kiribati (190) 56 Zaire (191) 56 Gabon (192) 55 Haiti (193) 55 Rwanda (194) 55 Burundi (195) 55 Madagascar (196) 55 Tanzania (197) 54 Bangladesh (198) 54 Sudan (199) 53 Burkina (200) 53 Ethiopia (201) 53 Benin (202) 53 Equatorial Guinea (203) 52 Uganda (204) 52 Yemen (205) 52 Laos (206) 51 Nepal (207) 51 Malawi (208) 51 Cambodia (209) 51 The Gambia (210) 50 Nigeria (211) 50 Djibouti (212) 50 Mauritania (213) 49 Bhutan (214) 49 Central African Republic (215) 49 Mozambique (216) 48 Guinea-Bissau (217) 48 Sierra Leone (218) 47 Angola (219) 47 Mali (220) 45 Western Sahara (221) 45 Niger (222) 45 Guinea (223) 43 Afghanistan (224) 41 Chad (225) Life Expectancy Male false marked Life Expectancy Male (years) showNameProp Life Expectancy Male (years) LIFEXMl LIFEXMh 39 Chad (1) 41 Guinea (2) 42 Niger (3) 43 Mali (4) 43 Sierra Leone (5) 43 Angola (6) 43 Western Sahara (7) 44 Mauritania (8) 45 Guinea-Bissau (9) 45 Afghanistan (10) 46 Mozambique (11) 46 Central African Republic (12) 47 Djibouti (13) 47 The Gambia (14) 48 Nigeria (15) 48 Cambodia (16) 48 Malawi (17) 49 Equatorial Guinea (18) 49 Laos (19) 49 Benin (20) 49 Yemen (21) 50 Uganda (22) 50 Tanzania (23) 50 Ethiopia (24) 50 Bhutan (25) 51 Nepal (26) 51 Madagascar (27) 51 Gabon (28) 51 Burundi (29) 51 Rwanda (30) 52 Zaire (31) 52 Swaziland (32) 52 Kiribati (33) 52 Burkina (34) 53 Sudan (35) 53 Ghana (36) 53 Ivory Coast (37) 53 Haiti (38) 53 Congo (39) 54 Senegal (40) 54 Togo (41) 54 Liberia (42) 55 Papua New Guinea (43) 55 Zambia (44) 55 Cameroon (45) 55 Comoros (46) 55 Mayotte (47) 55 Bangladesh (48) 56 Pakistan (49) 56 Somalia (50) 57 Burma (51) 57 India (52) 58 Namibia (53) 58 Egypt (54) 59 Botswana (55) 59 Indonesia (56) 59 Bolivia (57) 59 Turkmenistan (58) 60 Nicaragua (59) 60 Zimbabwe (60) 60 Cape Verde (61) 60 Kenya (62) 60 Lesotho (63) 61 Tuvalu (64) 61 Guyana (65) 61 Marshall Islands (66) 61 Guatemala (67) 61 World (68) 62 Fiji (69) 62 South Africa (70) 62 Philippines (71) 62 Kyrgyzstan (72) 62 Maldives (73) 62 Brazil (74) 62 Iraq (75) 63 Saint Kitts and Nevis (76) 63 Kazakhstan (77) 63 Greenland (78) 63 Russia (79) 63 Mongolia (80) 63 Vietnam (81) 63 Morocco (82) 63 Peru (83) 64 Moldova (84) 64 Nauru (85) 64 Sao Tome and Principe (86) 64 Iran (87) 64 Uzbekistan (88) 64 Tajikistan (89) 65 Seychelles (90) 65 Latvia (91) 65 Tonga (92) 65 Ukraine (93) 65 Estonia (94) 65 Micronesia, Federated States of (95) 65 Western Samoa (96) 65 Oman (97) 65 Azerbaijan (98) 65 Syria (99) 65 Honduras (100) 65 Saudi Arabia (101) 66 Hungary (102) 66 Lithuania (103) 66 Belarus (104) 66 Mauritius (105) 66 Malaysia (106) 66 Korea, North (107) 66 Suriname (108) 66 Northern Mariana Islands (109) 66 Gaza Strip (110) 66 Lebanon (111) 66 Dominican Republic (112) 66 Algeria (113) 66 Libya (114) 67 Croatia (115) 67 Korea, South (116) 67 Vanuatu (117) 67 Solomon Islands (118) 67 Belize (119) 67 Argentina (120) 67 Georgia (121) 67 Thailand (122) 67 Ecuador (123) 68 Czechoslovakia (124) 68 Poland (125) 68 French Polynesia (126) 68 Bosnia and Herzegovina (127) 68 Trinidad and Tobago (128) 68 Romania (129) 68 El Salvador (130) 68 Armenia (131) 68 West Bank (132) 68 Turkey (133) 69 Bulgaria (134) 69 The Bahamas (135) 69 Sri Lanka (136) 69 Uruguay (137) 69 Qatar (138) 69 Cook Islands (139) 69 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (140) 69 Brunei (141) 69 Grenada (142) 69 Mexico (143) 69 Colombia (144) 69 China (145) 70 Reunion (146) 70 Puerto Rico (147) 70 New Caledonia (148) 70 Saint Lucia (149) 70 Bahrain (150) 70 Barbados (151) 70 United Arab Emirates (152) 70 Wallis and Futuna (153) 70 Tunisia (154) 70 Jordan (155) 70 Slovenia (156) 70 Serbia and Montenegro (157) 71 Portugal (158) 71 Chile (159) 71 French Guiana (160) 71 Anguilla (161) 71 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (162) 71 American Samoa (163) 71 Antigua and Barbuda (164) 71 British Virgin Islands (165) 71 Venezuela (166) 71 Albania (167) 71 Paraguay (168) 71 Macedonia (169) 72 Gibraltar (170) 72 Taiwan (171) 72 Finland (172) 72 Guernsey (173) 72 Jersey (174) 72 Denmark (175) 72 Ireland (176) 72 Monaco (177) 72 New Zealand (178) 72 Man, Isle of (179) 72 United States (180) 72 Kuwait (181) 72 Guam (182) 72 Jamaica (183) 72 Saint Helena (184) 73 Singapore (185) 73 Germany (186) 73 United Kingdom (187) 73 Belgium (188) 73 Austria (189) 73 Luxembourg (190) 73 Aruba (191) 73 Netherlands Antilles (192) 73 Bermuda (193) 73 Turks and Caicos Islands (194) 73 Panama (195) 74 Liechtenstein (196) 74 Spain (197) 74 Malta (198) 74 France (199) 74 Norway (200) 74 Canada (201) 74 Andorra (202) 74 Italy (203) 74 San Marino (204) 74 Australia (205) 74 Cyprus (206) 74 Guadeloupe (207) 74 Dominica (208) 74 Cuba (209) 74 Montserrat (210) 74 Virgin Islands (211) 75 Sweden (212) 75 Faroe Islands (213) 75 Netherlands (214) 75 Cayman Islands (215) 75 Greece (216) 75 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (217) 75 Martinique (218) 75 Costa Rica (219) 76 Iceland (220) 76 Switzerland (221) 76 Hong Kong (222) 76 Israel (223) 77 Japan (224) 78 Macau (225) 78 Macau (1) 77 Japan (2) 76 Israel (3) 76 Hong Kong (4) 76 Switzerland (5) 76 Iceland (6) 75 Costa Rica (7) 75 Martinique (8) 75 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (9) 75 Greece (10) 75 Cayman Islands (11) 75 Netherlands (12) 75 Faroe Islands (13) 75 Sweden (14) 74 Virgin Islands (15) 74 Montserrat (16) 74 Cuba (17) 74 Dominica (18) 74 Guadeloupe (19) 74 Cyprus (20) 74 Australia (21) 74 San Marino (22) 74 Italy (23) 74 Andorra (24) 74 Canada (25) 74 Norway (26) 74 France (27) 74 Malta (28) 74 Spain (29) 74 Liechtenstein (30) 73 Panama (31) 73 Turks and Caicos Islands (32) 73 Bermuda (33) 73 Netherlands Antilles (34) 73 Aruba (35) 73 Luxembourg (36) 73 Austria (37) 73 Belgium (38) 73 United Kingdom (39) 73 Germany (40) 73 Singapore (41) 72 Saint Helena (42) 72 Jamaica (43) 72 Guam (44) 72 Kuwait (45) 72 United States (46) 72 Man, Isle of (47) 72 New Zealand (48) 72 Monaco (49) 72 Ireland (50) 72 Denmark (51) 72 Jersey (52) 72 Guernsey (53) 72 Finland (54) 72 Taiwan (55) 72 Gibraltar (56) 71 Macedonia (57) 71 Paraguay (58) 71 Albania (59) 71 Venezuela (60) 71 British Virgin Islands (61) 71 Antigua and Barbuda (62) 71 American Samoa (63) 71 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (64) 71 Anguilla (65) 71 French Guiana (66) 71 Chile (67) 71 Portugal (68) 70 Serbia and Montenegro (69) 70 Slovenia (70) 70 Jordan (71) 70 Tunisia (72) 70 Wallis and Futuna (73) 70 United Arab Emirates (74) 70 Barbados (75) 70 Bahrain (76) 70 Saint Lucia (77) 70 New Caledonia (78) 70 Puerto Rico (79) 70 Reunion (80) 69 China (81) 69 Colombia (82) 69 Mexico (83) 69 Grenada (84) 69 Brunei (85) 69 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (86) 69 Cook Islands (87) 69 Qatar (88) 69 Uruguay (89) 69 Sri Lanka (90) 69 The Bahamas (91) 69 Bulgaria (92) 68 Turkey (93) 68 West Bank (94) 68 Armenia (95) 68 El Salvador (96) 68 Romania (97) 68 Trinidad and Tobago (98) 68 Bosnia and Herzegovina (99) 68 French Polynesia (100) 68 Poland (101) 68 Czechoslovakia (102) 67 Ecuador (103) 67 Thailand (104) 67 Georgia (105) 67 Argentina (106) 67 Belize (107) 67 Solomon Islands (108) 67 Vanuatu (109) 67 Korea, South (110) 67 Croatia (111) 66 Libya (112) 66 Algeria (113) 66 Dominican Republic (114) 66 Lebanon (115) 66 Gaza Strip (116) 66 Northern Mariana Islands (117) 66 Suriname (118) 66 Korea, North (119) 66 Malaysia (120) 66 Mauritius (121) 66 Belarus (122) 66 Lithuania (123) 66 Hungary (124) 65 Saudi Arabia (125) 65 Honduras (126) 65 Syria (127) 65 Azerbaijan (128) 65 Oman (129) 65 Western Samoa (130) 65 Micronesia, Federated States of (131) 65 Estonia (132) 65 Ukraine (133) 65 Tonga (134) 65 Latvia (135) 65 Seychelles (136) 64 Tajikistan (137) 64 Uzbekistan (138) 64 Iran (139) 64 Sao Tome and Principe (140) 64 Nauru (141) 64 Moldova (142) 63 Peru (143) 63 Morocco (144) 63 Vietnam (145) 63 Mongolia (146) 63 Russia (147) 63 Greenland (148) 63 Kazakhstan (149) 63 Saint Kitts and Nevis (150) 62 Iraq (151) 62 Brazil (152) 62 Maldives (153) 62 Kyrgyzstan (154) 62 Philippines (155) 62 South Africa (156) 62 Fiji (157) 61 World (158) 61 Guatemala (159) 61 Marshall Islands (160) 61 Guyana (161) 61 Tuvalu (162) 60 Lesotho (163) 60 Kenya (164) 60 Cape Verde (165) 60 Zimbabwe (166) 60 Nicaragua (167) 59 Turkmenistan (168) 59 Bolivia (169) 59 Indonesia (170) 59 Botswana (171) 58 Egypt (172) 58 Namibia (173) 57 India (174) 57 Burma (175) 56 Somalia (176) 56 Pakistan (177) 55 Bangladesh (178) 55 Mayotte (179) 55 Comoros (180) 55 Cameroon (181) 55 Zambia (182) 55 Papua New Guinea (183) 54 Liberia (184) 54 Togo (185) 54 Senegal (186) 53 Congo (187) 53 Haiti (188) 53 Ivory Coast (189) 53 Ghana (190) 53 Sudan (191) 52 Burkina (192) 52 Kiribati (193) 52 Swaziland (194) 52 Zaire (195) 51 Rwanda (196) 51 Burundi (197) 51 Gabon (198) 51 Madagascar (199) 51 Nepal (200) 50 Bhutan (201) 50 Ethiopia (202) 50 Tanzania (203) 50 Uganda (204) 49 Yemen (205) 49 Benin (206) 49 Laos (207) 49 Equatorial Guinea (208) 48 Malawi (209) 48 Cambodia (210) 48 Nigeria (211) 47 The Gambia (212) 47 Djibouti (213) 46 Central African Republic (214) 46 Mozambique (215) 45 Afghanistan (216) 45 Guinea-Bissau (217) 44 Mauritania (218) 43 Western Sahara (219) 43 Angola (220) 43 Sierra Leone (221) 43 Mali (222) 42 Niger (223) 41 Guinea (224) 39 Chad (225) Literacy false marked Literacy % showNameProp Literacy % litercyl Litercyh 18 Burkina (1) 21 Sierra Leone (2) 22 Malawi (3) 23 Botswana (4) 23 Benin (5) 24 Guinea (6) 24 Somalia (7) 26 Nepal (8) 27 Central African Republic (9) 27 Sudan (10) 27 The Gambia (11) 28 Niger (12) 29 Afghanistan (13) 30 Chad (14) 32 Mali (15) 33 Mozambique (16) 34 Mauritania (17) 35 Cambodia (18) 35 Bangladesh (19) 35 Pakistan (20) 36 Guinea-Bissau (21) 38 Senegal (22) 38 Namibia (23) 38 Yemen (24) 40 Liberia (25) 42 Angola (26) 43 Togo (27) 46 Tanzania (28) 48 India (29) 48 Egypt (30) 48 Djibouti (31) 48 Comoros (32) 48 Uganda (33) 50 Wallis and Futuna (34) 50 Morocco (35) 50 Algeria (36) 50 Equatorial Guinea (37) 50 Burundi (38) 50 Rwanda (39) 51 Nigeria (40) 52 Papua New Guinea (41) 53 Vanuatu (42) 53 Haiti (43) 54 Cameroon (44) 54 Iran (45) 54 Ivory Coast (46) 55 Guatemala (47) 55 Swaziland (48) 57 Nicaragua (49) 57 Sao Tome and Principe (50) 57 Congo (51) 59 Lesotho (52) 60 Ghana (53) 60 Iraq (54) 61 Gabon (55) 62 Saudi Arabia (56) 62 Ethiopia (57) 64 Libya (58) 64 Syria (59) 65 Tunisia (60) 66 Cape Verde (61) 67 Saint Lucia (62) 67 Zimbabwe (63) 68 United Arab Emirates (64) 69 Reunion (65) 69 Kenya (66) 72 Albania (67) 72 Zaire (68) 73 China (69) 73 El Salvador (70) 73 Honduras (71) 73 Zambia (72) 74 World (73) 74 Kuwait (74) 76 Qatar (75) 76 South Africa (76) 77 Hong Kong (77) 77 Indonesia (78) 77 Brunei (79) 77 Bahrain (80) 78 Malaysia (81) 78 Bolivia (82) 80 Lebanon (83) 80 Madagascar (84) 80 Jordan (85) 81 Brazil (86) 81 Turkey (87) 81 Burma (88) 82 French Guiana (89) 83 Mauritius (90) 83 Dominican Republic (91) 84 Malta (92) 84 Laos (93) 85 Portugal (94) 85 Seychelles (95) 85 Peru (96) 86 Sri Lanka (97) 86 Fiji (98) 86 Ecuador (99) 86 Bosnia and Herzegovina (100) 87 Colombia (101) 87 Mexico (102) 88 Singapore (103) 88 Panama (104) 88 Venezuela (105) 88 Vietnam (106) 89 Antigua and Barbuda (107) 89 Puerto Rico (108) 89 Serbia and Montenegro (109) 89 Macedonia (110) 90 Macau (111) 90 Guadeloupe (112) 90 The Bahamas (113) 90 Cyprus (114) 90 Philippines (115) 90 Micronesia, Federated States of (116) 90 Paraguay (117) 90 Mongolia (118) 91 Taiwan (119) 91 New Caledonia (120) 91 Belize (121) 92 Israel (122) 92 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (123) 92 Maldives (124) 93 Greece (125) 93 Bulgaria (126) 93 Martinique (127) 93 Thailand (128) 93 Chile (129) 93 Costa Rica (130) 93 Marshall Islands (131) 94 Cuba (132) 94 Netherlands Antilles (133) 94 Dominica (134) 95 Spain (135) 95 Guyana (136) 95 Trinidad and Tobago (137) 95 Argentina (138) 95 Suriname (139) 95 Anguilla (140) 96 San Marino (141) 96 Korea, South (142) 96 Romania (143) 96 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (144) 96 Uruguay (145) 96 Guam (146) 96 Northern Mariana Islands (147) 97 Italy (148) 97 Montserrat (149) 97 Western Samoa (150) 97 American Samoa (151) 97 Croatia (152) 98 Saint Helena (153) 98 Cayman Islands (154) 98 Bermuda (155) 98 United States (156) 98 Poland (157) 98 Ireland (158) 98 British Virgin Islands (159) 98 Turks and Caicos Islands (160) 98 Saint Kitts and Nevis (161) 98 Jamaica (162) 98 French Polynesia (163) 98 Grenada (164) 99 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (165) 99 Germany (166) 99 Austria (167) 99 Belgium (168) 99 Netherlands (169) 99 Japan (170) 99 Switzerland (171) 99 Denmark (172) 99 Hungary (173) 99 Barbados (174) 99 United Kingdom (175) 99 Norway (176) 99 Canada (177) 99 France (178) 99 Czechoslovakia (179) 99 Sweden (180) 99 New Zealand (181) 99 Korea, North (182) 99 Slovenia (183) 100 Liechtenstein (184) 100 Luxembourg (185) 100 Finland (186) 100 Australia (187) 100 Iceland (188) 100 Tonga (189) 100 Holy See (Vatican City) (190) 100 Holy See (Vatican City) (1) 100 Tonga (2) 100 Iceland (3) 100 Australia (4) 100 Finland (5) 100 Luxembourg (6) 100 Liechtenstein (7) 99 Slovenia (8) 99 Korea, North (9) 99 New Zealand (10) 99 Sweden (11) 99 Czechoslovakia (12) 99 France (13) 99 Canada (14) 99 Norway (15) 99 United Kingdom (16) 99 Barbados (17) 99 Hungary (18) 99 Denmark (19) 99 Switzerland (20) 99 Japan (21) 99 Netherlands (22) 99 Belgium (23) 99 Austria (24) 99 Germany (25) 99 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (26) 98 Grenada (27) 98 French Polynesia (28) 98 Jamaica (29) 98 Saint Kitts and Nevis (30) 98 Turks and Caicos Islands (31) 98 British Virgin Islands (32) 98 Ireland (33) 98 Poland (34) 98 United States (35) 98 Bermuda (36) 98 Cayman Islands (37) 98 Saint Helena (38) 97 Croatia (39) 97 American Samoa (40) 97 Western Samoa (41) 97 Montserrat (42) 97 Italy (43) 96 Northern Mariana Islands (44) 96 Guam (45) 96 Uruguay (46) 96 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (47) 96 Romania (48) 96 Korea, South (49) 96 San Marino (50) 95 Anguilla (51) 95 Suriname (52) 95 Argentina (53) 95 Trinidad and Tobago (54) 95 Guyana (55) 95 Spain (56) 94 Dominica (57) 94 Netherlands Antilles (58) 94 Cuba (59) 93 Marshall Islands (60) 93 Costa Rica (61) 93 Chile (62) 93 Thailand (63) 93 Martinique (64) 93 Bulgaria (65) 93 Greece (66) 92 Maldives (67) 92 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (68) 92 Israel (69) 91 Belize (70) 91 New Caledonia (71) 91 Taiwan (72) 90 Mongolia (73) 90 Paraguay (74) 90 Micronesia, Federated States of (75) 90 Philippines (76) 90 Cyprus (77) 90 The Bahamas (78) 90 Guadeloupe (79) 90 Macau (80) 89 Macedonia (81) 89 Serbia and Montenegro (82) 89 Puerto Rico (83) 89 Antigua and Barbuda (84) 88 Vietnam (85) 88 Venezuela (86) 88 Panama (87) 88 Singapore (88) 87 Mexico (89) 87 Colombia (90) 86 Bosnia and Herzegovina (91) 86 Ecuador (92) 86 Fiji (93) 86 Sri Lanka (94) 85 Peru (95) 85 Seychelles (96) 85 Portugal (97) 84 Laos (98) 84 Malta (99) 83 Dominican Republic (100) 83 Mauritius (101) 82 French Guiana (102) 81 Burma (103) 81 Turkey (104) 81 Brazil (105) 80 Jordan (106) 80 Madagascar (107) 80 Lebanon (108) 78 Bolivia (109) 78 Malaysia (110) 77 Bahrain (111) 77 Brunei (112) 77 Indonesia (113) 77 Hong Kong (114) 76 South Africa (115) 76 Qatar (116) 74 Kuwait (117) 74 World (118) 73 Zambia (119) 73 Honduras (120) 73 El Salvador (121) 73 China (122) 72 Zaire (123) 72 Albania (124) 69 Kenya (125) 69 Reunion (126) 68 United Arab Emirates (127) 67 Zimbabwe (128) 67 Saint Lucia (129) 66 Cape Verde (130) 65 Tunisia (131) 64 Syria (132) 64 Libya (133) 62 Ethiopia (134) 62 Saudi Arabia (135) 61 Gabon (136) 60 Iraq (137) 60 Ghana (138) 59 Lesotho (139) 57 Congo (140) 57 Sao Tome and Principe (141) 57 Nicaragua (142) 55 Swaziland (143) 55 Guatemala (144) 54 Ivory Coast (145) 54 Iran (146) 54 Cameroon (147) 53 Haiti (148) 53 Vanuatu (149) 52 Papua New Guinea (150) 51 Nigeria (151) 50 Rwanda (152) 50 Burundi (153) 50 Equatorial Guinea (154) 50 Algeria (155) 50 Morocco (156) 50 Wallis and Futuna (157) 48 Uganda (158) 48 Comoros (159) 48 Djibouti (160) 48 Egypt (161) 48 India (162) 46 Tanzania (163) 43 Togo (164) 42 Angola (165) 40 Liberia (166) 38 Yemen (167) 38 Namibia (168) 38 Senegal (169) 36 Guinea-Bissau (170) 35 Pakistan (171) 35 Bangladesh (172) 35 Cambodia (173) 34 Mauritania (174) 33 Mozambique (175) 32 Mali (176) 30 Chad (177) 29 Afghanistan (178) 28 Niger (179) 27 The Gambia (180) 27 Sudan (181) 27 Central African Republic (182) 26 Nepal (183) 24 Somalia (184) 24 Guinea (185) 23 Benin (186) 23 Botswana (187) 22 Malawi (188) 21 Sierra Leone (189) 18 Burkina (190) GDP (Gross Domestic Product) false marked GDP (Gross Domestic Product) $ showNameProp GDP (Gross Domestic Product) $ Millions GDP_GNPl GDP_GNPh 1.4 Tokelau (1) 2.1 Niue (2) 4.6 Tuvalu (3) 23 Anguilla (4) 25 Wallis and Futuna (5) 31.6 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (6) 36.8 Kiribati (7) 40 Cook Islands (8) 44.9 Turks and Caicos Islands (9) 46 Sao Tome and Principe (10) 54.2 Montserrat (11) 60 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (12) 60 Western Sahara (13) 63 Marshall Islands (14) 90 Nauru (15) 92 Tonga (16) 115 Western Samoa (17) 128 American Samoa (18) 130 British Virgin Islands (19) 142 Vanuatu (20) 146 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (21) 146.6 Saint Kitts and Nevis (22) 150 Micronesia, Federated States of (23) 156 Equatorial Guinea (24) 162 Guinea-Bissau (25) 165 Northern Mariana Islands (26) 170 Dominica (27) 174 Maldives (28) 182 Gibraltar (29) 186 French Guiana (30) 200 Solomon Islands (31) 207 The Gambia (32) 238 Grenada (33) 250 Guyana (34) 260 Comoros (35) 295 Saint Lucia (36) 310 Cape Verde (37) 320 Bhutan (38) 340 Djibouti (39) 350 Seychelles (40) 373 Belize (41) 380 Gaza Strip (42) 384 Cayman Islands (43) 400 San Marino (44) 418 Antigua and Barbuda (45) 420 Lesotho (46) 475 Monaco (47) 490 Man, Isle of (48) 500 Greenland (49) 563 Swaziland (50) 630 Liechtenstein (51) 662 Faroe Islands (52) 727 Andorra (53) 800 Laos (54) 854 Aruba (55) 930 Cambodia (56) 988 Liberia (57) 1000 Chad (58) 1000 New Caledonia (59) 1100 Mauritania (60) 1100 Guadeloupe (61) 1130 Burundi (62) 1200 French Polynesia (63) 1200 Virgin Islands (64) 1300 Central African Republic (65) 1300 Fiji (66) 1300 Bermuda (67) 1300 West Bank (68) 1400 Sierra Leone (69) 1400 Netherlands Antilles (70) 1400 Suriname (71) 1500 Togo (72) 1600 Nicaragua (73) 1700 Somalia (74) 1700 Mozambique (75) 1700 Barbados (76) 1900 Malawi (77) 2000 Benin (78) 2000 Namibia (79) 2000 Martinique (80) 2000 Guam (81) 2100 Rwanda (82) 2100 Mongolia (83) 2200 Mali (84) 2400 Niger (85) 2400 Congo (86) 2400 Madagascar (87) 2500 Mauritius (88) 2500 Malta (89) 2500 The Bahamas (90) 2700 Haiti (91) 2700 Albania (92) 2900 Burkina (93) 3000 Guinea (94) 3000 Afghanistan (95) 3100 Papua New Guinea (96) 3100 Macau (97) 3200 Nepal (98) 3300 Gabon (99) 3370 Reunion (100) 3500 Brunei (101) 3600 Botswana (102) 3600 Jordan (103) 3600 Jamaica (104) 4000 Bahrain (105) 4200 Iceland (106) 4600 Bolivia (107) 4700 Zambia (108) 4800 Lebanon (109) 4900 Trinidad and Tobago (110) 5000 Senegal (111) 5000 Panama (112) 5200 Honduras (113) 5300 Yemen (114) 5500 El Salvador (115) 5500 Cyprus (116) 5600 Uganda (117) 5900 Costa Rica (118) 6200 Ghana (119) 6600 Ethiopia (120) 6900 Tanzania (121) 7000 Dominican Republic (122) 7000 Paraguay (123) 7100 Zimbabwe (124) 7100 Macedonia (125) 7200 Sri Lanka (126) 7400 Qatar (127) 7830 Luxembourg (128) 8300 Angola (129) 8750 Kuwait (130) 9100 Uruguay (131) 9700 Kenya (132) 9800 Zaire (133) 10000 Ivory Coast (134) 10600 Oman (135) 10900 Tunisia (136) 11500 Cameroon (137) 11500 Ecuador (138) 11700 Guatemala (139) 12100 Sudan (140) 14000 Bosnia and Herzegovina (141) 15000 Vietnam (142) 17000 Cuba (143) 20600 Peru (144) 21000 Slovenia (145) 21600 Puerto Rico (146) 22200 Burma (147) 23100 Bangladesh (148) 23300 Korea, North (149) 27300 Morocco (150) 28900 Libya (151) 30000 Nigeria (152) 30000 Syria (153) 30500 Chile (154) 33700 United Arab Emirates (155) 35000 Iraq (156) 36400 Bulgaria (157) 38300 Singapore (158) 39200 Egypt (159) 39200 Ireland (160) 44000 Serbia and Montenegro (161) 45000 Colombia (162) 45400 Pakistan (163) 46200 New Zealand (164) 47000 Philippines (165) 48000 Malaysia (166) 52300 Venezuela (167) 54000 Algeria (168) 54600 Israel (169) 60100 Hungary (170) 71900 Romania (171) 72900 Norway (172) 77600 Greece (173) 80600 Finland (174) 80900 Hong Kong (175) 87300 Portugal (176) 90000 Iran (177) 91100 Denmark (178) 92600 Thailand (179) 101200 Argentina (180) 104000 Saudi Arabia (181) 104000 South Africa (182) 108900 Czechoslovakia (183) 122000 Indonesia (184) 147400 Switzerland (185) 147600 Sweden (186) 150800 Taiwan (187) 162700 Poland (188) 164100 Austria (189) 171800 Belgium (190) 198000 Turkey (191) 249600 Netherlands (192) 273000 Korea, South (193) 280800 Australia (194) 289000 Mexico (195) 328000 India (196) 358000 Brazil (197) 487500 Spain (198) 521500 Canada (199) 915500 United Kingdom (200) 965000 Italy (201) 1033699.94 France (202) 1331400 Germany (203) 2360700 Japan (204) 5673000 United States (205) 5673000 United States (1) 2360700 Japan (2) 1331400 Germany (3) 1033699.94 France (4) 965000 Italy (5) 915500 United Kingdom (6) 521500 Canada (7) 487500 Spain (8) 358000 Brazil (9) 328000 India (10) 289000 Mexico (11) 280800 Australia (12) 273000 Korea, South (13) 249600 Netherlands (14) 198000 Turkey (15) 171800 Belgium (16) 164100 Austria (17) 162700 Poland (18) 150800 Taiwan (19) 147600 Sweden (20) 147400 Switzerland (21) 122000 Indonesia (22) 108900 Czechoslovakia (23) 104000 South Africa (24) 104000 Saudi Arabia (25) 101200 Argentina (26) 92600 Thailand (27) 91100 Denmark (28) 90000 Iran (29) 87300 Portugal (30) 80900 Hong Kong (31) 80600 Finland (32) 77600 Greece (33) 72900 Norway (34) 71900 Romania (35) 60100 Hungary (36) 54600 Israel (37) 54000 Algeria (38) 52300 Venezuela (39) 48000 Malaysia (40) 47000 Philippines (41) 46200 New Zealand (42) 45400 Pakistan (43) 45000 Colombia (44) 44000 Serbia and Montenegro (45) 39200 Ireland (46) 39200 Egypt (47) 38300 Singapore (48) 36400 Bulgaria (49) 35000 Iraq (50) 33700 United Arab Emirates (51) 30500 Chile (52) 30000 Syria (53) 30000 Nigeria (54) 28900 Libya (55) 27300 Morocco (56) 23300 Korea, North (57) 23100 Bangladesh (58) 22200 Burma (59) 21600 Puerto Rico (60) 21000 Slovenia (61) 20600 Peru (62) 17000 Cuba (63) 15000 Vietnam (64) 14000 Bosnia and Herzegovina (65) 12100 Sudan (66) 11700 Guatemala (67) 11500 Ecuador (68) 11500 Cameroon (69) 10900 Tunisia (70) 10600 Oman (71) 10000 Ivory Coast (72) 9800 Zaire (73) 9700 Kenya (74) 9100 Uruguay (75) 8750 Kuwait (76) 8300 Angola (77) 7830 Luxembourg (78) 7400 Qatar (79) 7200 Sri Lanka (80) 7100 Macedonia (81) 7100 Zimbabwe (82) 7000 Paraguay (83) 7000 Dominican Republic (84) 6900 Tanzania (85) 6600 Ethiopia (86) 6200 Ghana (87) 5900 Costa Rica (88) 5600 Uganda (89) 5500 Cyprus (90) 5500 El Salvador (91) 5300 Yemen (92) 5200 Honduras (93) 5000 Panama (94) 5000 Senegal (95) 4900 Trinidad and Tobago (96) 4800 Lebanon (97) 4700 Zambia (98) 4600 Bolivia (99) 4200 Iceland (100) 4000 Bahrain (101) 3600 Jamaica (102) 3600 Jordan (103) 3600 Botswana (104) 3500 Brunei (105) 3370 Reunion (106) 3300 Gabon (107) 3200 Nepal (108) 3100 Macau (109) 3100 Papua New Guinea (110) 3000 Afghanistan (111) 3000 Guinea (112) 2900 Burkina (113) 2700 Albania (114) 2700 Haiti (115) 2500 The Bahamas (116) 2500 Malta (117) 2500 Mauritius (118) 2400 Madagascar (119) 2400 Congo (120) 2400 Niger (121) 2200 Mali (122) 2100 Mongolia (123) 2100 Rwanda (124) 2000 Guam (125) 2000 Martinique (126) 2000 Namibia (127) 2000 Benin (128) 1900 Malawi (129) 1700 Barbados (130) 1700 Mozambique (131) 1700 Somalia (132) 1600 Nicaragua (133) 1500 Togo (134) 1400 Suriname (135) 1400 Netherlands Antilles (136) 1400 Sierra Leone (137) 1300 West Bank (138) 1300 Bermuda (139) 1300 Fiji (140) 1300 Central African Republic (141) 1200 Virgin Islands (142) 1200 French Polynesia (143) 1130 Burundi (144) 1100 Guadeloupe (145) 1100 Mauritania (146) 1000 New Caledonia (147) 1000 Chad (148) 988 Liberia (149) 930 Cambodia (150) 854 Aruba (151) 800 Laos (152) 727 Andorra (153) 662 Faroe Islands (154) 630 Liechtenstein (155) 563 Swaziland (156) 500 Greenland (157) 490 Man, Isle of (158) 475 Monaco (159) 420 Lesotho (160) 418 Antigua and Barbuda (161) 400 San Marino (162) 384 Cayman Islands (163) 380 Gaza Strip (164) 373 Belize (165) 350 Seychelles (166) 340 Djibouti (167) 320 Bhutan (168) 310 Cape Verde (169) 295 Saint Lucia (170) 260 Comoros (171) 250 Guyana (172) 238 Grenada (173) 207 The Gambia (174) 200 Solomon Islands (175) 186 French Guiana (176) 182 Gibraltar (177) 174 Maldives (178) 170 Dominica (179) 165 Northern Mariana Islands (180) 162 Guinea-Bissau (181) 156 Equatorial Guinea (182) 150 Micronesia, Federated States of (183) 146.6 Saint Kitts and Nevis (184) 146 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (185) 142 Vanuatu (186) 130 British Virgin Islands (187) 128 American Samoa (188) 115 Western Samoa (189) 92 Tonga (190) 90 Nauru (191) 63 Marshall Islands (192) 60 Western Sahara (193) 60 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (194) 54.2 Montserrat (195) 46 Sao Tome and Principe (196) 44.9 Turks and Caicos Islands (197) 40 Cook Islands (198) 36.8 Kiribati (199) 31.6 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (200) 25 Wallis and Futuna (201) 23 Anguilla (202) 4.6 Tuvalu (203) 2.1 Niue (204) 1.4 Tokelau (205) GDP Growth Rate false marked GDP Growth Rate % showNameProp GDP Growth Rate % GDPGROWl GDPGROWh -35 Albania (1) -23 Georgia (2) -22 Bulgaria (3) -12 Romania (4) -10 Armenia (5) -9 Russia (6) -8 Macedonia (7) -8 Latvia (8) -7 Hungary (9) -7 Kazakhstan (10) -6.2 Finland (11) -5 Croatia (12) -5 Czechoslovakia (13) -3.1 Barbados (14) -3 Central African Republic (15) -3 Lithuania (16) -2 Belarus (17) -2 Moldova (18) -1 Estonia (19) -0.9 Ivory Coast (20) -0.9 United Kingdom (21) -0.9 Uzbekistan (22) -0.8 Madagascar (23) -0.8 Rwanda (24) -0.7 United States (25) -0.7 Azerbaijan (26) -0.6 Australia (27) -0.6 Turkmenistan (28) -0.5 Western Samoa (29) -0.5 South Africa (30) -0.5 Seychelles (31) -0.4 Somalia (32) -0.4 Niger (33) -0.4 New Zealand (34) -0.3 Honduras (35) -0.2 Switzerland (36) -0.1 Sweden (37) -0.1 Canada (38) 0 Afghanistan (39) 0 Zaire (40) 0 Nicaragua (41) 0 Haiti (42) 0 Sudan (43) 0 Gaza Strip (44) 0 Zambia (45) 0 Mongolia (46) 0 Dominican Republic (47) 0 Djibouti (48) 0 Korea, North (49) 0 West Bank (50) 0 Cuba (51) 0 Suriname (52) 0 Poland (53) 0 Kuwait (54) 0 Slovenia (55) 0 Aruba (56) 0 Ukraine (57) 0 Kyrgyzstan (58) 0 Tajikistan (59) 0.1 Philippines (60) 0.3 Iceland (61) 0.5 Congo (62) 0.5 Oman (63) 0.7 Cameroon (64) 0.7 Trinidad and Tobago (65) 0.7 Germany (66) 0.9 Chad (67) 1 Mozambique (68) 1 Kiribati (69) 1 Jamaica (70) 1 Greece (71) 1 Brunei (72) 1 The Bahamas (73) 1 Italy (74) 1.2 Brazil (75) 1.3 Burkina (76) 1.3 Ireland (77) 1.4 Belgium (78) 1.4 France (79) 1.5 Sao Tome and Principe (80) 1.5 Liberia (81) 1.5 Turkey (82) 1.5 Saudi Arabia (83) 1.5 Netherlands Antilles (84) 1.6 Equatorial Guinea (85) 1.7 Angola (86) 2 Togo (87) 2 Egypt (88) 2 Denmark (89) 2 Bermuda (90) 2.1 Saint Kitts and Nevis (91) 2.2 Mali (92) 2.2 Puerto Rico (93) 2.2 Netherlands (94) 2.3 Kenya (95) 2.3 Uruguay (96) 2.4 Peru (97) 2.4 New Caledonia (98) 2.5 Vietnam (99) 2.5 India (100) 2.5 Tonga (101) 2.5 Ecuador (102) 2.5 Costa Rica (103) 2.5 Algeria (104) 2.5 Spain (105) 2.5 Luxembourg (106) 2.7 Comoros (107) 2.7 Portugal (108) 3 The Gambia (109) 3 Sierra Leone (110) 3 Benin (111) 3 Mauritania (112) 3 El Salvador (113) 3 Jordan (114) 3 Guatemala (115) 3 Paraguay (116) 3 Faroe Islands (117) 3 Austria (118) 3.1 Bhutan (119) 3.2 Bangladesh (120) 3.4 Burundi (121) 3.5 Nepal (122) 3.5 Zimbabwe (123) 3.5 Tunisia (124) 3.5 Fiji (125) 3.6 Senegal (126) 3.7 Colombia (127) 3.8 Hong Kong (128) 4 Laos (129) 4 Lesotho (130) 4 Bolivia (131) 4 Cape Verde (132) 4 Saint Lucia (133) 4 Mexico (134) 4.1 Norway (135) 4.2 Malawi (136) 4.2 Morocco (137) 4.2 Antigua and Barbuda (138) 4.3 Guinea (139) 4.5 Tanzania (140) 4.5 Uganda (141) 4.5 Japan (142) 4.8 Pakistan (143) 5 Guinea-Bissau (144) 5 Ghana (145) 5 Sri Lanka (146) 5 Swaziland (147) 5 Gibraltar (148) 5 Greenland (149) 5 Israel (150) 5.1 Namibia (151) 5.2 Nigeria (152) 5.2 Grenada (153) 5.2 Taiwan (154) 5.3 Cook Islands (155) 5.5 Chile (156) 5.5 Argentina (157) 5.5 Malta (158) 5.6 Burma (159) 5.9 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (160) 6 Guyana (161) 6 Solomon Islands (162) 6 Indonesia (163) 6 Vanuatu (164) 6 Macau (165) 6 Cyprus (166) 6 China (167) 6.1 Mauritius (168) 6.3 Botswana (169) 6.3 British Virgin Islands (170) 6.5 Singapore (171) 6.7 Bahrain (172) 7 Dominica (173) 8 Thailand (174) 8 Cayman Islands (175) 8 Jersey (176) 8.2 Anguilla (177) 8.6 Malaysia (178) 8.7 Korea, South (179) 9 Papua New Guinea (180) 9 Reunion (181) 9 Libya (182) 9 Guernsey (183) 9.2 Venezuela (184) 9.3 Panama (185) 10 Iran (186) 10 Belize (187) 10 Iraq (188) 10 Montserrat (189) 10.1 Maldives (190) 11 Syria (191) 11 United Arab Emirates (192) 13 Gabon (193) 13 Gabon (1) 11 United Arab Emirates (2) 11 Syria (3) 10.1 Maldives (4) 10 Montserrat (5) 10 Iraq (6) 10 Belize (7) 10 Iran (8) 9.3 Panama (9) 9.2 Venezuela (10) 9 Guernsey (11) 9 Libya (12) 9 Reunion (13) 9 Papua New Guinea (14) 8.7 Korea, South (15) 8.6 Malaysia (16) 8.2 Anguilla (17) 8 Jersey (18) 8 Cayman Islands (19) 8 Thailand (20) 7 Dominica (21) 6.7 Bahrain (22) 6.5 Singapore (23) 6.3 British Virgin Islands (24) 6.3 Botswana (25) 6.1 Mauritius (26) 6 China (27) 6 Cyprus (28) 6 Macau (29) 6 Vanuatu (30) 6 Indonesia (31) 6 Solomon Islands (32) 6 Guyana (33) 5.9 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (34) 5.6 Burma (35) 5.5 Malta (36) 5.5 Argentina (37) 5.5 Chile (38) 5.3 Cook Islands (39) 5.2 Taiwan (40) 5.2 Grenada (41) 5.2 Nigeria (42) 5.1 Namibia (43) 5 Israel (44) 5 Greenland (45) 5 Gibraltar (46) 5 Swaziland (47) 5 Sri Lanka (48) 5 Ghana (49) 5 Guinea-Bissau (50) 4.8 Pakistan (51) 4.5 Japan (52) 4.5 Uganda (53) 4.5 Tanzania (54) 4.3 Guinea (55) 4.2 Antigua and Barbuda (56) 4.2 Morocco (57) 4.2 Malawi (58) 4.1 Norway (59) 4 Mexico (60) 4 Saint Lucia (61) 4 Cape Verde (62) 4 Bolivia (63) 4 Lesotho (64) 4 Laos (65) 3.8 Hong Kong (66) 3.7 Colombia (67) 3.6 Senegal (68) 3.5 Fiji (69) 3.5 Tunisia (70) 3.5 Zimbabwe (71) 3.5 Nepal (72) 3.4 Burundi (73) 3.2 Bangladesh (74) 3.1 Bhutan (75) 3 Austria (76) 3 Faroe Islands (77) 3 Paraguay (78) 3 Guatemala (79) 3 Jordan (80) 3 El Salvador (81) 3 Mauritania (82) 3 Benin (83) 3 Sierra Leone (84) 3 The Gambia (85) 2.7 Portugal (86) 2.7 Comoros (87) 2.5 Luxembourg (88) 2.5 Spain (89) 2.5 Algeria (90) 2.5 Costa Rica (91) 2.5 Ecuador (92) 2.5 Tonga (93) 2.5 India (94) 2.5 Vietnam (95) 2.4 New Caledonia (96) 2.4 Peru (97) 2.3 Uruguay (98) 2.3 Kenya (99) 2.2 Netherlands (100) 2.2 Puerto Rico (101) 2.2 Mali (102) 2.1 Saint Kitts and Nevis (103) 2 Bermuda (104) 2 Denmark (105) 2 Egypt (106) 2 Togo (107) 1.7 Angola (108) 1.6 Equatorial Guinea (109) 1.5 Netherlands Antilles (110) 1.5 Saudi Arabia (111) 1.5 Turkey (112) 1.5 Liberia (113) 1.5 Sao Tome and Principe (114) 1.4 France (115) 1.4 Belgium (116) 1.3 Ireland (117) 1.3 Burkina (118) 1.2 Brazil (119) 1 Italy (120) 1 The Bahamas (121) 1 Brunei (122) 1 Greece (123) 1 Jamaica (124) 1 Kiribati (125) 1 Mozambique (126) 0.9 Chad (127) 0.7 Germany (128) 0.7 Trinidad and Tobago (129) 0.7 Cameroon (130) 0.5 Oman (131) 0.5 Congo (132) 0.3 Iceland (133) 0.1 Philippines (134) 0 Tajikistan (135) 0 Kyrgyzstan (136) 0 Ukraine (137) 0 Aruba (138) 0 Slovenia (139) 0 Kuwait (140) 0 Poland (141) 0 Suriname (142) 0 Cuba (143) 0 West Bank (144) 0 Korea, North (145) 0 Djibouti (146) 0 Dominican Republic (147) 0 Mongolia (148) 0 Zambia (149) 0 Gaza Strip (150) 0 Sudan (151) 0 Haiti (152) 0 Nicaragua (153) 0 Zaire (154) 0 Afghanistan (155) -0.1 Canada (156) -0.1 Sweden (157) -0.2 Switzerland (158) -0.3 Honduras (159) -0.4 New Zealand (160) -0.4 Niger (161) -0.4 Somalia (162) -0.5 Seychelles (163) -0.5 South Africa (164) -0.5 Western Samoa (165) -0.6 Turkmenistan (166) -0.6 Australia (167) -0.7 Azerbaijan (168) -0.7 United States (169) -0.8 Rwanda (170) -0.8 Madagascar (171) -0.9 Uzbekistan (172) -0.9 United Kingdom (173) -0.9 Ivory Coast (174) -1 Estonia (175) -2 Moldova (176) -2 Belarus (177) -3 Lithuania (178) -3 Central African Republic (179) -3.1 Barbados (180) -5 Czechoslovakia (181) -5 Croatia (182) -6.2 Finland (183) -7 Kazakhstan (184) -7 Hungary (185) -8 Latvia (186) -8 Macedonia (187) -9 Russia (188) -10 Armenia (189) -12 Romania (190) -22 Bulgaria (191) -23 Georgia (192) -35 Albania (193) Per Capita GDP false marked Per Capita GDP $ showNameProp Per Capita GDP $ PCAPGDPl PCAPGDPh 37 Bosnia and Herzegovina (1) 120 Mozambique (2) 130 Cambodia (3) 130 Ethiopia (4) 160 Guinea-Bissau (5) 165 Nepal (6) 200 Bhutan (7) 200 Laos (8) 200 Burundi (9) 200 Malawi (10) 200 Madagascar (11) 200 Afghanistan (12) 200 Bangladesh (13) 205 Chad (14) 210 Somalia (15) 220 Vietnam (16) 235 The Gambia (17) 240 Lesotho (18) 250 Nigeria (19) 260 Tanzania (20) 260 Zaire (21) 265 Mali (22) 300 Western Sahara (23) 300 Guyana (24) 300 Rwanda (25) 300 Niger (26) 300 Uganda (27) 320 Burkina (28) 330 Sierra Leone (29) 380 Pakistan (30) 380 India (31) 385 Kenya (32) 400 Sao Tome and Principe (33) 400 Equatorial Guinea (34) 400 Liberia (35) 400 Togo (36) 400 Ghana (37) 410 Benin (38) 410 Guinea (39) 410 Sri Lanka (40) 425 Nicaragua (41) 440 Central African Republic (42) 440 Haiti (43) 450 Sudan (44) 525 Kiribati (45) 530 Tuvalu (46) 530 Burma (47) 535 Mauritania (48) 540 Comoros (49) 545 Yemen (50) 590 Gaza Strip (51) 600 Solomon Islands (52) 600 Zambia (53) 615 Senegal (54) 630 Bolivia (55) 630 Indonesia (56) 660 Zimbabwe (57) 690 Western Samoa (58) 720 Egypt (59) 720 Philippines (60) 725 Swaziland (61) 770 Maldives (62) 800 Tokelau (63) 800 Cape Verde (64) 800 Papua New Guinea (65) 800 Ivory Coast (66) 820 Albania (67) 900 Tonga (68) 900 Vanuatu (69) 900 Mongolia (70) 920 Peru (71) 950 Dominican Republic (72) 950 Angola (73) 1000 Niue (74) 1000 Djibouti (75) 1010 El Salvador (76) 1040 Cameroon (77) 1050 Honduras (78) 1060 Morocco (79) 1070 Congo (80) 1070 Ecuador (81) 1100 Jordan (82) 1100 Korea, North (83) 1200 West Bank (84) 1260 Guatemala (85) 1300 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (86) 1300 Colombia (87) 1320 Tunisia (88) 1400 Namibia (89) 1400 Jamaica (90) 1400 Lebanon (91) 1460 Paraguay (92) 1500 Wallis and Futuna (93) 1500 Marshall Islands (94) 1500 Micronesia, Federated States of (95) 1500 Iran (96) 1580 Cuba (97) 1630 Thailand (98) 1635 Belize (99) 1700 Fiji (100) 1900 Costa Rica (101) 1930 Saint Lucia (102) 1940 Iraq (103) 2000 Dominica (104) 2040 Panama (105) 2130 Algeria (106) 2200 Cook Islands (107) 2240 French Guiana (108) 2260 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (109) 2300 Mauritius (110) 2300 Syria (111) 2300 Chile (112) 2300 Brazil (113) 2500 American Samoa (114) 2590 Venezuela (115) 2600 South Africa (116) 2670 Malaysia (117) 2800 Grenada (118) 2800 Botswana (119) 2935 Uruguay (120) 3090 Gabon (121) 3100 Romania (122) 3100 Argentina (123) 3110 Macedonia (124) 3200 Mexico (125) 3300 Anguilla (126) 3300 Guadeloupe (127) 3400 Suriname (128) 3400 Turkey (129) 3498 Northern Mariana Islands (130) 3600 Trinidad and Tobago (131) 3650 Saint Kitts and Nevis (132) 4100 Bulgaria (133) 4200 Serbia and Montenegro (134) 4300 Poland (135) 4500 Montserrat (136) 4600 Gibraltar (137) 5000 Turks and Caicos Islands (138) 5200 Seychelles (139) 5600 Croatia (140) 5700 Hungary (141) 5800 Saudi Arabia (142) 6000 New Caledonia (143) 6000 French Polynesia (144) 6000 Martinique (145) 6000 Reunion (146) 6200 Kuwait (147) 6300 Korea, South (148) 6500 Antigua and Barbuda (149) 6500 Barbados (150) 6600 Puerto Rico (151) 6800 Libya (152) 6900 Macau (153) 6900 Czechoslovakia (154) 6925 Oman (155) 7000 Malta (156) 7380 Taiwan (157) 7500 Bahrain (158) 7573 Man, Isle of (159) 7600 Netherlands Antilles (160) 7730 Greece (161) 8400 Portugal (162) 8800 Brunei (163) 9000 Greenland (164) 9500 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (165) 9600 Cyprus (166) 9900 The Bahamas (167) 10000 Nauru (168) 10600 British Virgin Islands (169) 10700 Slovenia (170) 11000 Virgin Islands (171) 11200 Ireland (172) 12000 Israel (173) 12400 Spain (174) 13600 Aruba (175) 13800 Hong Kong (176) 13900 Singapore (177) 14000 Faroe Islands (178) 14000 Andorra (179) 14000 Guam (180) 14000 New Zealand (181) 14100 United Arab Emirates (182) 14500 Cayman Islands (183) 15000 Qatar (184) 15900 United Kingdom (185) 16000 Monaco (186) 16200 Iceland (187) 16200 Finland (188) 16200 Australia (189) 16600 Netherlands (190) 16700 Italy (191) 16700 Germany (192) 17000 San Marino (193) 17100 Norway (194) 17200 Sweden (195) 17300 Belgium (196) 17700 Denmark (197) 18300 France (198) 19000 Japan (199) 19400 Canada (200) 20200 Luxembourg (201) 20985 Austria (202) 21700 Switzerland (203) 22300 Liechtenstein (204) 22400 Bermuda (205) 22470 United States (206) 22470 United States (1) 22400 Bermuda (2) 22300 Liechtenstein (3) 21700 Switzerland (4) 20985 Austria (5) 20200 Luxembourg (6) 19400 Canada (7) 19000 Japan (8) 18300 France (9) 17700 Denmark (10) 17300 Belgium (11) 17200 Sweden (12) 17100 Norway (13) 17000 San Marino (14) 16700 Germany (15) 16700 Italy (16) 16600 Netherlands (17) 16200 Australia (18) 16200 Finland (19) 16200 Iceland (20) 16000 Monaco (21) 15900 United Kingdom (22) 15000 Qatar (23) 14500 Cayman Islands (24) 14100 United Arab Emirates (25) 14000 New Zealand (26) 14000 Guam (27) 14000 Andorra (28) 14000 Faroe Islands (29) 13900 Singapore (30) 13800 Hong Kong (31) 13600 Aruba (32) 12400 Spain (33) 12000 Israel (34) 11200 Ireland (35) 11000 Virgin Islands (36) 10700 Slovenia (37) 10600 British Virgin Islands (38) 10000 Nauru (39) 9900 The Bahamas (40) 9600 Cyprus (41) 9500 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (42) 9000 Greenland (43) 8800 Brunei (44) 8400 Portugal (45) 7730 Greece (46) 7600 Netherlands Antilles (47) 7573 Man, Isle of (48) 7500 Bahrain (49) 7380 Taiwan (50) 7000 Malta (51) 6925 Oman (52) 6900 Czechoslovakia (53) 6900 Macau (54) 6800 Libya (55) 6600 Puerto Rico (56) 6500 Barbados (57) 6500 Antigua and Barbuda (58) 6300 Korea, South (59) 6200 Kuwait (60) 6000 Reunion (61) 6000 Martinique (62) 6000 French Polynesia (63) 6000 New Caledonia (64) 5800 Saudi Arabia (65) 5700 Hungary (66) 5600 Croatia (67) 5200 Seychelles (68) 5000 Turks and Caicos Islands (69) 4600 Gibraltar (70) 4500 Montserrat (71) 4300 Poland (72) 4200 Serbia and Montenegro (73) 4100 Bulgaria (74) 3650 Saint Kitts and Nevis (75) 3600 Trinidad and Tobago (76) 3498 Northern Mariana Islands (77) 3400 Turkey (78) 3400 Suriname (79) 3300 Guadeloupe (80) 3300 Anguilla (81) 3200 Mexico (82) 3110 Macedonia (83) 3100 Argentina (84) 3100 Romania (85) 3090 Gabon (86) 2935 Uruguay (87) 2800 Botswana (88) 2800 Grenada (89) 2670 Malaysia (90) 2600 South Africa (91) 2590 Venezuela (92) 2500 American Samoa (93) 2300 Brazil (94) 2300 Chile (95) 2300 Syria (96) 2300 Mauritius (97) 2260 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (98) 2240 French Guiana (99) 2200 Cook Islands (100) 2130 Algeria (101) 2040 Panama (102) 2000 Dominica (103) 1940 Iraq (104) 1930 Saint Lucia (105) 1900 Costa Rica (106) 1700 Fiji (107) 1635 Belize (108) 1630 Thailand (109) 1580 Cuba (110) 1500 Iran (111) 1500 Micronesia, Federated States of (112) 1500 Marshall Islands (113) 1500 Wallis and Futuna (114) 1460 Paraguay (115) 1400 Lebanon (116) 1400 Jamaica (117) 1400 Namibia (118) 1320 Tunisia (119) 1300 Colombia (120) 1300 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (121) 1260 Guatemala (122) 1200 West Bank (123) 1100 Korea, North (124) 1100 Jordan (125) 1070 Ecuador (126) 1070 Congo (127) 1060 Morocco (128) 1050 Honduras (129) 1040 Cameroon (130) 1010 El Salvador (131) 1000 Djibouti (132) 1000 Niue (133) 950 Angola (134) 950 Dominican Republic (135) 920 Peru (136) 900 Mongolia (137) 900 Vanuatu (138) 900 Tonga (139) 820 Albania (140) 800 Ivory Coast (141) 800 Papua New Guinea (142) 800 Cape Verde (143) 800 Tokelau (144) 770 Maldives (145) 725 Swaziland (146) 720 Philippines (147) 720 Egypt (148) 690 Western Samoa (149) 660 Zimbabwe (150) 630 Indonesia (151) 630 Bolivia (152) 615 Senegal (153) 600 Zambia (154) 600 Solomon Islands (155) 590 Gaza Strip (156) 545 Yemen (157) 540 Comoros (158) 535 Mauritania (159) 530 Burma (160) 530 Tuvalu (161) 525 Kiribati (162) 450 Sudan (163) 440 Haiti (164) 440 Central African Republic (165) 425 Nicaragua (166) 410 Sri Lanka (167) 410 Guinea (168) 410 Benin (169) 400 Ghana (170) 400 Togo (171) 400 Liberia (172) 400 Equatorial Guinea (173) 400 Sao Tome and Principe (174) 385 Kenya (175) 380 India (176) 380 Pakistan (177) 330 Sierra Leone (178) 320 Burkina (179) 300 Uganda (180) 300 Niger (181) 300 Rwanda (182) 300 Guyana (183) 300 Western Sahara (184) 265 Mali (185) 260 Zaire (186) 260 Tanzania (187) 250 Nigeria (188) 240 Lesotho (189) 235 The Gambia (190) 220 Vietnam (191) 210 Somalia (192) 205 Chad (193) 200 Bangladesh (194) 200 Afghanistan (195) 200 Madagascar (196) 200 Malawi (197) 200 Burundi (198) 200 Laos (199) 200 Bhutan (200) 165 Nepal (201) 160 Guinea-Bissau (202) 130 Ethiopia (203) 130 Cambodia (204) 120 Mozambique (205) 37 Bosnia and Herzegovina (206) Inflation false marked Inflation % showNameProp Inflation % INFLATNl INFLATNh -4.9 Chad (1) -3 Central African Republic (2) -0.8 Ivory Coast (3) -0.6 Mali (4) -0.5 Burkina (5) -0.1 Saint Helena (6) 1 New Zealand (7) 1 Togo (8) 1.3 Oman (9) 1.3 Brunei (10) 1.3 Puerto Rico (11) 1.3 Reunion (12) 1.5 Bahrain (13) 1.8 Seychelles (14) 2 Faroe Islands (15) 2 Senegal (16) 2 Panama (17) 2.1 China (18) 2.3 Guadeloupe (19) 2.4 Denmark (20) 2.5 British Virgin Islands (21) 2.9 Finland (22) 2.9 French Polynesia (23) 2.9 Martinique (24) 3 Saudi Arabia (25) 3 Benin (26) 3 Malta (27) 3 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (28) 3 Gabon (29) 3.2 Belgium (30) 3.3 Australia (31) 3.3 France (32) 3.3 Austria (33) 3.3 Japan (34) 3.4 Barbados (35) 3.4 Singapore (36) 3.5 Germany (37) 3.5 Norway (38) 3.5 Belize (39) 3.6 Equatorial Guinea (40) 3.6 Netherlands (41) 3.6 Gibraltar (42) 3.7 Djibouti (43) 3.7 Luxembourg (44) 3.8 Ireland (45) 3.9 Tuvalu (46) 4 Kiribati (47) 4 Comoros (48) 4.1 New Caledonia (49) 4.1 Taiwan (50) 4.1 French Guiana (51) 4.2 Rwanda (52) 4.2 United States (53) 4.2 Canada (54) 4.2 Saint Kitts and Nevis (55) 4.2 Saint Lucia (56) 4.3 American Samoa (57) 4.5 Cyprus (58) 4.5 Anguilla (59) 4.5 Malaysia (60) 4.6 Congo (61) 4.7 Dominica (62) 4.9 Qatar (63) 5 Netherlands Antilles (64) 5 Vanuatu (65) 5 World (66) 5.2 Ethiopia (67) 5.4 Liechtenstein (68) 5.5 United Arab Emirates (69) 5.6 Thailand (70) 5.8 United Kingdom (71) 5.8 Bermuda (72) 5.9 Switzerland (73) 5.9 Spain (74) 6 The Gambia (75) 6 Greenland (76) 6 San Marino (77) 6.1 Angola (78) 6.5 Italy (79) 6.5 Mauritania (80) 6.8 Papua New Guinea (81) 6.8 Montserrat (82) 7 Fiji (83) 7 Antigua and Barbuda (84) 7 Grenada (85) 7 Libya (86) 7 Guernsey (87) 7.1 Burundi (88) 7.3 The Bahamas (89) 7.4 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (90) 7.5 Iceland (91) 8 Sweden (92) 8 Aruba (93) 8 Cook Islands (94) 8 Cayman Islands (95) 8 Jersey (96) 8.1 Morocco (97) 8.2 Tunisia (98) 8.6 Cameroon (99) 8.8 Macau (100) 8.9 Tonga (101) 8.9 Bangladesh (102) 9 Gaza Strip (103) 9 Dominican Republic (104) 9 Jordan (105) 9 Malawi (106) 9.6 Niue (107) 9.7 Korea, South (108) 10 Madagascar (109) 10 Cape Verde (110) 10 Ghana (111) 10 Sri Lanka (112) 10 Indonesia (113) 10.2 Solomon Islands (114) 10.4 Laos (115) 10.7 Maldives (116) 11 West Bank (117) 11.1 Trinidad and Tobago (118) 12 Liberia (119) 12 India (120) 12 Portugal (121) 12 Bhutan (122) 12 Hong Kong (123) 12.3 Pakistan (124) 12.6 Botswana (125) 12.6 Guam (126) 13 Swaziland (127) 13.2 Mauritius (128) 14.3 Croatia (129) 14.3 Kenya (130) 15 Western Samoa (131) 15 Slovenia (132) 15 Paraguay (133) 15 Nepal (134) 15 Lesotho (135) 15 Bolivia (136) 15.7 South Africa (137) 16.5 Tanzania (138) 16.9 Yemen (139) 17 Egypt (140) 17 Namibia (141) 17.6 Philippines (142) 17.8 Greece (143) 18 Israel (144) 18 Iran (145) 18.7 Chile (146) 18.8 Mexico (147) 19 El Salvador (148) 19.6 Guinea (149) 20 Haiti (150) 25 Zimbabwe (151) 25 Guinea-Bissau (152) 25 Syria (153) 26 Honduras (154) 26.8 Colombia (155) 27 Costa Rica (156) 30 Algeria (157) 30 Lebanon (158) 30.7 Venezuela (159) 34 Hungary (160) 35 Uganda (161) 36 Sao Tome and Principe (162) 40 Guatemala (163) 40 Nigeria (164) 40 Burma (165) 40.5 Mozambique (166) 45 Iraq (167) 49 Ecuador (168) 50 Suriname (169) 52 Czechoslovakia (170) 53 Cambodia (171) 60 Poland (172) 60 Uruguay (173) 60 Serbia and Montenegro (174) 71.1 Turkey (175) 75 Guyana (176) 80 Jamaica (177) 80 Vietnam (178) 81 Belarus (179) 83 Kazakhstan (180) 83 Uzbekistan (181) 83 Ukraine (182) 83.8 Argentina (183) 84 Tajikistan (184) 85 Turkmenistan (185) 87 Azerbaijan (186) 88 Kyrgyzstan (187) 89 Russia (188) 90 Georgia (189) 90 Afghanistan (190) 91 Armenia (191) 95 Sudan (192) 97 Moldova (193) 100 Albania (194) 100 Zambia (195) 100 Mongolia (196) 110 Sierra Leone (197) 139 Peru (198) 200 Latvia (199) 200 Lithuania (200) 200 Estonia (201) 210 Somalia (202) 215 Romania (203) 420 Bulgaria (204) 478.5 Brazil (205) 766 Nicaragua (206) 1150 Bosnia and Herzegovina (207) 8000 Zaire (208) 8000 Zaire (1) 1150 Bosnia and Herzegovina (2) 766 Nicaragua (3) 478.5 Brazil (4) 420 Bulgaria (5) 215 Romania (6) 210 Somalia (7) 200 Estonia (8) 200 Lithuania (9) 200 Latvia (10) 139 Peru (11) 110 Sierra Leone (12) 100 Mongolia (13) 100 Zambia (14) 100 Albania (15) 97 Moldova (16) 95 Sudan (17) 91 Armenia (18) 90 Afghanistan (19) 90 Georgia (20) 89 Russia (21) 88 Kyrgyzstan (22) 87 Azerbaijan (23) 85 Turkmenistan (24) 84 Tajikistan (25) 83.8 Argentina (26) 83 Ukraine (27) 83 Uzbekistan (28) 83 Kazakhstan (29) 81 Belarus (30) 80 Vietnam (31) 80 Jamaica (32) 75 Guyana (33) 71.1 Turkey (34) 60 Serbia and Montenegro (35) 60 Uruguay (36) 60 Poland (37) 53 Cambodia (38) 52 Czechoslovakia (39) 50 Suriname (40) 49 Ecuador (41) 45 Iraq (42) 40.5 Mozambique (43) 40 Burma (44) 40 Nigeria (45) 40 Guatemala (46) 36 Sao Tome and Principe (47) 35 Uganda (48) 34 Hungary (49) 30.7 Venezuela (50) 30 Lebanon (51) 30 Algeria (52) 27 Costa Rica (53) 26.8 Colombia (54) 26 Honduras (55) 25 Syria (56) 25 Guinea-Bissau (57) 25 Zimbabwe (58) 20 Haiti (59) 19.6 Guinea (60) 19 El Salvador (61) 18.8 Mexico (62) 18.7 Chile (63) 18 Iran (64) 18 Israel (65) 17.8 Greece (66) 17.6 Philippines (67) 17 Namibia (68) 17 Egypt (69) 16.9 Yemen (70) 16.5 Tanzania (71) 15.7 South Africa (72) 15 Bolivia (73) 15 Lesotho (74) 15 Nepal (75) 15 Paraguay (76) 15 Slovenia (77) 15 Western Samoa (78) 14.3 Kenya (79) 14.3 Croatia (80) 13.2 Mauritius (81) 13 Swaziland (82) 12.6 Guam (83) 12.6 Botswana (84) 12.3 Pakistan (85) 12 Hong Kong (86) 12 Bhutan (87) 12 Portugal (88) 12 India (89) 12 Liberia (90) 11.1 Trinidad and Tobago (91) 11 West Bank (92) 10.7 Maldives (93) 10.4 Laos (94) 10.2 Solomon Islands (95) 10 Indonesia (96) 10 Sri Lanka (97) 10 Ghana (98) 10 Cape Verde (99) 10 Madagascar (100) 9.7 Korea, South (101) 9.6 Niue (102) 9 Malawi (103) 9 Jordan (104) 9 Dominican Republic (105) 9 Gaza Strip (106) 8.9 Bangladesh (107) 8.9 Tonga (108) 8.8 Macau (109) 8.6 Cameroon (110) 8.2 Tunisia (111) 8.1 Morocco (112) 8 Jersey (113) 8 Cayman Islands (114) 8 Cook Islands (115) 8 Aruba (116) 8 Sweden (117) 7.5 Iceland (118) 7.4 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (119) 7.3 The Bahamas (120) 7.1 Burundi (121) 7 Guernsey (122) 7 Libya (123) 7 Grenada (124) 7 Antigua and Barbuda (125) 7 Fiji (126) 6.8 Montserrat (127) 6.8 Papua New Guinea (128) 6.5 Mauritania (129) 6.5 Italy (130) 6.1 Angola (131) 6 San Marino (132) 6 Greenland (133) 6 The Gambia (134) 5.9 Spain (135) 5.9 Switzerland (136) 5.8 Bermuda (137) 5.8 United Kingdom (138) 5.6 Thailand (139) 5.5 United Arab Emirates (140) 5.4 Liechtenstein (141) 5.2 Ethiopia (142) 5 World (143) 5 Vanuatu (144) 5 Netherlands Antilles (145) 4.9 Qatar (146) 4.7 Dominica (147) 4.6 Congo (148) 4.5 Malaysia (149) 4.5 Anguilla (150) 4.5 Cyprus (151) 4.3 American Samoa (152) 4.2 Saint Lucia (153) 4.2 Saint Kitts and Nevis (154) 4.2 Canada (155) 4.2 United States (156) 4.2 Rwanda (157) 4.1 French Guiana (158) 4.1 Taiwan (159) 4.1 New Caledonia (160) 4 Comoros (161) 4 Kiribati (162) 3.9 Tuvalu (163) 3.8 Ireland (164) 3.7 Luxembourg (165) 3.7 Djibouti (166) 3.6 Gibraltar (167) 3.6 Netherlands (168) 3.6 Equatorial Guinea (169) 3.5 Belize (170) 3.5 Norway (171) 3.5 Germany (172) 3.4 Singapore (173) 3.4 Barbados (174) 3.3 Japan (175) 3.3 Austria (176) 3.3 France (177) 3.3 Australia (178) 3.2 Belgium (179) 3 Gabon (180) 3 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (181) 3 Malta (182) 3 Benin (183) 3 Saudi Arabia (184) 2.9 Martinique (185) 2.9 French Polynesia (186) 2.9 Finland (187) 2.5 British Virgin Islands (188) 2.4 Denmark (189) 2.3 Guadeloupe (190) 2.1 China (191) 2 Panama (192) 2 Senegal (193) 2 Faroe Islands (194) 1.8 Seychelles (195) 1.5 Bahrain (196) 1.3 Reunion (197) 1.3 Puerto Rico (198) 1.3 Brunei (199) 1.3 Oman (200) 1 Togo (201) 1 New Zealand (202) -0.1 Saint Helena (203) -0.5 Burkina (204) -0.6 Mali (205) -0.8 Ivory Coast (206) -3 Central African Republic (207) -4.9 Chad (208) Unemployment Rate false marked Unemployment Rate % showNameProp Unemployment Rate % unempl Unemph 0 British Virgin Islands (1) 0 Saudi Arabia (2) 0 United Arab Emirates (3) 0 Maldives (4) 0 Korea, North (5) 0 Nauru (6) 0 Andorra (7) 0 Monaco (8) 1.3 Luxembourg (9) 1.3 Switzerland (10) 1.5 Singapore (11) 1.5 Liechtenstein (12) 1.5 Man, Isle of (13) 1.7 Taiwan (14) 1.8 Cyprus (15) 1.8 Iceland (16) 2 Togo (17) 2 Kiribati (18) 2 Bermuda (19) 2 Libya (20) 2 Macau (21) 2 Hong Kong (22) 2 Virgin Islands (23) 2.1 Japan (24) 2.4 Korea, South (25) 2.4 Mauritius (26) 2.7 Sweden (27) 3 Montserrat (28) 3 Aruba (29) 3 Indonesia (30) 3.5 Senegal (31) 3.7 Brunei (32) 3.8 Malta (33) 4 China (34) 4 Portugal (35) 4 Romania (36) 4.1 Thailand (37) 4.1 Guam (38) 4.3 Brazil (39) 4.6 Costa Rica (40) 5 Faroe Islands (41) 5 Anguilla (42) 5 Papua New Guinea (43) 5 Antigua and Barbuda (44) 5 Nepal (45) 5 Iraq (46) 5.4 Norway (47) 5.8 Austria (48) 5.8 Malaysia (49) 5.9 Fiji (50) 6.2 Netherlands (51) 6.3 Germany (52) 6.4 Argentina (53) 6.5 San Marino (54) 6.5 Chile (55) 6.6 United States (56) 6.7 Guatemala (57) 6.7 Czechoslovakia (58) 7 Bolivia (59) 7.6 Finland (60) 8 Bahrain (61) 8 Hungary (62) 8 Ecuador (63) 8.1 United Kingdom (64) 8.5 Uruguay (65) 8.6 Greece (66) 9 Seychelles (67) 9 Greenland (68) 9.3 Venezuela (69) 9.4 Belgium (70) 9.6 Burma (71) 9.6 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (72) 9.8 France (73) 10 Dominica (74) 10 Ghana (75) 10 Pakistan (76) 10 Slovenia (77) 10 Philippines (78) 10 El Salvador (79) 10 Bulgaria (80) 10.3 Canada (81) 10.5 Australia (82) 10.5 Colombia (83) 10.6 Denmark (84) 10.7 New Zealand (85) 11 Italy (86) 11 Israel (87) 11.1 Turkey (88) 11.4 Poland (89) 12 Belize (90) 12 American Samoa (91) 12 Guyana (92) 12 Turks and Caicos Islands (93) 13 Yemen (94) 13 Nicaragua (95) 14 Ivory Coast (96) 14 Sri Lanka (97) 14 Paraguay (98) 14 Mexico (99) 14.9 French Polynesia (100) 15 French Guiana (101) 15 Saint Kitts and Nevis (102) 15 Tunisia (103) 15 West Bank (104) 15 Egypt (105) 15 Honduras (106) 15 Sudan (107) 15 Mongolia (108) 15 Peru (109) 15.1 Jamaica (110) 15.5 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153.9 Northern Mariana Islands (160) 153 Guadeloupe (161) 151.3 Central African Republic (162) 150 West Bank (163) 138 Sierra Leone (164) 134.4 Aruba (165) 134 Belize (166) 127 Saint Lucia (167) 117 Mozambique (168) 116 The Gambia (169) 115 Kyrgyzstan (170) 111.7 Rwanda (171) 93 Nauru (172) 88.9 French Polynesia (173) 82 Gibraltar (174) 80 Albania (175) 75 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (176) 74.7 Burundi (177) 74 Bhutan (178) 72 Laos (179) 67.3 Solomon Islands (180) 59.9 Dominica (181) 59 Lesotho (182) 58 Somalia (183) 54 French Guiana (184) 53.3 Germany (185) 52 Maldives (186) 40 Seychelles (187) 37 Equatorial Guinea (188) 34 Guam (189) 33.2 Antigua and Barbuda (190) 32 Cambodia (191) 30 Gaza Strip (192) 30 Bermuda (193) 26 Grenada (194) 25.5 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (195) 24.6 Saint Kitts and Nevis (196) 23.9 Saint Helena (197) 16 Comoros (198) 15.6 Vanuatu (199) 14.7 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (200) 14.2 Guinea-Bissau (201) 10.9 Cape Verde (202) 9.6 Tonga (203) 9 Western Samoa (204) 8 Western Sahara (205) 5.8 Kiribati (206) 4.4 Sao Tome and Principe (207) 4 Mayotte (208) 4 Cook Islands (209) 3.34 World (210) 2.9 Turks and Caicos Islands (211) 2.7 British Virgin Islands (212) 2.5 Marshall Islands (213) 2.3 Micronesia, Federated States of (214) 2.3 Montserrat (215) 1.7 Norfolk Island (216) 1.5 Cayman Islands (217) 1 Tuvalu (218) 0.5 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (219) 0.098 Tokelau (220) 0.017 Andorra (221) Debt (external) false marked Debt (external) $ showNameProp Debt (external) $ Millions extdebtl extdebth 0 Tokelau (1) 0 Northern Mariana Islands (2) 0 Brunei (3) 0 Netherlands (4) 1 World (5) 2 Kiribati (6) 2.05 Montserrat (7) 4.5 British Virgin Islands (8) 15 Cayman Islands (9) 26.4 Saint Kitts and Nevis (10) 30 Vanuatu (11) 33.3 Nauru (12) 42 Tonga (13) 50.9 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (14) 54.5 Saint Lucia (15) 70 Maldives (16) 73 Dominica (17) 80 Bhutan (18) 81 Aruba (19) 83 Western Samoa (20) 90 Grenada (21) 90 Malta (22) 91 Macau (23) 100 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (24) 128 Solomon Islands (25) 131.6 Luxembourg (26) 138 Suriname (27) 142 Belize (28) 147 Sao Tome and Principe (29) 150 Cape Verde (30) 189 Seychelles (31) 196 Comoros (32) 213 Equatorial Guinea (33) 250 Antigua and Barbuda (34) 250 Namibia (35) 290 Swaziland (36) 318 Gibraltar (37) 336 The Gambia (38) 355 Djibouti (39) 370 Lesotho (40) 428 Fiji (41) 462 Guinea-Bissau (42) 480 Greenland (43) 500 Albania (44) 500 Germany (45) 530 Chad (46) 539.9 Barbados (47) 572 Sierra Leone (48) 600 Cambodia (49) 650 Kyrgyzstan (50) 650 Turkmenistan (51) 650 Estonia (52) 650 Tajikistan (53) 650 Georgia (54) 650 Armenia (55) 650 Moldova (56) 650 Lithuania (57) 650 Latvia (58) 700 Central African Republic (59) 701.2 Netherlands Antilles (60) 780 Botswana (61) 838 Haiti (62) 869 Mauritius (63) 900 Lebanon (64) 911 Rwanda (65) 962 Burkina (66) 1000 Burundi (67) 1000 Benin (68) 1100 Laos (69) 1100 Qatar (70) 1100 Bahrain (71) 1100 Taiwan (72) 1200 French Guiana (73) 1200 The Bahamas (74) 1300 Faroe Islands (75) 1300 Togo (76) 1300 Azerbaijan (77) 1600 Liberia (78) 1700 Paraguay (79) 1800 Niger (80) 1800 Malawi (81) 1900 Uganda (82) 1900 Somalia (83) 1900 Mauritania (84) 2000 Guyana (85) 2000 El Salvador (86) 2000 Uzbekistan (87) 2000 Romania (88) 2200 Mali (89) 2200 Papua New Guinea (90) 2300 Afghanistan (91) 2500 Nepal (92) 2500 Trinidad and Tobago (93) 2500 Slovenia (94) 2600 Guinea (95) 2600 Ethiopia (96) 2600 Guatemala (97) 2600 Croatia (98) 2600 Belarus (99) 2600 Kazakhstan (100) 2800 Honduras (101) 2800 Cyprus (102) 2900 Senegal (103) 2960 Zimbabwe (104) 3000 Iceland (105) 3100 Ghana (106) 3100 Oman (107) 3300 Bolivia (108) 3400 Gabon (109) 3500 Libya (110) 3800 Jamaica (111) 3800 Singapore (112) 4200 Burma (113) 4200 Uruguay (114) 4200 Serbia and Montenegro (115) 4400 Madagascar (116) 4500 Congo (117) 4500 Costa Rica (118) 4700 Dominican Republic (119) 4900 Mozambique (120) 4900 Cameroon (121) 5200 Tanzania (122) 5200 Syria (123) 5300 Finland (124) 5400 Panama (125) 5750 Yemen (126) 5800 Sri Lanka (127) 6000 Kenya (128) 6800 Cuba (129) 7000 Angola (130) 7000 Korea, North (131) 7200 Kuwait (132) 7900 Zaire (133) 8000 Zambia (134) 8600 Tunisia (135) 9000 Jordan (136) 9100 Czechoslovakia (137) 9500 Hong Kong (138) 10000 Nicaragua (139) 10000 Iran (140) 10200 Norway (141) 10400 Ukraine (142) 10500 United Kingdom (143) 10700 Sweden (144) 11000 United Arab Emirates (145) 11100 Bangladesh (146) 11200 Bulgaria (147) 11800 Austria (148) 12400 Ecuador (149) 14600 Sudan (150) 14800 Ireland (151) 15000 Ivory Coast (152) 15000 Portugal (153) 16200.001 Chile (154) 16800 Mongolia (155) 16800 Vietnam (156) 17000 Colombia (157) 17400 New Zealand (158) 18900 Saudi Arabia (159) 19000 South Africa (160) 19400 Peru (161) 20000 Morocco (162) 20100 Pakistan (163) 21300 Malaysia (164) 22700 Hungary (165) 24000 Israel (166) 25100 Thailand (167) 25500 Greece (168) 26400 Algeria (169) 28800 Belgium (170) 28900 Philippines (171) 30900 Venezuela (172) 32000 Nigeria (173) 38000 Egypt (174) 38200 Korea, South (175) 40000 Russia (176) 45000 Iraq (177) 45000 Denmark (178) 45000 Spain (179) 48500 Poland (180) 49000 Turkey (181) 51000 China (182) 58500 Indonesia (183) 59300 France (184) 61000 Argentina (185) 72000 India (186) 98400 Mexico (187) 118000 Brazil (188) 130399.992 Australia (189) 247000 Canada (190) 247000 Canada (1) 130399.992 Australia (2) 118000 Brazil (3) 98400 Mexico (4) 72000 India (5) 61000 Argentina (6) 59300 France (7) 58500 Indonesia (8) 51000 China (9) 49000 Turkey (10) 48500 Poland (11) 45000 Spain (12) 45000 Denmark (13) 45000 Iraq (14) 40000 Russia (15) 38200 Korea, South (16) 38000 Egypt (17) 32000 Nigeria (18) 30900 Venezuela (19) 28900 Philippines (20) 28800 Belgium (21) 26400 Algeria (22) 25500 Greece (23) 25100 Thailand (24) 24000 Israel (25) 22700 Hungary (26) 21300 Malaysia (27) 20100 Pakistan (28) 20000 Morocco (29) 19400 Peru (30) 19000 South Africa (31) 18900 Saudi Arabia (32) 17400 New Zealand (33) 17000 Colombia (34) 16800 Vietnam (35) 16800 Mongolia (36) 16200.001 Chile (37) 15000 Portugal (38) 15000 Ivory Coast (39) 14800 Ireland (40) 14600 Sudan (41) 12400 Ecuador (42) 11800 Austria (43) 11200 Bulgaria (44) 11100 Bangladesh (45) 11000 United Arab Emirates (46) 10700 Sweden (47) 10500 United Kingdom (48) 10400 Ukraine (49) 10200 Norway (50) 10000 Iran (51) 10000 Nicaragua (52) 9500 Hong Kong (53) 9100 Czechoslovakia (54) 9000 Jordan (55) 8600 Tunisia (56) 8000 Zambia (57) 7900 Zaire (58) 7200 Kuwait (59) 7000 Korea, North (60) 7000 Angola (61) 6800 Cuba (62) 6000 Kenya (63) 5800 Sri Lanka (64) 5750 Yemen (65) 5400 Panama (66) 5300 Finland (67) 5200 Syria (68) 5200 Tanzania (69) 4900 Cameroon (70) 4900 Mozambique (71) 4700 Dominican Republic (72) 4500 Costa Rica (73) 4500 Congo (74) 4400 Madagascar (75) 4200 Serbia and Montenegro (76) 4200 Uruguay (77) 4200 Burma (78) 3800 Singapore (79) 3800 Jamaica (80) 3500 Libya (81) 3400 Gabon (82) 3300 Bolivia (83) 3100 Oman (84) 3100 Ghana (85) 3000 Iceland (86) 2960 Zimbabwe (87) 2900 Senegal (88) 2800 Cyprus (89) 2800 Honduras (90) 2600 Kazakhstan (91) 2600 Belarus (92) 2600 Croatia (93) 2600 Guatemala (94) 2600 Ethiopia (95) 2600 Guinea (96) 2500 Slovenia (97) 2500 Trinidad and Tobago (98) 2500 Nepal (99) 2300 Afghanistan (100) 2200 Papua New Guinea (101) 2200 Mali (102) 2000 Romania (103) 2000 Uzbekistan (104) 2000 El Salvador (105) 2000 Guyana (106) 1900 Mauritania (107) 1900 Somalia (108) 1900 Uganda (109) 1800 Malawi (110) 1800 Niger (111) 1700 Paraguay (112) 1600 Liberia (113) 1300 Azerbaijan (114) 1300 Togo (115) 1300 Faroe Islands (116) 1200 The Bahamas (117) 1200 French Guiana (118) 1100 Taiwan (119) 1100 Bahrain (120) 1100 Qatar (121) 1100 Laos (122) 1000 Benin (123) 1000 Burundi (124) 962 Burkina (125) 911 Rwanda (126) 900 Lebanon (127) 869 Mauritius (128) 838 Haiti (129) 780 Botswana (130) 701.2 Netherlands Antilles (131) 700 Central African Republic (132) 650 Latvia (133) 650 Lithuania (134) 650 Moldova (135) 650 Armenia (136) 650 Georgia (137) 650 Tajikistan (138) 650 Estonia (139) 650 Turkmenistan (140) 650 Kyrgyzstan (141) 600 Cambodia (142) 572 Sierra Leone (143) 539.9 Barbados (144) 530 Chad (145) 500 Germany (146) 500 Albania (147) 480 Greenland (148) 462 Guinea-Bissau (149) 428 Fiji (150) 370 Lesotho (151) 355 Djibouti (152) 336 The Gambia (153) 318 Gibraltar (154) 290 Swaziland (155) 250 Namibia (156) 250 Antigua and Barbuda (157) 213 Equatorial Guinea (158) 196 Comoros (159) 189 Seychelles (160) 150 Cape Verde (161) 147 Sao Tome and Principe (162) 142 Belize (163) 138 Suriname (164) 131.6 Luxembourg (165) 128 Solomon Islands (166) 100 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (167) 91 Macau (168) 90 Malta (169) 90 Grenada (170) 83 Western Samoa (171) 81 Aruba (172) 80 Bhutan (173) 73 Dominica (174) 70 Maldives (175) 54.5 Saint Lucia (176) 50.9 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (177) 42 Tonga (178) 33.3 Nauru (179) 30 Vanuatu (180) 26.4 Saint Kitts and Nevis (181) 15 Cayman Islands (182) 4.5 British Virgin Islands (183) 2.05 Montserrat (184) 2 Kiribati (185) 1 World (186) 0 Netherlands (187) 0 Brunei (188) 0 Northern Mariana Islands (189) 0 Tokelau (190) Industrial Growth Rate false marked Industrial Growth Rate % showNameProp Industrial Growth Rate % INDGROWl INDGROWh -55 Albania (1) -20 Hungary (2) -19 Georgia (3) -14.7 Bulgaria (4) -12 Guyana (5) -9.6 Armenia (6) -8.6 Finland (7) -8 Macedonia (8) -7 Romania (9) -7 Israel (10) -6.8 Equatorial Guinea (11) -6.4 Cameroon (12) -6 Namibia (13) -6 Ivory Coast (14) -5.4 Germany (15) -5 Philippines (16) -4 British Virgin Islands (17) -4 Libya (18) -4 Poland (19) -3 Algeria (20) -2.7 Barbados (21) -2.4 Greece (22) -2 Jamaica (23) -2 Czechoslovakia (24) -2 Mongolia (25) -2 Italy (26) -1.5 Belarus (27) -1 Guinea-Bissau (28) -0.9 Australia (29) -0.9 United States (30) -0.8 Ecuador (31) -0.8 Canada (32) -0.7 Benin (33) -0.6 Vietnam (34) -0.5 Luxembourg (35) -0.5 Ukraine (36) -0.5 Brazil (37) -0.4 Uruguay (38) -0.3 Lithuania (39) -0.3 Zaire (40) -0.3 Sweden (41) -0.1 Saudi Arabia (42) 0 Kiribati (43) 0 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (44) 0 Maldives (45) 0 Western Samoa (46) 0 Solomon Islands (47) 0 Estonia (48) 0 Tajikistan (49) 0 Moldova (50) 0 Latvia (51) 0 Niger (52) 0 Somalia (53) 0 Gabon (54) 0 Serbia and Montenegro (55) 0 Cuba (56) 0 Zambia (57) 0 United Kingdom (58) 0 Russia (59) 0 Denmark (60) 0.1 Djibouti (61) 0.1 Kyrgyzstan (62) 0.3 Haiti (63) 0.4 Switzerland (64) 0.6 Qatar (65) 0.7 Kazakhstan (66) 0.8 Central African Republic (67) 1 Slovenia (68) 1 Jordan (69) 1 Bangladesh (70) 1 Colombia (71) 1 Peru (72) 1 West Bank (73) 1.2 Rwanda (74) 1.2 Congo (75) 1.2 Belgium (76) 1.2 France (77) 1.5 Liberia (78) 1.7 Netherlands (79) 1.75 Iceland (80) 1.8 Uzbekistan (81) 1.9 New Zealand (82) 2 Yemen (83) 2 Austria (84) 2 Spain (85) 2.1 Japan (86) 2.3 Afghanistan (87) 2.3 Trinidad and Tobago (88) 2.3 Ethiopia (89) 2.3 Costa Rica (90) 2.4 El Salvador (91) 2.4 Papua New Guinea (92) 2.6 Burma (93) 2.9 Honduras (94) 3 World (95) 3 Antigua and Barbuda (96) 3 The Bahamas (97) 3 Kuwait (98) 3 Ireland (99) 3.4 Comoros (100) 3.5 Saint Lucia (101) 3.8 Bahrain (102) 3.8 Azerbaijan (103) 3.8 Puerto Rico (104) 4 Malawi (105) 4 Hong Kong (106) 4 Morocco (107) 4.1 Turkmenistan (108) 4.2 Tanzania (109) 4.4 Mauritania (110) 4.5 Dominica (111) 4.7 Senegal (112) 4.7 Norway (113) 4.9 Togo (114) 5 Zimbabwe (115) 5 Mozambique (116) 5 Tunisia (117) 5.1 Burundi (118) 5.2 Madagascar (119) 5.4 Kenya (120) 5.4 Venezuela (121) 5.5 Mexico (122) 5.6 Cyprus (123) 5.7 Burkina (124) 5.7 Pakistan (125) 5.8 Grenada (126) 5.9 Paraguay (127) 5.9 Chile (128) 6 Nepal (129) 6 Bolivia (130) 6 Syria (131) 6.5 Taiwan (132) 6.7 The Gambia (133) 7 Seychelles (134) 7 Uganda (135) 7.1 Sao Tome and Principe (136) 7.2 Panama (137) 7.2 Nigeria (138) 7.3 Egypt (139) 7.4 Ghana (140) 7.5 Korea, South (141) 7.8 Lesotho (142) 8 Sri Lanka (143) 8.1 Montserrat (144) 8.4 Fiji (145) 8.4 India (146) 9 Singapore (147) 9.1 Portugal (148) 9.7 Belize (149) 10 Oman (150) 10 Turkey (151) 10 Gaza Strip (152) 11 Croatia (153) 11.6 Indonesia (154) 11.8 Saint Kitts and Nevis (155) 12 Laos (156) 12 Virgin Islands (157) 12.9 Brunei (158) 12.9 Chad (159) 12.9 Mauritius (160) 14 Thailand (161) 14 China (162) 15 Tonga (163) 16.8 Botswana (164) 18 Cape Verde (165) 18 Malaysia (166) 19 Malta (167) 19.9 Mali (168) 20 Argentina (169) 20 Argentina (1) 19.9 Mali (2) 19 Malta (3) 18 Malaysia (4) 18 Cape Verde (5) 16.8 Botswana (6) 15 Tonga (7) 14 China (8) 14 Thailand (9) 12.9 Mauritius (10) 12.9 Chad (11) 12.9 Brunei (12) 12 Virgin Islands (13) 12 Laos (14) 11.8 Saint Kitts and Nevis (15) 11.6 Indonesia (16) 11 Croatia (17) 10 Gaza Strip (18) 10 Turkey (19) 10 Oman (20) 9.7 Belize (21) 9.1 Portugal (22) 9 Singapore (23) 8.4 India (24) 8.4 Fiji (25) 8.1 Montserrat (26) 8 Sri Lanka (27) 7.8 Lesotho (28) 7.5 Korea, South (29) 7.4 Ghana (30) 7.3 Egypt (31) 7.2 Nigeria (32) 7.2 Panama (33) 7.1 Sao Tome and Principe (34) 7 Uganda (35) 7 Seychelles (36) 6.7 The Gambia (37) 6.5 Taiwan (38) 6 Syria (39) 6 Bolivia (40) 6 Nepal (41) 5.9 Chile (42) 5.9 Paraguay (43) 5.8 Grenada (44) 5.7 Pakistan (45) 5.7 Burkina (46) 5.6 Cyprus (47) 5.5 Mexico (48) 5.4 Venezuela (49) 5.4 Kenya (50) 5.2 Madagascar (51) 5.1 Burundi (52) 5 Tunisia (53) 5 Mozambique (54) 5 Zimbabwe (55) 4.9 Togo (56) 4.7 Norway (57) 4.7 Senegal (58) 4.5 Dominica (59) 4.4 Mauritania (60) 4.2 Tanzania (61) 4.1 Turkmenistan (62) 4 Morocco (63) 4 Hong Kong (64) 4 Malawi (65) 3.8 Puerto Rico (66) 3.8 Azerbaijan (67) 3.8 Bahrain (68) 3.5 Saint Lucia (69) 3.4 Comoros (70) 3 Ireland (71) 3 Kuwait (72) 3 The Bahamas (73) 3 Antigua and Barbuda (74) 3 World (75) 2.9 Honduras (76) 2.6 Burma (77) 2.4 Papua New Guinea (78) 2.4 El Salvador (79) 2.3 Costa Rica (80) 2.3 Ethiopia (81) 2.3 Trinidad and Tobago (82) 2.3 Afghanistan (83) 2.1 Japan (84) 2 Spain (85) 2 Austria (86) 2 Yemen (87) 1.9 New Zealand (88) 1.8 Uzbekistan (89) 1.75 Iceland (90) 1.7 Netherlands (91) 1.5 Liberia (92) 1.2 France (93) 1.2 Belgium (94) 1.2 Congo (95) 1.2 Rwanda (96) 1 West Bank (97) 1 Peru (98) 1 Colombia (99) 1 Bangladesh (100) 1 Jordan (101) 1 Slovenia (102) 0.8 Central African Republic (103) 0.7 Kazakhstan (104) 0.6 Qatar (105) 0.4 Switzerland (106) 0.3 Haiti (107) 0.1 Kyrgyzstan (108) 0.1 Djibouti (109) 0 Denmark (110) 0 Russia (111) 0 United Kingdom (112) 0 Zambia (113) 0 Cuba (114) 0 Serbia and Montenegro (115) 0 Gabon (116) 0 Somalia (117) 0 Niger (118) 0 Latvia (119) 0 Moldova (120) 0 Tajikistan (121) 0 Estonia (122) 0 Solomon Islands (123) 0 Western Samoa (124) 0 Maldives (125) 0 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (126) 0 Kiribati (127) -0.1 Saudi Arabia (128) -0.3 Sweden (129) -0.3 Zaire (130) -0.3 Lithuania (131) -0.4 Uruguay (132) -0.5 Brazil (133) -0.5 Ukraine (134) -0.5 Luxembourg (135) -0.6 Vietnam (136) -0.7 Benin (137) -0.8 Canada (138) -0.8 Ecuador (139) -0.9 United States (140) -0.9 Australia (141) -1 Guinea-Bissau (142) -1.5 Belarus (143) -2 Italy (144) -2 Mongolia (145) -2 Czechoslovakia (146) -2 Jamaica (147) -2.4 Greece (148) -2.7 Barbados (149) -3 Algeria (150) -4 Poland (151) -4 Libya (152) -4 British Virgin Islands (153) -5 Philippines (154) -5.4 Germany (155) -6 Ivory Coast (156) -6 Namibia (157) -6.4 Cameroon (158) -6.8 Equatorial Guinea (159) -7 Israel (160) -7 Romania (161) -8 Macedonia (162) -8.6 Finland (163) -9.6 Armenia (164) -12 Guyana (165) -14.7 Bulgaria (166) -19 Georgia (167) -20 Hungary (168) -55 Albania (169) Airports false marked Airports showNameProp Airports Airprtsl Airprtsh 0 Pitcairn Islands (1) 0 Macau (2) 0 Liechtenstein (3) 0 Tokelau (4) 0 Howland Island (5) 1 Monaco (6) 1 Tuvalu (7) 1 Nauru (8) 1 Mayotte (9) 1 Gibraltar (10) 1 Norfolk Island (11) 1 Saint Helena (12) 1 Niue (13) 1 Faroe Islands (14) 1 Bermuda (15) 1 Montserrat (16) 1 Man, Isle of (17) 1 Malta (18) 1 Barbados (19) 1 The Gambia (20) 1 Gaza Strip (21) 1 Jersey (22) 1 Wake Island (23) 1 Cocos Islands (24) 1 Christmas Island (25) 1 Johnston Atoll (26) 1 British Indian Ocean Territory (27) 1 Tromelin Island (28) 1 Baker Island (29) 1 Palmyra Atoll (30) 1 Europa Island (31) 1 Juan de Nova Island (32) 1 Glorioso Islands (33) 1 Jan Mayen (34) 1 Paracel Islands (35) 2 Maldives (36) 2 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (37) 2 Wallis and Futuna (38) 2 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (39) 2 Saint Kitts and Nevis (40) 2 Sao Tome and Principe (41) 2 Dominica (42) 2 Saint Lucia (43) 2 Virgin Islands (44) 2 Brunei (45) 2 Bhutan (46) 2 Hong Kong (47) 2 Martinique (48) 2 Reunion (49) 2 Luxembourg (50) 2 Macedonia (51) 2 Bosnia and Herzegovina (52) 2 West Bank (53) 2 Spratly Islands (54) 3 Midway Islands (55) 3 Anguilla (56) 3 British Virgin Islands (57) 3 Cayman Islands (58) 3 Bahrain (59) 3 Antigua and Barbuda (60) 3 Grenada (61) 3 Western Samoa (62) 3 Equatorial Guinea (63) 3 Slovenia (64) 4 American Samoa (65) 4 Comoros (66) 4 Qatar (67) 4 Svalbard (68) 5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (69) 5 Guam (70) 5 Mauritius (71) 5 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (72) 6 Micronesia, Federated States of (73) 6 Cook Islands (74) 6 Tonga (75) 6 Northern Mariana Islands (76) 6 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (77) 6 Benin (78) 6 Burundi (79) 6 Trinidad and Tobago (80) 6 Cape Verde (81) 7 Turks and Caicos Islands (82) 7 Netherlands Antilles (83) 7 Kuwait (84) 8 Rwanda (85) 8 Croatia (86) 9 Guadeloupe (87) 9 Togo (88) 9 Lebanon (89) 10 French Guiana (90) 10 Singapore (91) 10 Ghana (92) 11 Greenland (93) 12 Sierra Leone (94) 12 Albania (95) 13 Djibouti (96) 13 Haiti (97) 13 Western Sahara (98) 14 Seychelles (99) 14 Cyprus (100) 14 Sri Lanka (101) 15 Guinea (102) 16 Bangladesh (103) 16 Cambodia (104) 17 Marshall Islands (105) 19 Jordan (106) 21 Kiribati (107) 23 Swaziland (108) 25 Fiji (109) 25 Senegal (110) 28 Lesotho (111) 28 Mauritania (112) 28 Netherlands (113) 29 New Caledonia (114) 29 Tunisia (115) 29 Niger (116) 30 Puerto Rico (117) 33 Vanuatu (118) 33 Solomon Islands (119) 34 Guinea-Bissau (120) 35 Mali (121) 35 Uganda (122) 36 Dominican Republic (123) 36 Jamaica (124) 36 Ireland (125) 37 United Arab Emirates (126) 37 Nepal (127) 40 Taiwan (128) 41 Afghanistan (129) 41 Antarctica (130) 42 Belgium (131) 43 French Polynesia (132) 44 Belize (133) 45 Ivory Coast (134) 46 Suriname (135) 46 Congo (136) 46 Yemen (137) 48 Malawi (138) 48 Burkina (139) 51 Israel (140) 53 Somalia (141) 54 Guyana (142) 55 Korea, North (143) 55 Austria (144) 56 Cameroon (145) 57 Laos (146) 59 The Bahamas (147) 65 Portugal (148) 66 Liberia (149) 66 Central African Republic (150) 66 Switzerland (151) 70 Gabon (152) 71 Chad (153) 72 Sudan (154) 75 Morocco (155) 76 Nigeria (156) 77 Greece (157) 81 Mongolia (158) 85 Burma (159) 90 Uruguay (160) 90 Hungary (161) 92 Egypt (162) 94 Iceland (163) 100 Botswana (164) 100 Vietnam (165) 103 Norway (166) 104 Syria (167) 104 Tanzania (168) 105 Korea, South (169) 105 Spain (170) 107 El Salvador (171) 109 Turkey (172) 112 Panama (173) 112 Pakistan 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wayzataGoTo 2 false sharedText textHeightProp Terror Group Profiles y) (221) 0 Monaco (222) Groups lastCard leavePage Yemen false marked >' Zimbabwe showNameProp Zimbabwe most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Zimbabwe Geography Total area: 390,580 km2 Land area: 386,670 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Montana Land boundaries: 3,066 km total; Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km, Zambia 797 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: quadripoint with Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia is in disagreement Climate: tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March) Terrain: mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east Natural resources: coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 12%; forest and woodland 62%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare; deforestation; soil erosion; air and water pollution Note: landlocked Zimbabwe People Population: 11,033,376 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 59 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Zimbabwean(s); adjective - Zimbabwean Ethnic divisions: African 98% (Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%); white 1%, mixed and Asian 1% Religions: syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, a few Muslim Languages: English (official); Shona, Sindebele Literacy: 67% (male 74%, female 60%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 3,100,000; agriculture 74%, transport and services 16%, mining, manufacturing, construction 10% (1987) Organized labor: 17% of wage and salary earners have union membership Zimbabwe Government Long-form name: Republic of Zimbabwe Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Harare Administrative divisions: 8 provinces; Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo (Victoria), Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands Independence: 18 April 1980 (from UK; formerly Southern Rhodesia) Constitution: 21 December 1979 Legal system: mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 18 April (1980) Executive branch: executive president, 2 vice presidents, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice President Simon Vengai MUZENDA (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice President Joshua M. NKOMO (since 6 August 1990) Political parties and leaders: Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), Robert MUGABE; Zimbabwe African National Union-Sithole (ZANU-S), Ndabaningi SITHOLE; Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM), Edgar TEKERE; Democratic Party (DP), Emmanuel MAGOCHE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Executive President: last held 28-30 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Robert MUGABE 78.3%, Edgar TEKERE 21.7% Parliament: last held 28-30 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (150 total, 120 elected) ZANU-PF 117, ZUM 2, ZANU-S 1 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Counselor (Political Affairs), Head of Chancery, Ambassador Stanislaus Garikai CHIGWEDERE; Chancery at 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 332-7100 US: Ambassador Edward Gibson LANPHER; Embassy at 172 Herbert Chitapo Avenue, Harare (mailing address is P. O. Box 3340, Harare); telephone [263] (4) 794-521 Zimbabwe Government Flag: seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green with a white equilateral triangle edged in black based on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle Zimbabwe Economy Overview: Agriculture employs three-fourths of the labor force and supplies almost 40% of exports. The manufacturing sector, based on agriculture and mining, produces a variety of goods and contributes 35% to GDP. Mining accounts for only 5% of both GDP and employment, but supplies of minerals and metals account for about 40% of exports. Wide year-to-year fluctuations in agricultural production over the past six years have resulted in an uneven growth rate, one that on average has matched the 3% annual increase in population. Helped by an IMF/World Bank structural adjustment program, output rose 3.5% in 1991. A drought beginning toward the end of 1991 suggests rough going for 1992. exchange rate conversion - $7.1 billion, per capita $660; real growth rate 3.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: at least 30% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $2.7 billion; expenditures $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $330 million (FY91) Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: agricultural 35% (tobacco 20%, other 15%), manufactures 20%, gold 10%, ferrochrome 10%, cotton 5% partners: Europe 55% (EC 40%, Netherlands 5%, other 15%), Africa 20% (South Africa 10%, other 10%), US 5% Imports: $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 37%, other manufactures 22%, chemicals 16%, fuels 15% partners: EC 31%, Africa 29% (South Africa 21%, other 8%), US 8%, Japan 4% External debt: $2.96 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1991 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP Electricity: 3,650,000 kW capacity; 7,500 million kWh produced, 700 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining, steel, clothing and footwear, chemicals, foodstuffs, fertilizer, beverage, transportation equipment, wood products Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP and employs 74% of population; 40% of land area divided into 4,500 large commercial farms and 42% in communal lands; crops - corn (food staple), cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $389 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.6 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $36 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $134 million Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Zimbabwean dollar (Z$) = 100 cents Zimbabwe Economy Exchange rates: Zimbabwean dollars (Z$) per US$1 - 4.3066 (March 1992), 3.4282 (1991), 2.4480 (1990), 2.1133 (1989), 1.8018 (1988), 1.6611 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Zimbabwe Communications Railroads: 2,745 km 1.067-meter gauge; 42 km double track; 355 km electrified Highways: 85,237 km total; 15,800 km paved, 39,090 km crushed stone, gravel, stabilized soil: 23,097 km improved earth; 7,250 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: Lake Kariba is a potential line of communication Pipelines: petroleum products 8 km Civil air: 12 major transport aircraft Airports: 491 total, 401 usable; 22 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 32 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: system was once one of the best in Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance; consists of microwave links, open-wire lines, and radio communications stations; 247,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 18 FM, 8 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Zimbabwe Defense Forces Branches: Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Police (including Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police), People's Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,355,965; 1,456,829 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $412.4 million, about 6% of GDP (FY91 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ZIMBABWE - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required. Visitors must declare currency upon arrival. For regulations check with Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/332-7100). ZIMBABWE - CAUTION April 17, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens visiting Zimbabwe to exercise caution when traveling near Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique. Use of public transportation is not recommended. Zimbabwe enforces stringent regulations regarding photography, onward tickets, and currency possession. Visitors should be aware that a severe drought has affected the availability of basic foodstuffs in most urban centers. End Summary. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution along Zimbabwe's eastern border with Mozambique. This region has been subject to incursions by armed bands from Mozambique, although no incursions have been reported since 1990. The main tourist areas from Inyanga to Vumba have not been affected, but tourists should consult local authorities before traveling beyond these main tourist areas or taking off-road excursions anywhere near the eastern border. The Gonarezhou National Park in southeast Zimbabwe remains closed to all visitors due to these security problems. Travelers should expect to encounter police and military roadblocks in some regions of the country. Muggings, purse snatchings, and break-ins continue to be a problem in Harare and Bulawayo. Visitors should be particularly careful in downtown Harare, and should avoid shops and supermarkets where groups of people are awaiting the delivery of basic foodstuffs. Be aware that Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing certain locations and buildings, particularly government offices, military installations, official residences, and embassies. Visitors are strongly advised to ask police permission before taking pictures. Avoid using the local public transportation system. There have been several fatal bus accidents resulting from overloading of buses, inadequate maintenance, unskilled drivers, and occasional cases of drivers operating buses while intoxicated. Be aware that there have been several incidents in which there were long delays before authorities notified the U.S. Embassy of the arrest or detention of Americans. U.S. officials have protested strongly, and while there has been some improvement, there are still no guarantees that Americans detained for any reason by Zimbabwean police will have early access to U.S. consular officials. The current southern African drought has seriously affected the availability of some basic foodstuffs for the general population. Although there has not yet been any reported shortage of food at hotels or other tourist destinations, there have been disturbances in parts of Zimbabwe at shops that have run out of staples such as corn meal, cooking oil, butter and sugar. Electric power outages are expected from the drought. Although no visa is required to enter Zimbabwe, immigration authorities require the following: (A) a firm itinerary, (B) sufficient funds to support the visit, and (C) a return ticket to the United States. Onward tickets to non-U.S. destinations will often not suffice, and if these requirements are not met, immigration authorities can order departure by the next available flight. Currency transactions are strictly regulated. Tourists must declare to Zimbabwe customs all currency and travelers checks with which they enter the country. Failure to declare can mean confiscation and a fine. U.S. citizens traveling to Zimbabwe are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy upon arrival to register their presence and to obtain an update on local conditions. The Embassy is located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare. The Telephone is 794-521. In emergency situations, an Embassy duty officer can be contacted through the Marine Security Guard on duty in the Chancery. No. 92-084 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated November 25, 1991, to advise of drought-related problems and to reinstate the reference to the closure of Gonarezhou National Park. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... ZIMBABWE Taiwan false marked Taiwan showNameProp Taiwan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Taiwan Geography Total area: 35,980 km2 Land area: 32,260 km2; includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,448 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and Taiwan Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year Terrain: eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west Natural resources: small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 55%; other 15%; irrigated 14% Environment: subject to earthquakes and typhoons Taiwan People Population: 20,878,556 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chinese (singular and plural); adjective - Chinese Ethnic divisions: Taiwanese 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2% Religions: mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5% Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official); Taiwanese (Miu) and Hakka dialects also used Literacy: 91.2% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990) Labor force: 7,900,000; industry and commerce 53%, services 22%, agriculture 15.6%, civil administration 7% (1989) Organized labor: 2,728,000 or about 44% (1991) Taiwan Government Long-form name: none Type: multiparty democratic regime; opposition political parties legalized in March, 1989 Capital: Taipei Administrative divisions: the authorities in Taipei claim to be the government of all China; in keeping with that claim, the central administrative divisions include 2 provinces (sheng, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural) - Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province including Quemoy and Matsu), Kao-hsiung*, T'ai-pei*, and Taiwan (the island of Taiwan and the Pescadores islands); the more commonly referenced administrative divisions are those of Taiwan Province - 16 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and plural); Chang-hua, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*, Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*, Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*, T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and Yun-lin; the provincial capital is at Chung-hsing-hsin-ts'un; note - Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanization Constitution: 25 December 1947, presently undergoing revision Legal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: National Day (Anniversary of the Revolution), 10 October (1911) Executive branch: president, vice president, premier of the Executive Yuan, vice premier of the Executive Yuan, Executive Yuan Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Yuan, unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: Judicial Yuan Leaders: Chief of State: President LI Teng-hui (since 13 January 1988); Vice President LI Yuan-zu (since 20 May 1990) Head of Government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) HAO Po-ts'un (since 2 May 1990); Vice Premier (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) SHIH Ch'i-yang (since NA July 1988) Political parties and leaders: Kuomintang (Nationalist Party), LI Teng-hui, chairman; Democratic Socialist Party and Young China Party controlled by Kuomintang; Democratic Progressive Party (DPP); Labor Party; 27 other minor parties Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: President: last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - President LI Teng-hui was reelected by the National Assembly Vice President: last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - LI Yuan-zu was elected by the National Assembly Taiwan Government Legislative Yuan: last held 2 December 1989 (next to be held NA December 1992); results - KMT 65%, DPP 33%, independents 2%; seats - (304 total, 102 elected) KMT 78, DPP 21, independents 3 Elections: National Assembly: first National Assembly elected in November 1947 with a supplementary election in December 1986; second National Assembly elected in December 1991 Member of: expelled from UN General Assembly and Security Council on 25 October 1971 and withdrew on same date from other charter-designated subsidiary organs; expelled from IMF/World Bank group April/May 1980; seeking to join GATT; attempting to retain membership in INTELSAT; suspended from IAEA in 1972, but still allows IAEA controls over extensive atomic development; APEC, AsDB, ICC, ICFTU, IOC Diplomatic representation: none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of the US are maintained through a private instrumentality, the Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA) with headquarters in Taipei and field offices in Washington and 10 other US cities with all addresses and telephone numbers NA US: unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of Taiwan are maintained through a private institution, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which has offices in Taipei at #7, Lane 134, Hsiu Yi Road, Section 3, telephone [886] (2) 709-2000, and in Kao-hsiung at #2 Chung Cheng 3d Road, telephone [886] (7) 224-0154 through 0157, and the American Trade Center at Room 3207 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333 Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei 10548, telephone [886] (2) 720-1550 Flag: red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays Taiwan Economy Overview: Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with considerable government guidance of investment and foreign trade and partial government ownership of some large banks and industrial firms. Real growth in GNP has averaged about 9% a year during the past three decades. Export growth has been even faster and has provided the impetus for industrialization. Agriculture contributes about 4% to GNP, down from 35% in 1952. Taiwan currently ranks as number 13 among major trading countries. Traditional labor-intensive industries are steadily being replaced with more capital- and technology-intensive industries. Taiwan has become a major investor in China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The tightening of labor markets has led to an influx of foreign workers, both legal and illegal. purchasing power equivalent - $150.8 billion, per capita $7,380; real growth rate 5.2% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.1% (1990); 3.8% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 1.7% (1990); 1.5% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $30.3 billion; expenditures $30.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91 est.) Exports: $67.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: electrical machinery 18.2%, textiles 15.6%, general machinery and equipment 14.8%, basic metals and metal products 7.8%, foodstuffs 1.7%, plywood and wood products 1.6% (1989) partners: US 36.2%, Japan 13.7% (1989) Imports: $54.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 15.3%, basic metals 13.0%, chemical and chemical products 11.1%, crude oil 5%, foodstuffs 2.2% (1989) partners: Japan 31%, US 23%, FRG 5% (1989) External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6.5% (1991 est.) Electricity: 17,000,000 kW capacity; 76,900 million kWh produced, 3,722 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: electronics, textiles, chemicals, clothing, food processing, plywood, sugar milling, cement, shipbuilding, petroleum Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GNP and 16% of labor force (includes part-time farmers); heavily subsidized sector; major crops - vegetables, rice, fruit, tea; livestock - hogs, poultry, beef, milk, cattle; not self-sufficient in wheat, soybeans, corn; fish catch increasing, 1.4 million metric tons (1988) Economic aid: US, including Ex-Im (FY46-82), $4.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 million Currency: New Taiwan dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Taiwan dollar (NT$) = 100 cents Taiwan Economy Exchange rates: New Taiwan dollars per US$1 - 25.000 (February 1992), 25.748 (1991), 27.108 (1990), 26.407 (1989) 28.589 (1988), 31.845 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Taiwan Communications Railroads: about 4,600 km total track with 1,075 km common carrier lines and 3,525 km industrial lines; common carrier lines consist of the 1.067-meter gauge 708 km West Line and the 367 km East Line; a 98.25 km South Link Line connection was completed in late 1991; common carrier lines owned by the government and operated by the Railway Administration under Ministry of Communications; industrial lines owned and operated by government enterprises Highways: 20,041 km total; 17,095 km bituminous or concrete pavement, 2,371 km crushed stone or gravel, 575 km graded earth Pipelines: petroleum products 615 km, natural gas 97 km Ports: Kao-hsiung, Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Su-ao, T'ai-tung Merchant marine: 213 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,491,539 GRT/9,082,118 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 42 cargo, 15 refrigerated cargo, 73 container, 17 petroleum tanker, 3 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 58 bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 2 combination bulk Airports: 40 total, 39 usable; 36 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 16 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: best developed system in Asia outside of Japan; 7,800,000 telephones; extensive microwave transmission links on east and west coasts; broadcast stations - 91 AM, 23 FM, 15 TV (13 repeaters); 8,620,000 radios; 6,386,000 TVs (5,680,000 color, 706,000 monochrome); satellite earth stations - 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; submarine cable links to Japan (Okinawa), the Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe Taiwan Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, Taiwan General Garrison Headquarters, Ministry of National Defense Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,982,717; 4,652,586 fit for military service; about 180,706 currently reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9.16 billion, 4.5% of GNP (FY92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TAIWAN - Passport and visa required. Visas for stay up to 2 months, no charge, requires 1 application form and 2 photos. AIDS test mandatory for anyone staying over 3 months; U.S. test sometimes accepted. For business travel or other information contact Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA), 4201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016-2137 (202/895-1800). Additional offices are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. Taiwan - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: Unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan are conducted through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) whose offices are authorized by law to perform American citizen services. For assistance, U.S. citizen travelers can contact the American Institute at #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road Section 3 Taipei, Taiwan - telephone: (886-2) 709-2000. In case of emergencies after working hours, the duty officer can be contacted at (886-2) 709-2013. There is an AIT branch office in Kaohsiung at 2, Chung Cheng 3rd Road, 5th Floor - telephone: (886-7) 224-0154. Country Description: Taiwan is completing the transition toward democracy and has a strong and well-developed economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas for stays of up to two months are issued without charge. For specific visa information, travelers can contact the Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA), 4201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016-2137 - telephone: (202) 895-1800. CCNAA also has several subordinate offices in other large U.S. cities. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in Taiwan are fully adequate for routine medical treatment. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The overall crime rate on Taiwan is low. Residential burglaries and thefts are the predominant types of crimes which affect foreigners, but other more serious street crimes do occasionally occur. Some foreign businesses have also been the victims of criminal extortion attempts. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or large fines. Registration: Americans who register at the American Institute in Taiwan can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-115 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TAIWAN 4lastCard leaveCountry() startCountry(); dobackup -- card that called -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. 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(result ("YES" ShowButtonsovermap 4onCountryPage j ap") P-- redraw ]Coutries ShowTextovermap WayzataWorldFactbookHelp AboutWayzataWorldFactbook aboutText 1993 Edition" & CRLF & " HJames Wick Dave Jackson."\ (Copyright 1993 Technology, Inc." & RData compiled Hthe Central Intelligence Agency The State Department." & you publishing your tdatabase on CD-ROM."\ 1-800-735-7321 (218) 326-0597" Raf 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer cape begin" ID 2 "Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories" showPhotos num 4s_bmpHandle photofnames currentPage U" = 8"photos.tbk" World Factbook 1993 Edition Photos Page id 420 World Factbook 1993 Edition Photos Page id 420 Regions Regional Maps (Click in left corner to close) Page id 420 Page id 420 Highest to Lowest showNameProp Highest to Lowest Total Area false marked Total Area (Km2) showNameProp Total Area (Km2) AREAl AREAh 0.4 Holy See (Vatican City) (1) 1 Baker Island (2) 1 Kingman Reef (3) 1 Tromelin Island (4) 2 Howland Island (5) 2 Monaco (6) 3 Coral Sea Islands (7) 3 Johnston Atoll (8) 4 Juan de Nova Island (9) 5 Ashmore and Cartier Islands (10) 5 Glorioso Islands (11) 5 Jarvis Island (12) 5 Midway Islands (13) 5 Navassa Island (14) 7 Clipperton Island (15) 7 Gibraltar (16) 7 Wake Island (17) 10 Tokelau (18) 12 Palmyra Atoll (19) 14 Cocos Islands (20) 16 Macau (21) 21 Nauru (22) 26 Tuvalu (23) 28 Europa Island (24) 35 Norfolk Island (25) 47 Pitcairn Islands (26) 50 Bermuda (27) 58 Bouvet Island (28) 60 British Indian Ocean Territory (29) 60 San Marino (30) 91 Anguilla (31) 100 Montserrat (32) 117 Jersey (33) 135 Christmas Island (34) 150 British Virgin Islands (35) 160 Liechtenstein (36) 181 Marshall Islands (37) 193 Aruba (38) 194 Guernsey (39) 199 American Samoa (40) 240 Cook Islands (41) 242 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (42) 260 Cayman Islands (43) 260 Niue (44) 269 Saint Kitts and Nevis (45) 274 Wallis and Futuna (46) 300 Maldives (47) 320 Malta (48) 340 Grenada (49) 340 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (50) 352 Virgin Islands (51) 373 Jan Mayen (52) 375 Mayotte (53) 380 Gaza Strip (54) 410 Saint Helena (55) 412 Heard Island and McDonald Islands (56) 430 Barbados (57) 430 Turks and Caicos Islands (58) 440 Antigua and Barbuda (59) 450 Andorra (60) 455 Seychelles (61) 458 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (62) 477 Northern Mariana Islands (63) 541 Guam (64) 588 Man, Isle of (65) 620 Bahrain (66) 620 Saint Lucia (67) 633 Singapore (68) 702 Micronesia, Federated States of (69) 717 Kiribati (70) 748 Tonga (71) 750 Dominica (72) 960 Netherlands Antilles (73) 960 Sao Tome and Principe (74) 1040 Hong Kong (75) 1100 Martinique (76) 1400 Faroe Islands (77) 1780 Guadeloupe (78) 1860 Mauritius (79) 2170 Comoros (80) 2510 Reunion (81) 2586 Luxembourg (82) 2860 Western Samoa (83) 3941 French Polynesia (84) 4030 Cape Verde (85) 4066 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (86) 5130 Trinidad and Tobago (87) 5770 Brunei (88) 5860 West Bank (89) 7781 French Southern and Antarctic Lands (90) 9104 Puerto Rico (91) 9250 Cyprus (92) 10400 Lebanon (93) 10990 Jamaica (94) 11000 Qatar (95) 11300 The Gambia (96) 12170 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (97) 13940 The Bahamas (98) 14760 Vanuatu (99) 17360 Swaziland (100) 17820 Kuwait (101) 18270 Fiji (102) 19060 New Caledonia (103) 20296 Slovenia (104) 20770 Israel (105) 21040 El Salvador (106) 22000 Djibouti (107) 22960 Belize (108) 25333 Macedonia (109) 26340 Rwanda (110) 27750 Haiti (111) 27830 Burundi (112) 28050 Equatorial Guinea (113) 28450 Solomon Islands (114) 28750 Albania (115) 29800 Armenia (116) 30350 Lesotho (117) 30510 Belgium (118) 33700 Moldova (119) 35980 Taiwan (120) 36120 Guinea-Bissau (121) 37330 Netherlands (122) 41290 Switzerland (123) 43070 Denmark (124) 45100 Estonia (125) 47000 Bhutan (126) 48730 Dominican Republic (127) 51100 Costa Rica (128) 51233 Bosnia and Herzegovina (129) 56538 Croatia (130) 56790 Togo (131) 62049 Svalbard (132) 64100 Latvia (133) 65200 Lithuania (134) 65610 Sri Lanka (135) 69700 Georgia (136) 70280 Ireland (137) 71740 Sierra Leone (138) 78200 Panama (139) 83600 United Arab Emirates (140) 83850 Austria (141) 86600 Azerbaijan (142) 91000 French Guiana (143) 91880 Jordan (144) 92080 Portugal (145) 93030 Hungary (146) 98480 Korea, South (147) 102350 Serbia and Montenegro (148) 103000 Iceland (149) 108890 Guatemala (150) 110860 Cuba (151) 110910 Bulgaria (152) 111370 Liberia (153) 112090 Honduras (154) 112620 Benin (155) 118480 Malawi (156) 120540 Korea, North (157) 127870 Czechoslovakia (158) 129494 Nicaragua (159) 131940 Greece (160) 140800 Nepal (161) 143100 Tajikistan (162) 144000 Bangladesh (163) 163270 Suriname (164) 163610 Tunisia (165) 176220 Uruguay (166) 181040 Cambodia (167) 185180 Syria (168) 196190 Senegal (169) 198500 Kyrgyzstan (170) 207600 Belarus (171) 212460 Oman (172) 214970 Guyana (173) 236040 Uganda (174) 236800 Laos (175) 237500 Romania (176) 238540 Ghana (177) 244820 United Kingdom (178) 245860 Guinea (179) 266000 Western Sahara (180) 267670 Gabon (181) 268680 New Zealand (182) 274200 Burkina (183) 283560 Ecuador (184) 300000 Philippines (185) 301230 Italy (186) 312680 Poland (187) 322460 Ivory Coast (188) 324220 Norway (189) 329560 Vietnam (190) 329750 Malaysia (191) 337030 Finland (192) 342000 Congo (193) 356910 Germany (194) 377835 Japan (195) 390580 Zimbabwe (196) 406750 Paraguay (197) 436245 Iraq (198) 446550 Morocco (199) 447400 Uzbekistan (200) 449964 Sweden (201) 461690 Papua New Guinea (202) 475440 Cameroon (203) 488100 Turkmenistan (204) 504750 Spain (205) 514000 Thailand (206) 527970 Yemen (207) 547030 France (208) 582650 Kenya (209) 587040 Madagascar (210) 600370 Botswana (211) 603700 Ukraine (212) 622980 Central African Republic (213) 637660 Somalia (214) 647500 Afghanistan (215) 678500 Burma (216) 752610 Zambia (217) 756950 Chile (218) 780580 Turkey (219) 801590 Mozambique (220) 803940 Pakistan (221) 824290 Namibia (222) 912050 Venezuela (223) 923770 Nigeria (224) 945090 Tanzania (225) 1001450 Egypt (226) 1030700 Mauritania (227) 1098580 Bolivia (228) 1138910 Colombia (229) 1221040 South Africa (230) 1221900 Ethiopia (231) 1240000 Mali (232) 1246700 Angola (233) 1267000 Niger (234) 1284000 Chad (235) 1285220 Peru (236) 1565000 Mongolia (237) 1648000 Iran (238) 1759540 Libya (239) 1919440 Indonesia (240) 1945000 Saudi Arabia (241) 1972550 Mexico (242) 2175600 Greenland (243) 2345410 Zaire (244) 2381740 Algeria (245) 2505810 Sudan (246) 2717300 Kazakhstan (247) 2766890 Argentina (248) 3287590 India (249) 7686850 Australia (250) 8511965 Brazil (251) 9372610 United States (252) 9596960 China (253) 9976140 Canada (254) 14000000 Antarctica (255) 17075200 Russia (256) 17075200 Russia (1) 14000000 Antarctica (2) 9976140 Canada (3) 9596960 China (4) 9372610 United States (5) 8511965 Brazil (6) 7686850 Australia (7) 3287590 India (8) 2766890 Argentina (9) 2717300 Kazakhstan (10) 2505810 Sudan (11) 2381740 Algeria (12) 2345410 Zaire (13) 2175600 Greenland (14) 1972550 Mexico (15) 1945000 Saudi Arabia (16) 1919440 Indonesia (17) 1759540 Libya (18) 1648000 Iran (19) 1565000 Mongolia (20) 1285220 Peru (21) 1284000 Chad (22) 1267000 Niger (23) 1246700 Angola (24) 1240000 Mali (25) 1221900 Ethiopia (26) 1221040 South Africa (27) 1138910 Colombia (28) 1098580 Bolivia (29) 1030700 Mauritania (30) 1001450 Egypt (31) 945090 Tanzania (32) 923770 Nigeria (33) 912050 Venezuela (34) 824290 Namibia (35) 803940 Pakistan (36) 801590 Mozambique (37) 780580 Turkey (38) 756950 Chile (39) 752610 Zambia (40) 678500 Burma (41) 647500 Afghanistan (42) 637660 Somalia (43) 622980 Central African Republic (44) 603700 Ukraine (45) 600370 Botswana (46) 587040 Madagascar (47) 582650 Kenya (48) 547030 France (49) 527970 Yemen (50) 514000 Thailand (51) 504750 Spain (52) 488100 Turkmenistan (53) 475440 Cameroon (54) 461690 Papua New Guinea (55) 449964 Sweden (56) 447400 Uzbekistan (57) 446550 Morocco (58) 436245 Iraq (59) 406750 Paraguay (60) 390580 Zimbabwe (61) 377835 Japan (62) 356910 Germany (63) 342000 Congo (64) 337030 Finland (65) 329750 Malaysia (66) 329560 Vietnam (67) 324220 Norway (68) 322460 Ivory Coast (69) 312680 Poland (70) 301230 Italy (71) 300000 Philippines (72) 283560 Ecuador (73) 274200 Burkina (74) 268680 New Zealand (75) 267670 Gabon (76) 266000 Western Sahara (77) 245860 Guinea (78) 244820 United Kingdom (79) 238540 Ghana (80) 237500 Romania (81) 236800 Laos (82) 236040 Uganda (83) 214970 Guyana (84) 212460 Oman (85) 207600 Belarus (86) 198500 Kyrgyzstan (87) 196190 Senegal (88) 185180 Syria (89) 181040 Cambodia (90) 176220 Uruguay (91) 163610 Tunisia (92) 163270 Suriname (93) 144000 Bangladesh (94) 143100 Tajikistan (95) 140800 Nepal (96) 131940 Greece (97) 129494 Nicaragua (98) 127870 Czechoslovakia (99) 120540 Korea, North (100) 118480 Malawi (101) 112620 Benin (102) 112090 Honduras (103) 111370 Liberia (104) 110910 Bulgaria (105) 110860 Cuba (106) 108890 Guatemala (107) 103000 Iceland (108) 102350 Serbia and Montenegro (109) 98480 Korea, South (110) 93030 Hungary (111) 92080 Portugal (112) 91880 Jordan (113) 91000 French Guiana (114) 86600 Azerbaijan (115) 83850 Austria (116) 83600 United Arab Emirates (117) 78200 Panama (118) 71740 Sierra Leone (119) 70280 Ireland (120) 69700 Georgia (121) 65610 Sri Lanka (122) 65200 Lithuania (123) 64100 Latvia (124) 62049 Svalbard (125) 56790 Togo (126) 56538 Croatia (127) 51233 Bosnia and Herzegovina (128) 51100 Costa Rica (129) 48730 Dominican Republic (130) 47000 Bhutan (131) 45100 Estonia (132) 43070 Denmark (133) 41290 Switzerland (134) 37330 Netherlands (135) 36120 Guinea-Bissau (136) 35980 Taiwan (137) 33700 Moldova (138) 30510 Belgium (139) 30350 Lesotho (140) 29800 Armenia (141) 28750 Albania (142) 28450 Solomon Islands (143) 28050 Equatorial Guinea (144) 27830 Burundi (145) 27750 Haiti (146) 26340 Rwanda (147) 25333 Macedonia (148) 22960 Belize (149) 22000 Djibouti (150) 21040 El Salvador (151) 20770 Israel (152) 20296 Slovenia (153) 19060 New Caledonia (154) 18270 Fiji (155) 17820 Kuwait (156) 17360 Swaziland (157) 14760 Vanuatu (158) 13940 The Bahamas (159) 12170 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (160) 11300 The Gambia (161) 11000 Qatar (162) 10990 Jamaica (163) 10400 Lebanon (164) 9250 Cyprus (165) 9104 Puerto Rico (166) 7781 French Southern and Antarctic Lands (167) 5860 West Bank (168) 5770 Brunei (169) 5130 Trinidad and Tobago (170) 4066 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (171) 4030 Cape Verde (172) 3941 French Polynesia (173) 2860 Western Samoa (174) 2586 Luxembourg (175) 2510 Reunion (176) 2170 Comoros (177) 1860 Mauritius (178) 1780 Guadeloupe (179) 1400 Faroe Islands (180) 1100 Martinique (181) 1040 Hong Kong (182) 960 Sao Tome and Principe (183) 960 Netherlands Antilles (184) 750 Dominica (185) 748 Tonga (186) 717 Kiribati (187) 702 Micronesia, Federated States of (188) 633 Singapore (189) 620 Saint Lucia (190) 620 Bahrain (191) 588 Man, Isle of (192) 541 Guam (193) 477 Northern Mariana Islands (194) 458 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (195) 455 Seychelles (196) 450 Andorra (197) 440 Antigua and Barbuda (198) 430 Turks and Caicos Islands (199) 430 Barbados (200) 412 Heard Island and McDonald Islands (201) 410 Saint Helena (202) 380 Gaza Strip (203) 375 Mayotte (204) 373 Jan Mayen (205) 352 Virgin Islands (206) 340 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (207) 340 Grenada (208) 320 Malta (209) 300 Maldives (210) 274 Wallis and Futuna (211) 269 Saint Kitts and Nevis (212) 260 Niue (213) 260 Cayman Islands (214) 242 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (215) 240 Cook Islands (216) 199 American Samoa (217) 194 Guernsey (218) 193 Aruba (219) 181 Marshall Islands (220) 160 Liechtenstein (221) 150 British Virgin Islands (222) 135 Christmas Island (223) 117 Jersey (224) 100 Montserrat (225) 91 Anguilla (226) 60 San Marino (227) 60 British Indian Ocean Territory (228) 58 Bouvet Island (229) 50 Bermuda (230) 47 Pitcairn Islands (231) 35 Norfolk Island (232) 28 Europa Island (233) 26 Tuvalu (234) 21 Nauru (235) 16 Macau (236) 14 Cocos Islands (237) 12 Palmyra Atoll (238) 10 Tokelau (239) 7 Wake Island (240) 7 Gibraltar (241) 7 Clipperton Island (242) 5 Navassa Island (243) 5 Midway Islands (244) 5 Jarvis Island (245) 5 Glorioso Islands (246) 5 Ashmore and Cartier Islands (247) 4 Juan de Nova Island (248) 3 Johnston Atoll (249) 3 Coral Sea Islands (250) 2 Monaco (251) 2 Howland Island (252) 1 Tromelin Island (253) 1 Kingman Reef (254) 1 Baker Island (255) 0.4 Holy See (Vatican City) (256) Statistics Coast Line false marked Coast Line (Km) showNameProp Coast Line (Km) COASTLh COASTLh 0 Holy See (Vatican City) (1) 0 San Marino (2) 0 Liechtenstein (3) 0 Andorra (4) 0 Luxembourg (5) 0 West Bank (6) 0 Swaziland (7) 0 Macedonia (8) 0 Rwanda (9) 0 Burundi (10) 0 Armenia (11) 0 Lesotho (12) 0 Moldova (13) 0 Switzerland (14) 0 Bhutan (15) 0 Austria (16) 0 Azerbaijan (17) 0 Hungary (18) 0 Malawi (19) 0 Czechoslovakia (20) 0 Nepal (21) 0 Tajikistan (22) 0 Kyrgyzstan (23) 0 Belarus (24) 0 Uganda (25) 0 Laos (26) 0 Burkina (27) 0 Zimbabwe (28) 0 Paraguay (29) 0 Uzbekistan (30) 0 Turkmenistan (31) 0 Botswana (32) 0 Central African Republic (33) 0 Afghanistan (34) 0 Zambia (35) 0 Bolivia (36) 0 Mali (37) 0 Niger (38) 0 Chad (39) 0 Mongolia (40) 0 Kazakhstan (41) 3 Kingman Reef (42) 3 Cocos Islands (43) 4 Tromelin Island (44) 4 Monaco (45) 5 Baker Island (46) 6 Howland Island (47) 8 Jarvis Island (48) 8 Navassa Island (49) 10 Johnston Atoll (50) 11 Clipperton Island (51) 12 Gibraltar (52) 15 Midway Islands (53) 15 Palmyra Atoll (54) 19 Wake Island (55) 20 Bosnia and Herzegovina (56) 22 Europa Island (57) 24 Juan de Nova Island (58) 24 Tuvalu (59) 26 Jordan (60) 30 Nauru (61) 30 Bouvet Island (62) 32 Norfolk Island (63) 32 Slovenia (64) 35 Glorioso Islands (65) 35 Bassas da India (66) 37 Zaire (67) 40 Macau (68) 40 Montserrat (69) 40 Gaza Strip (70) 50 Guernsey (71) 51 Pitcairn Islands (72) 56 Togo (73) 58 Iraq (74) 60 Saint Helena (75) 61 Anguilla (76) 64 Niue (77) 64 Belgium (78) 69 Aruba (79) 70 Jersey (80) 74 Ashmore and Cartier Islands (81) 80 British Virgin Islands (82) 80 The Gambia (83) 84 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (84) 97 Barbados (85) 101 Tokelau (86) 102 Heard Island and McDonald Islands (87) 103 Bermuda (88) 108 Lithuania (89) 113 Man, Isle of (90) 116 American Samoa (91) 120 Cook Islands (92) 120 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (93) 121 Grenada (94) 121 Benin (95) 124 Jan Mayen (96) 126 Guam (97) 129 Wallis and Futuna (98) 135 Saint Kitts and Nevis (99) 139 Christmas Island (100) 140 Malta (101) 148 Dominica (102) 153 Antigua and Barbuda (103) 158 Saint Lucia (104) 160 Cayman Islands (105) 161 Bahrain (106) 161 Brunei (107) 169 Congo (108) 177 Mauritius (109) 185 Mayotte (110) 188 Virgin Islands (111) 193 Singapore (112) 193 Syria (113) 199 Serbia and Montenegro (114) 201 Reunion (115) 209 Sao Tome and Principe (116) 225 Lebanon (117) 225 Romania (118) 273 Israel (119) 290 Martinique (120) 296 Equatorial Guinea (121) 306 Guadeloupe (122) 307 El Salvador (123) 310 Georgia (124) 314 Djibouti (125) 320 Guinea (126) 340 Comoros (127) 350 Guinea-Bissau (128) 354 Bulgaria (129) 362 Trinidad and Tobago (130) 362 Albania (131) 364 Netherlands Antilles (132) 370 Marshall Islands (133) 378 French Guiana (134) 386 Belize (135) 386 Suriname (136) 389 Turks and Caicos Islands (137) 400 Guatemala (138) 402 Sierra Leone (139) 402 Cameroon (140) 403 Western Samoa (141) 419 Tonga (142) 443 Cambodia (143) 451 Netherlands (144) 459 Guyana (145) 491 Seychelles (146) 491 Poland (147) 499 Kuwait (148) 501 Puerto Rico (149) 515 Ivory Coast (150) 518 Paracel Islands (151) 531 Latvia (152) 531 Senegal (153) 536 Kenya (154) 539 Ghana (155) 563 Qatar (156) 579 Liberia (157) 580 Bangladesh (158) 644 Maldives (159) 648 Cyprus (160) 660 Uruguay (161) 698 British Indian Ocean Territory (162) 733 Hong Kong (163) 754 Mauritania (164) 764 Faroe Islands (165) 820 Honduras (166) 853 Nigeria (167) 853 Sudan (168) 885 Gabon (169) 910 Nicaragua (170) 926 Spratly Islands (171) 965 Cape Verde (172) 998 Algeria (173) 1022 Jamaica (174) 1046 Pakistan (175) 1094 Ethiopia (176) 1110 Western Sahara (177) 1126 Finland (178) 1129 Fiji (179) 1143 Kiribati (180) 1148 Tunisia (181) 1232 French Southern and Antarctic Lands (182) 1288 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (183) 1288 Dominican Republic (184) 1290 Costa Rica (185) 1340 Sri Lanka (186) 1393 Estonia (187) 1424 Tanzania (188) 1448 Taiwan (189) 1448 Ireland (190) 1448 United Arab Emirates (191) 1482 Northern Mariana Islands (192) 1489 Namibia (193) 1519 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (194) 1600 Angola (195) 1770 Libya (196) 1771 Haiti (197) 1793 Portugal (198) 1835 Morocco (199) 1906 Yemen (200) 1930 Burma (201) 2092 Oman (202) 2237 Ecuador (203) 2254 New Caledonia (204) 2389 Germany (205) 2413 Korea, South (206) 2414 Peru (207) 2440 Iran (208) 2450 Egypt (209) 2470 Mozambique (210) 2490 Panama (211) 2495 Korea, North (212) 2510 Saudi Arabia (213) 2525 French Polynesia (214) 2528 Vanuatu (215) 2782 Ukraine (216) 2800 Venezuela (217) 2881 South Africa (218) 3025 Somalia (219) 3095 Coral Sea Islands (220) 3208 Colombia (221) 3218 Sweden (222) 3219 Thailand (223) 3379 Denmark (224) 3427 France (225) 3444 Vietnam (226) 3542 The Bahamas (227) 3587 Svalbard (228) 3735 Cuba (229) 4675 Malaysia (230) 4828 Madagascar (231) 4964 Spain (232) 4988 Iceland (233) 4989 Argentina (234) 4996 Italy (235) 5152 Papua New Guinea (236) 5313 Solomon Islands (237) 5790 Croatia (238) 6112 Micronesia, Federated States of (239) 6435 Chile (240) 7000 India (241) 7200 Turkey (242) 7491 Brazil (243) 9330 Mexico (244) 12429 United Kingdom (245) 13676 Greece (246) 14500 China (247) 15134 New Zealand (248) 17968 Antarctica (249) 19924 United States (250) 21925 Norway (251) 25760 Australia (252) 29751 Japan (253) 36289 Philippines (254) 37653 Russia (255) 44087 Greenland (256) 54716 Indonesia (257) 243791 Canada (258) 243791 Canada (1) 54716 Indonesia (2) 44087 Greenland (3) 37653 Russia (4) 36289 Philippines (5) 29751 Japan (6) 25760 Australia (7) 21925 Norway (8) 19924 United States (9) 17968 Antarctica (10) 15134 New Zealand (11) 14500 China (12) 13676 Greece (13) 12429 United Kingdom (14) 9330 Mexico (15) 7491 Brazil (16) 7200 Turkey (17) 7000 India (18) 6435 Chile (19) 6112 Micronesia, Federated States of (20) 5790 Croatia (21) 5313 Solomon Islands (22) 5152 Papua New Guinea (23) 4996 Italy (24) 4989 Argentina (25) 4988 Iceland (26) 4964 Spain (27) 4828 Madagascar (28) 4675 Malaysia (29) 3735 Cuba (30) 3587 Svalbard (31) 3542 The Bahamas (32) 3444 Vietnam (33) 3427 France (34) 3379 Denmark (35) 3219 Thailand (36) 3218 Sweden (37) 3208 Colombia (38) 3095 Coral Sea Islands (39) 3025 Somalia (40) 2881 South Africa (41) 2800 Venezuela (42) 2782 Ukraine (43) 2528 Vanuatu (44) 2525 French Polynesia (45) 2510 Saudi Arabia (46) 2495 Korea, North (47) 2490 Panama (48) 2470 Mozambique (49) 2450 Egypt (50) 2440 Iran (51) 2414 Peru (52) 2413 Korea, South (53) 2389 Germany (54) 2254 New Caledonia (55) 2237 Ecuador (56) 2092 Oman (57) 1930 Burma (58) 1906 Yemen (59) 1835 Morocco (60) 1793 Portugal (61) 1771 Haiti (62) 1770 Libya (63) 1600 Angola (64) 1519 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (65) 1489 Namibia (66) 1482 Northern Mariana Islands (67) 1448 United Arab Emirates (68) 1448 Ireland (69) 1448 Taiwan (70) 1424 Tanzania (71) 1393 Estonia (72) 1340 Sri Lanka (73) 1290 Costa Rica (74) 1288 Dominican Republic (75) 1288 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (76) 1232 French Southern and Antarctic Lands (77) 1148 Tunisia (78) 1143 Kiribati (79) 1129 Fiji (80) 1126 Finland (81) 1110 Western Sahara (82) 1094 Ethiopia (83) 1046 Pakistan (84) 1022 Jamaica (85) 998 Algeria (86) 965 Cape Verde (87) 926 Spratly Islands (88) 910 Nicaragua (89) 885 Gabon (90) 853 Sudan (91) 853 Nigeria (92) 820 Honduras (93) 764 Faroe Islands (94) 754 Mauritania (95) 733 Hong Kong (96) 698 British Indian Ocean Territory (97) 660 Uruguay (98) 648 Cyprus (99) 644 Maldives (100) 580 Bangladesh (101) 579 Liberia (102) 563 Qatar (103) 539 Ghana (104) 536 Kenya (105) 531 Senegal (106) 531 Latvia (107) 518 Paracel Islands (108) 515 Ivory Coast (109) 501 Puerto Rico (110) 499 Kuwait (111) 491 Poland (112) 491 Seychelles (113) 459 Guyana (114) 451 Netherlands (115) 443 Cambodia (116) 419 Tonga (117) 403 Western Samoa (118) 402 Cameroon (119) 402 Sierra Leone (120) 400 Guatemala (121) 389 Turks and Caicos Islands (122) 386 Suriname (123) 386 Belize (124) 378 French Guiana (125) 370 Marshall Islands (126) 364 Netherlands Antilles (127) 362 Albania (128) 362 Trinidad and Tobago (129) 354 Bulgaria (130) 350 Guinea-Bissau (131) 340 Comoros (132) 320 Guinea (133) 314 Djibouti (134) 310 Georgia (135) 307 El Salvador (136) 306 Guadeloupe (137) 296 Equatorial Guinea (138) 290 Martinique (139) 273 Israel (140) 225 Romania (141) 225 Lebanon (142) 209 Sao Tome and Principe (143) 201 Reunion (144) 199 Serbia and Montenegro (145) 193 Syria (146) 193 Singapore (147) 188 Virgin Islands (148) 185 Mayotte (149) 177 Mauritius (150) 169 Congo (151) 161 Brunei (152) 161 Bahrain (153) 160 Cayman Islands (154) 158 Saint Lucia (155) 153 Antigua and Barbuda (156) 148 Dominica (157) 140 Malta (158) 139 Christmas Island (159) 135 Saint Kitts and Nevis (160) 129 Wallis and Futuna (161) 126 Guam (162) 124 Jan Mayen (163) 121 Benin (164) 121 Grenada (165) 120 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (166) 120 Cook Islands (167) 116 American Samoa (168) 113 Man, Isle of (169) 108 Lithuania (170) 103 Bermuda (171) 102 Heard Island and McDonald Islands (172) 101 Tokelau (173) 97 Barbados (174) 84 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (175) 80 The Gambia (176) 80 British Virgin Islands (177) 74 Ashmore and Cartier Islands (178) 70 Jersey (179) 69 Aruba (180) 64 Belgium (181) 64 Niue (182) 61 Anguilla (183) 60 Saint Helena (184) 58 Iraq (185) 56 Togo (186) 51 Pitcairn Islands (187) 50 Guernsey (188) 40 Gaza Strip (189) 40 Montserrat (190) 40 Macau (191) 37 Zaire (192) 35 Bassas da India (193) 35 Glorioso Islands (194) 32 Slovenia (195) 32 Norfolk Island (196) 30 Bouvet Island (197) 30 Nauru (198) 26 Jordan (199) 24 Tuvalu (200) 24 Juan de Nova Island (201) 22 Europa Island (202) 20 Bosnia and Herzegovina (203) 19 Wake Island (204) 15 Palmyra Atoll (205) 15 Midway Islands (206) 12 Gibraltar (207) 11 Clipperton Island (208) 10 Johnston Atoll (209) 8 Navassa Island (210) 8 Jarvis Island (211) 6 Howland Island (212) 5 Baker Island (213) 4 Monaco (214) 4 Tromelin Island (215) 3 Cocos Islands (216) 3 Kingman Reef (217) 0 Kazakhstan (218) 0 Mongolia (219) 0 Chad (220) 0 Niger (221) 0 Mali (222) 0 Bolivia (223) 0 Zambia (224) 0 Afghanistan (225) 0 Central African Republic (226) 0 Botswana (227) 0 Turkmenistan (228) 0 Uzbekistan (229) 0 Paraguay (230) 0 Zimbabwe (231) 0 Burkina (232) 0 Laos (233) 0 Uganda (234) 0 Belarus (235) 0 Kyrgyzstan (236) 0 Tajikistan (237) 0 Nepal (238) 0 Czechoslovakia (239) 0 Malawi (240) 0 Hungary (241) 0 Azerbaijan (242) 0 Austria (243) 0 Bhutan (244) 0 Switzerland (245) 0 Moldova (246) 0 Lesotho (247) 0 Armenia (248) 0 Burundi (249) 0 Rwanda (250) 0 Macedonia (251) 0 Swaziland (252) 0 West Bank (253) 0 Luxembourg (254) 0 Andorra (255) 0 Liechtenstein (256) 0 San Marino (257) 0 Holy See (Vatican City) (258) Population false marked Population showNameProp Population 3 Coral Sea Islands (1) 52 Pitcairn Islands (2) 381 Wake Island (3) 453 Midway Islands (4) 597 Cocos Islands (5) 802 Holy See (Vatican City) (6) 929 Christmas Island (7) 1375 Johnston Atoll (8) 1751 Niue (9) 1760 Tokelau (10) 1900 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (11) 2620 Norfolk Island (12) 3000 British Indian Ocean Territory (13) 3181 Svalbard (14) 4115 Antarctica (15) 6513 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (16) 6698 Saint Helena (17) 6963 Anguilla (18) 9460 Nauru (19) 9494 Tuvalu (20) 12555 British Virgin Islands (21) 12617 Montserrat (22) 12697 Turks and Caicos Islands (23) 15775 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (24) 17095 Wallis and Futuna (25) 17977 Cook Islands (26) 23404 San Marino (27) 28642 Liechtenstein (28) 29139 Cayman Islands (29) 29651 Gibraltar (30) 29965 Monaco (31) 40061 Saint Kitts and Nevis (32) 47168 Northern Mariana Islands (33) 48588 Faroe Islands (34) 50004 Marshall Islands (35) 51115 American Samoa (36) 54428 Andorra (37) 57407 Greenland (38) 57949 Guernsey (39) 60213 Bermuda (40) 64068 Man, Isle of (41) 64110 Antigua and Barbuda (42) 64692 Aruba (43) 69519 Seychelles (44) 74788 Kiribati (45) 83556 Grenada (46) 85026 Jersey (47) 86628 Mayotte (48) 87035 Dominica (49) 98942 Virgin Islands (50) 103114 Tonga (51) 114694 Micronesia, Federated States of (52) 115339 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (53) 127505 French Guiana (54) 132338 Sao Tome and Principe (55) 142271 Guam (56) 151774 Saint Lucia (57) 174574 Vanuatu (58) 174805 New Caledonia (59) 184325 Netherlands Antilles (60) 194992 Western Samoa (61) 201467 Western Sahara (62) 205620 French Polynesia (63) 229143 Belize (64) 234371 Maldives (65) 254934 Barbados (66) 255811 The Bahamas (67) 259012 Iceland (68) 269319 Brunei (69) 359231 Malta (70) 360010 Solomon Islands (71) 371803 Martinique (72) 388799 Equatorial Guinea (73) 390906 Djibouti (74) 392405 Luxembourg (75) 398276 Cape Verde (76) 409132 Guadeloupe (77) 410016 Suriname (78) 473333 Macau (79) 484387 Qatar (80) 493853 Comoros (81) 551513 Bahrain (82) 626414 Reunion (83) 681026 Gaza Strip (84) 716492 Cyprus (85) 739431 Guyana (86) 749946 Fiji (87) 902089 The Gambia (88) 913008 Swaziland (89) 1047137 Guinea-Bissau (90) 1092130 Mauritius (91) 1106355 Gabon (92) 1292210 Botswana (93) 1299301 Trinidad and Tobago (94) 1362464 West Bank (95) 1378613 Kuwait (96) 1574927 Namibia (97) 1587581 Oman (98) 1607349 Estonia (99) 1660167 Bhutan (100) 1848925 Lesotho (101) 1963000 Slovenia (102) 2059187 Mauritania (103) 2174000 Macedonia (104) 2305516 Mongolia (105) 2376687 Congo (106) 2462276 Liberia (107) 2506701 Jamaica (108) 2522315 United Arab Emirates (109) 2529902 Panama (110) 2728937 Latvia (111) 2792092 Singapore (112) 3029080 Central African Republic (113) 3141533 Uruguay (114) 3187085 Costa Rica (115) 3285224 Albania (116) 3347369 New Zealand (117) 3415566 Armenia (118) 3439115 Lebanon (119) 3521207 Ireland (120) 3557304 Jordan (121) 3776654 Puerto Rico (122) 3788542 Lithuania (123) 3838108 Turkmenistan (124) 3878150 Nicaragua (125) 3958863 Togo (126) 4006509 Papua New Guinea (127) 4294876 Norway (128) 4364000 Bosnia and Herzegovina (129) 4440213 Laos (130) 4456737 Sierra Leone (131) 4458435 Moldova (132) 4484795 Libya (133) 4567875 Kyrgyzstan (134) 4748059 Israel (135) 4784000 Croatia (136) 4929446 Paraguay (137) 4997599 Benin (138) 5004273 Finland (139) 5092776 Honduras (140) 5163955 Denmark (141) 5238908 Chad (142) 5570978 Georgia (143) 5574279 El Salvador (144) 5680242 Tajikistan (145) 5889095 Hong Kong (146) 6022341 Burundi (147) 6431977 Haiti (148) 6828023 Switzerland (149) 7235226 Somalia (150) 7295706 Cambodia (151) 7323048 Bolivia (152) 7450787 Azerbaijan (153) 7515892 Dominican Republic (154) 7783926 Guinea (155) 7867541 Austria (156) 8052945 Niger (157) 8205058 Senegal (158) 8206446 Rwanda (159) 8445656 Tunisia (160) 8602157 Sweden (161) 8641178 Mali (162) 8745284 Zambia (163) 8869161 Bulgaria (164) 8902076 Angola (165) 9605342 Malawi (166) 9653672 Burkina (167) 9784275 Guatemala (168) 10016623 Belgium (169) 10064250 Greece (170) 10333327 Hungary (171) 10373881 Belarus (172) 10394749 Yemen (173) 10448509 Portugal (174) 10642000 Serbia and Montenegro (175) 10846821 Cuba (176) 10933143 Ecuador (177) 11033376 Zimbabwe (178) 12596263 Madagascar (179) 12658439 Cameroon (180) 13497153 Ivory Coast (181) 13528945 Chile (182) 13730436 Syria (183) 15112064 Netherlands (184) 15469150 Mozambique (185) 15725680 Czechoslovakia (186) 16095664 Afghanistan (187) 16185351 Ghana (188) 17050934 Saudi Arabia (189) 17103928 Kazakhstan (190) 17576354 Australia (191) 17631528 Sri Lanka (192) 18410920 Malaysia (193) 18445848 Iraq (194) 19386104 Uganda (195) 20086456 Nepal (196) 20675970 Venezuela (197) 20878556 Taiwan (198) 21626784 Uzbekistan (199) 22227304 Korea, North (200) 22767544 Peru (201) 23169914 Romania (202) 26164472 Kenya (203) 26666920 Algeria (204) 26708588 Morocco (205) 27351508 Canada (206) 27791552 Tanzania (207) 28305046 Sudan (208) 32901234 Argentina (209) 34296940 Colombia (210) 38385616 Poland (211) 39084400 Zaire (212) 39118400 Spain (213) 41688360 South Africa (214) 42642416 Burma (215) 44149200 Korea, South (216) 51940424 Ukraine (217) 54270464 Ethiopia (218) 56368952 Egypt (219) 57287256 France (220) 57624180 Thailand (221) 57797512 United Kingdom (222) 57904628 Italy (223) 59640144 Turkey (224) 61183136 Iran (225) 67114064 Philippines (226) 68964016 Vietnam (227) 80387280 Germany (228) 92380720 Mexico (229) 119411712 Bangladesh (230) 121664536 Pakistan (231) 124460480 Japan (232) 126274592 Nigeria (233) 149527472 Russia (234) 158202016 Brazil (235) 195683536 Indonesia (236) 254520992 United States (237) 886362176 India (238) 1169619584 China (239) 1169619584 China (1) 886362176 India (2) 254520992 United States (3) 195683536 Indonesia (4) 158202016 Brazil (5) 149527472 Russia (6) 126274592 Nigeria (7) 124460480 Japan (8) 121664536 Pakistan (9) 119411712 Bangladesh (10) 92380720 Mexico (11) 80387280 Germany (12) 68964016 Vietnam (13) 67114064 Philippines (14) 61183136 Iran (15) 59640144 Turkey (16) 57904628 Italy (17) 57797512 United Kingdom (18) 57624180 Thailand (19) 57287256 France (20) 56368952 Egypt (21) 54270464 Ethiopia (22) 51940424 Ukraine (23) 44149200 Korea, South (24) 42642416 Burma (25) 41688360 South Africa (26) 39118400 Spain (27) 39084400 Zaire (28) 38385616 Poland (29) 34296940 Colombia (30) 32901234 Argentina (31) 28305046 Sudan (32) 27791552 Tanzania (33) 27351508 Canada (34) 26708588 Morocco (35) 26666920 Algeria (36) 26164472 Kenya (37) 23169914 Romania (38) 22767544 Peru (39) 22227304 Korea, North (40) 21626784 Uzbekistan (41) 20878556 Taiwan (42) 20675970 Venezuela (43) 20086456 Nepal (44) 19386104 Uganda (45) 18445848 Iraq (46) 18410920 Malaysia (47) 17631528 Sri Lanka (48) 17576354 Australia (49) 17103928 Kazakhstan (50) 17050934 Saudi Arabia (51) 16185351 Ghana (52) 16095664 Afghanistan (53) 15725680 Czechoslovakia (54) 15469150 Mozambique (55) 15112064 Netherlands (56) 13730436 Syria (57) 13528945 Chile (58) 13497153 Ivory Coast (59) 12658439 Cameroon (60) 12596263 Madagascar (61) 11033376 Zimbabwe (62) 10933143 Ecuador (63) 10846821 Cuba (64) 10642000 Serbia and Montenegro (65) 10448509 Portugal (66) 10394749 Yemen (67) 10373881 Belarus (68) 10333327 Hungary (69) 10064250 Greece (70) 10016623 Belgium (71) 9784275 Guatemala (72) 9653672 Burkina (73) 9605342 Malawi (74) 8902076 Angola (75) 8869161 Bulgaria (76) 8745284 Zambia (77) 8641178 Mali (78) 8602157 Sweden (79) 8445656 Tunisia (80) 8206446 Rwanda (81) 8205058 Senegal (82) 8052945 Niger (83) 7867541 Austria (84) 7783926 Guinea (85) 7515892 Dominican Republic (86) 7450787 Azerbaijan (87) 7323048 Bolivia (88) 7295706 Cambodia (89) 7235226 Somalia (90) 6828023 Switzerland (91) 6431977 Haiti (92) 6022341 Burundi (93) 5889095 Hong Kong (94) 5680242 Tajikistan (95) 5574279 El Salvador (96) 5570978 Georgia (97) 5238908 Chad (98) 5163955 Denmark (99) 5092776 Honduras (100) 5004273 Finland (101) 4997599 Benin (102) 4929446 Paraguay (103) 4784000 Croatia (104) 4748059 Israel (105) 4567875 Kyrgyzstan (106) 4484795 Libya (107) 4458435 Moldova (108) 4456737 Sierra Leone (109) 4440213 Laos (110) 4364000 Bosnia and Herzegovina (111) 4294876 Norway (112) 4006509 Papua New Guinea (113) 3958863 Togo (114) 3878150 Nicaragua (115) 3838108 Turkmenistan (116) 3788542 Lithuania (117) 3776654 Puerto Rico (118) 3557304 Jordan (119) 3521207 Ireland (120) 3439115 Lebanon (121) 3415566 Armenia (122) 3347369 New Zealand (123) 3285224 Albania (124) 3187085 Costa Rica (125) 3141533 Uruguay (126) 3029080 Central African Republic (127) 2792092 Singapore (128) 2728937 Latvia (129) 2529902 Panama (130) 2522315 United Arab Emirates (131) 2506701 Jamaica (132) 2462276 Liberia (133) 2376687 Congo (134) 2305516 Mongolia (135) 2174000 Macedonia (136) 2059187 Mauritania (137) 1963000 Slovenia (138) 1848925 Lesotho (139) 1660167 Bhutan (140) 1607349 Estonia (141) 1587581 Oman (142) 1574927 Namibia (143) 1378613 Kuwait (144) 1362464 West Bank (145) 1299301 Trinidad and Tobago (146) 1292210 Botswana (147) 1106355 Gabon (148) 1092130 Mauritius (149) 1047137 Guinea-Bissau (150) 913008 Swaziland (151) 902089 The Gambia (152) 749946 Fiji (153) 739431 Guyana (154) 716492 Cyprus (155) 681026 Gaza Strip (156) 626414 Reunion (157) 551513 Bahrain (158) 493853 Comoros (159) 484387 Qatar (160) 473333 Macau (161) 410016 Suriname (162) 409132 Guadeloupe (163) 398276 Cape Verde (164) 392405 Luxembourg (165) 390906 Djibouti (166) 388799 Equatorial Guinea (167) 371803 Martinique (168) 360010 Solomon Islands (169) 359231 Malta (170) 269319 Brunei (171) 259012 Iceland (172) 255811 The Bahamas (173) 254934 Barbados (174) 234371 Maldives (175) 229143 Belize (176) 205620 French Polynesia (177) 201467 Western Sahara (178) 194992 Western Samoa (179) 184325 Netherlands Antilles (180) 174805 New Caledonia (181) 174574 Vanuatu (182) 151774 Saint Lucia (183) 142271 Guam (184) 132338 Sao Tome and Principe (185) 127505 French Guiana (186) 115339 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (187) 114694 Micronesia, Federated States of (188) 103114 Tonga (189) 98942 Virgin Islands (190) 87035 Dominica (191) 86628 Mayotte (192) 85026 Jersey (193) 83556 Grenada (194) 74788 Kiribati (195) 69519 Seychelles (196) 64692 Aruba (197) 64110 Antigua and Barbuda (198) 64068 Man, Isle of (199) 60213 Bermuda (200) 57949 Guernsey (201) 57407 Greenland (202) 54428 Andorra (203) 51115 American Samoa (204) 50004 Marshall Islands (205) 48588 Faroe Islands (206) 47168 Northern Mariana Islands (207) 40061 Saint Kitts and Nevis (208) 29965 Monaco (209) 29651 Gibraltar (210) 29139 Cayman Islands (211) 28642 Liechtenstein (212) 23404 San Marino (213) 17977 Cook Islands (214) 17095 Wallis and Futuna (215) 15775 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (216) 12697 Turks and Caicos Islands (217) 12617 Montserrat (218) 12555 British Virgin Islands (219) 9494 Tuvalu (220) 9460 Nauru (221) 6963 Anguilla (222) 6698 Saint Helena (223) 6513 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (224) 4115 Antarctica (225) 3181 Svalbard (226) 3000 British Indian Ocean Territory (227) 2620 Norfolk Island (228) 1900 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (229) 1760 Tokelau (230) 1751 Niue (231) 1375 Johnston Atoll (232) 929 Christmas Island (233) 802 Holy See (Vatican City) (234) 597 Cocos Islands (235) 453 Midway Islands (236) 381 Wake Island (237) 52 Pitcairn Islands (238) 3 Coral Sea Islands (239) Population Growth Rate false marked Population Growth Rate % showNameProp Population Growth Rate % popgrowl popgrowh -6.4 Niue (1) -1.5 Guinea (2) -0.9 Svalbard (3) -0.6 Guyana (4) -0.5 Bulgaria (5) -0.5 Cocos Islands (6) -0.3 Grenada (7) -0.2 Sierra Leone (8) -0.1 Hungary (9) 0 Baker Island (10) 0 Howland Island (11) 0 Pitcairn Islands (12) 0 Romania (13) 0 Virgin Islands (14) 0.1 Barbados (15) 0.1 Gibraltar (16) 0.1 Man, Isle of (17) 0.2 Czechoslovakia (18) 0.2 Denmark (19) 0.2 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (20) 0.2 Greece (21) 0.2 Ireland (22) 0.2 Italy (23) 0.2 Slovenia (24) 0.2 Spain (25) 0.2 Ukraine (26) 0.3 Belgium (27) 0.3 Finland (28) 0.3 Netherlands Antilles (29) 0.3 Saint Helena (30) 0.3 Saint Kitts and Nevis (31) 0.3 United Kingdom (32) 0.39 Croatia (33) 0.4 Antigua and Barbuda (34) 0.4 Japan (35) 0.4 Montserrat (36) 0.4 Poland (37) 0.4 Portugal (38) 0.4 Russia (39) 0.4 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (40) 0.4 Sweden (41) 0.5 Belarus (42) 0.5 Bosnia and Herzegovina (43) 0.5 Cook Islands (44) 0.5 France (45) 0.5 Germany (46) 0.5 Norway (47) 0.6 Anguilla (48) 0.6 Guernsey (49) 0.6 Hong Kong (50) 0.6 Latvia (51) 0.6 Liechtenstein (52) 0.6 Netherlands (53) 0.6 San Marino (54) 0.6 Switzerland (55) 0.6 Uruguay (56) 0.7 Aruba (57) 0.7 Austria (58) 0.7 Estonia (59) 0.7 Moldova (60) 0.7 New Zealand (61) 0.7 Tokelau (62) 0.8 Armenia (63) 0.8 Bermuda (64) 0.8 Georgia (65) 0.8 Jersey (66) 0.8 Lithuania (67) 0.8 Malta (68) 0.8 Mauritius (69) 0.8 Seychelles (70) 0.8 Tonga (71) 0.8 United States (72) 0.9 Faroe Islands (73) 0.9 Fiji (74) 0.9 Iceland (75) 0.9 Jamaica (76) 0.9 Monaco (77) 1 Cuba (78) 1 Cyprus (79) 1 Kazakhstan (80) 1 Luxembourg (81) 1 Puerto Rico (82) 1 Taiwan (83) 1.1 Albania (84) 1.1 Argentina (85) 1.1 Greenland (86) 1.1 Korea, South (87) 1.1 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (88) 1.1 Trinidad and Tobago (89) 1.2 British Virgin Islands (90) 1.2 Holy See (Vatican City) (91) 1.2 Sri Lanka (92) 1.3 Canada (93) 1.3 Nauru (94) 1.3 Singapore (95) 1.4 Australia (96) 1.4 The Bahamas (97) 1.4 Martinique (98) 1.4 Thailand (99) 1.5 Gabon (100) 1.5 Suriname (101) 1.6 Azerbaijan (102) 1.6 Chile (103) 1.6 China (104) 1.6 Dominica (105) 1.6 Lebanon (106) 1.7 Indonesia (107) 1.7 Macau (108) 1.7 Norfolk Island (109) 1.7 Saint Lucia (110) 1.7 World (111) 1.8 Brazil (112) 1.8 Malawi (113) 1.8 Tuvalu (114) 1.9 Burma (115) 1.9 Colombia (116) 1.9 Dominican Republic (117) 1.9 India (118) 1.9 Korea, North (119) 1.9 Kyrgyzstan (120) 1.9 New Caledonia (121) 1.9 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (122) 2 Panama (123) 2 Peru (124) 2 Philippines (125) 2 Tunisia (126) 2 Vietnam (127) 2.1 Cambodia (128) 2.1 Chad (129) 2.1 Guadeloupe (130) 2.1 Kiribati (131) 2.1 Morocco (132) 2.1 Reunion (133) 2.1 Somalia (134) 2.1 Turkey (135) 2.2 Andorra (136) 2.2 Ecuador (137) 2.2 El Salvador (138) 2.3 Bhutan (139) 2.3 Bolivia (140) 2.3 Egypt (141) 2.3 French Polynesia (142) 2.3 Haiti (143) 2.3 Mexico (144) 2.3 Papua New Guinea (145) 2.4 Afghanistan (146) 2.4 Bangladesh (147) 2.4 Costa Rica (148) 2.4 Guatemala (149) 2.4 Guinea-Bissau (150) 2.4 Malaysia (151) 2.4 Nepal (152) 2.4 Turkmenistan (153) 2.4 Uzbekistan (154) 2.4 Venezuela (155) 2.4 Western Samoa (156) 2.5 Algeria (157) 2.5 Mali (158) 2.6 Botswana (159) 2.6 Central African Republic (160) 2.6 Equatorial Guinea (161) 2.6 Guam (162) 2.6 Lesotho (163) 2.6 Mongolia (164) 2.6 South Africa (165) 2.6 Swaziland (166) 2.6 Western Sahara (167) 2.7 Angola (168) 2.7 Djibouti (169) 2.8 Honduras (170) 2.8 Nicaragua (171) 2.9 Brunei (172) 2.9 Congo (173) 2.9 Laos (174) 2.9 Pakistan (175) 2.9 Paraguay (176) 2.9 Sao Tome and Principe (177) 2.9 Zimbabwe (178) 3 Belize (179) 3 Cape Verde (180) 3 Libya (181) 3 Nigeria (182) 3 Northern Mariana Islands (183) 3 Tajikistan (184) 3 Vanuatu (185) 3 Wallis and Futuna (186) 3.1 Bahrain (187) 3.1 Burkina (188) 3.1 The Gambia (189) 3.1 Ghana (190) 3.1 Mauritania (191) 3.1 Senegal (192) 3.1 Sudan (193) 3.1 West Bank (194) 3.2 Burundi (195) 3.2 Ethiopia (196) 3.2 Madagascar (197) 3.2 Qatar (198) 3.3 Benin (199) 3.3 Cameroon (200) 3.3 Saudi Arabia (201) 3.3 Turks and Caicos Islands (202) 3.3 Yemen (203) 3.3 Zaire (204) 3.4 Micronesia, Federated States of (205) 3.4 Tanzania (206) 3.5 Comoros (207) 3.5 Iran (208) 3.5 Namibia (209) 3.5 Niger (210) 3.5 Oman (211) 3.5 Solomon Islands (212) 3.5 Zambia (213) 3.6 Gaza Strip (214) 3.6 Kenya (215) 3.6 Togo (216) 3.7 Iraq (217) 3.7 Maldives (218) 3.7 Uganda (219) 3.8 Mayotte (220) 3.8 Rwanda (221) 3.8 Syria (222) 3.9 American Samoa (223) 3.9 Ivory Coast (224) 3.9 Marshall Islands (225) 4 Israel (226) 4.1 Jordan (227) 4.1 Mozambique (228) 4.4 Cayman Islands (229) 4.6 French Guiana (230) 5.4 United Arab Emirates (231) 29.6 Liberia (232) 29.6 Liberia (1) 5.4 United Arab Emirates (2) 4.6 French Guiana (3) 4.4 Cayman Islands (4) 4.1 Mozambique (5) 4.1 Jordan (6) 4 Israel (7) 3.9 Marshall Islands (8) 3.9 Ivory Coast (9) 3.9 American Samoa (10) 3.8 Syria (11) 3.8 Rwanda (12) 3.8 Mayotte (13) 3.7 Uganda (14) 3.7 Maldives (15) 3.7 Iraq (16) 3.6 Togo (17) 3.6 Kenya (18) 3.6 Gaza Strip (19) 3.5 Zambia (20) 3.5 Solomon Islands (21) 3.5 Oman (22) 3.5 Niger (23) 3.5 Namibia (24) 3.5 Iran (25) 3.5 Comoros (26) 3.4 Tanzania (27) 3.4 Micronesia, Federated States of (28) 3.3 Zaire (29) 3.3 Yemen (30) 3.3 Turks and Caicos Islands (31) 3.3 Saudi Arabia (32) 3.3 Cameroon (33) 3.3 Benin (34) 3.2 Qatar (35) 3.2 Madagascar (36) 3.2 Ethiopia (37) 3.2 Burundi (38) 3.1 West Bank (39) 3.1 Sudan (40) 3.1 Senegal (41) 3.1 Mauritania (42) 3.1 Ghana (43) 3.1 The Gambia (44) 3.1 Burkina (45) 3.1 Bahrain (46) 3 Wallis and Futuna (47) 3 Vanuatu (48) 3 Tajikistan (49) 3 Northern Mariana Islands (50) 3 Nigeria (51) 3 Libya (52) 3 Cape Verde (53) 3 Belize (54) 2.9 Zimbabwe (55) 2.9 Sao Tome and Principe (56) 2.9 Paraguay (57) 2.9 Pakistan (58) 2.9 Laos (59) 2.9 Congo (60) 2.9 Brunei (61) 2.8 Nicaragua (62) 2.8 Honduras (63) 2.7 Djibouti (64) 2.7 Angola (65) 2.6 Western Sahara (66) 2.6 Swaziland (67) 2.6 South Africa (68) 2.6 Mongolia (69) 2.6 Lesotho (70) 2.6 Guam (71) 2.6 Equatorial Guinea (72) 2.6 Central African Republic (73) 2.6 Botswana (74) 2.5 Mali (75) 2.5 Algeria (76) 2.4 Western Samoa (77) 2.4 Venezuela (78) 2.4 Uzbekistan (79) 2.4 Turkmenistan (80) 2.4 Nepal (81) 2.4 Malaysia (82) 2.4 Guinea-Bissau (83) 2.4 Guatemala (84) 2.4 Costa Rica (85) 2.4 Bangladesh (86) 2.4 Afghanistan (87) 2.3 Papua New Guinea (88) 2.3 Mexico (89) 2.3 Haiti (90) 2.3 French Polynesia (91) 2.3 Egypt (92) 2.3 Bolivia (93) 2.3 Bhutan (94) 2.2 El Salvador (95) 2.2 Ecuador (96) 2.2 Andorra (97) 2.1 Turkey (98) 2.1 Somalia (99) 2.1 Reunion (100) 2.1 Morocco (101) 2.1 Kiribati (102) 2.1 Guadeloupe (103) 2.1 Chad (104) 2.1 Cambodia (105) 2 Vietnam (106) 2 Tunisia (107) 2 Philippines (108) 2 Peru (109) 2 Panama (110) 1.9 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (111) 1.9 New Caledonia (112) 1.9 Kyrgyzstan (113) 1.9 Korea, North (114) 1.9 India (115) 1.9 Dominican Republic (116) 1.9 Colombia (117) 1.9 Burma (118) 1.8 Tuvalu (119) 1.8 Malawi (120) 1.8 Brazil (121) 1.7 World (122) 1.7 Saint Lucia (123) 1.7 Norfolk Island (124) 1.7 Macau (125) 1.7 Indonesia (126) 1.6 Lebanon (127) 1.6 Dominica (128) 1.6 China (129) 1.6 Chile (130) 1.6 Azerbaijan (131) 1.5 Suriname (132) 1.5 Gabon (133) 1.4 Thailand (134) 1.4 Martinique (135) 1.4 The Bahamas (136) 1.4 Australia (137) 1.3 Singapore (138) 1.3 Nauru (139) 1.3 Canada (140) 1.2 Sri Lanka (141) 1.2 Holy See (Vatican City) (142) 1.2 British Virgin Islands (143) 1.1 Trinidad and Tobago (144) 1.1 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (145) 1.1 Korea, South (146) 1.1 Greenland (147) 1.1 Argentina (148) 1.1 Albania (149) 1 Taiwan (150) 1 Puerto Rico (151) 1 Luxembourg (152) 1 Kazakhstan (153) 1 Cyprus (154) 1 Cuba (155) 0.9 Monaco (156) 0.9 Jamaica (157) 0.9 Iceland (158) 0.9 Fiji (159) 0.9 Faroe Islands (160) 0.8 United States (161) 0.8 Tonga (162) 0.8 Seychelles (163) 0.8 Mauritius (164) 0.8 Malta (165) 0.8 Lithuania (166) 0.8 Jersey (167) 0.8 Georgia (168) 0.8 Bermuda (169) 0.8 Armenia (170) 0.7 Tokelau (171) 0.7 New Zealand (172) 0.7 Moldova (173) 0.7 Estonia (174) 0.7 Austria (175) 0.7 Aruba (176) 0.6 Uruguay (177) 0.6 Switzerland (178) 0.6 San Marino (179) 0.6 Netherlands (180) 0.6 Liechtenstein (181) 0.6 Latvia (182) 0.6 Hong Kong (183) 0.6 Guernsey (184) 0.6 Anguilla (185) 0.5 Norway (186) 0.5 Germany (187) 0.5 France (188) 0.5 Cook Islands (189) 0.5 Bosnia and Herzegovina (190) 0.5 Belarus (191) 0.4 Sweden (192) 0.4 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (193) 0.4 Russia (194) 0.4 Portugal (195) 0.4 Poland (196) 0.4 Montserrat (197) 0.4 Japan (198) 0.4 Antigua and Barbuda (199) 0.39 Croatia (200) 0.3 United Kingdom (201) 0.3 Saint Kitts and Nevis (202) 0.3 Saint Helena (203) 0.3 Netherlands Antilles (204) 0.3 Finland (205) 0.3 Belgium (206) 0.2 Ukraine (207) 0.2 Spain (208) 0.2 Slovenia (209) 0.2 Italy (210) 0.2 Ireland (211) 0.2 Greece (212) 0.2 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (213) 0.2 Denmark (214) 0.2 Czechoslovakia (215) 0.1 Man, Isle of (216) 0.1 Gibraltar (217) 0.1 Barbados (218) 0 Virgin Islands (219) 0 Romania (220) 0 Pitcairn Islands (221) 0 Howland Island (222) 0 Baker Island (223) -0.1 Hungary (224) -0.2 Sierra Leone (225) -0.3 Grenada (226) -0.5 Cocos Islands (227) -0.5 Bulgaria (228) -0.6 Guyana (229) -0.9 Svalbard (230) -1.5 Guinea (231) -6.4 Niue (232) Birth Rate false marked Birth Rate (per thousand) showNameProp Birth Rate (per thousand) BITHRl BITHRh 7 Monaco (1) 8 San Marino (2) 9 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (3) 10 Saint Helena (4) 10 Italy (5) 10 Japan (6) 11 Andorra (7) 11 Man, Isle of (8) 11 Greece (9) 11 Spain (10) 11 Germany (11) 12 Guernsey (12) 12 Jersey (13) 12 Luxembourg (14) 12 Croatia (15) 12 Finland (16) 12 Switzerland (17) 12 Austria (18) 12 Bulgaria (19) 12 Belgium (20) 12 Hungary (21) 12 Portugal (22) 13 Liechtenstein (23) 13 Denmark (24) 13 Hong Kong (25) 13 Sweden (26) 13 Netherlands (27) 13 Czechoslovakia (28) 13 France (29) 14 Malta (30) 14 Norway (31) 14 Romania (32) 14 Canada (33) 14 Poland (34) 14 Ukraine (35) 14 United Kingdom (36) 14 United States (37) 15 Bermuda (38) 15 Latvia (39) 15 Ireland (40) 15 Lithuania (41) 15 Bosnia and Herzegovina (42) 15 Belarus (43) 15 Australia (44) 15 Russia (45) 16 Turks and Caicos Islands (46) 16 Cayman Islands (47) 16 Aruba (48) 16 Barbados (49) 16 Estonia (50) 16 New Zealand (51) 16 Taiwan (52) 16 Korea, South (53) 17 Montserrat (54) 17 Faroe Islands (55) 17 Macau (56) 17 Uruguay (57) 17 Puerto Rico (58) 17 Georgia (59) 17 Cuba (60) 18 Nauru (61) 18 Gibraltar (62) 18 Antigua and Barbuda (63) 18 Netherlands Antilles (64) 18 Iceland (65) 18 Cyprus (66) 18 Singapore (67) 19 Greenland (68) 19 The Bahamas (69) 19 Martinique (70) 19 Guadeloupe (71) 19 Mauritius (72) 19 Moldova (73) 20 British Virgin Islands (74) 20 Sri Lanka (75) 20 Argentina (76) 20 Thailand (77) 21 Virgin Islands (78) 21 Qatar (79) 21 Guyana (80) 21 Trinidad and Tobago (81) 21 Israel (82) 21 Chile (83) 22 Cook Islands (84) 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis (85) 22 Armenia (86) 22 China (87) 23 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (88) 23 Seychelles (89) 23 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90) 23 New Caledonia (91) 23 Jamaica (92) 23 Albania (93) 23 Kazakhstan (94) 24 Anguilla (95) 24 Dominica (96) 24 Korea, North (97) 24 Colombia (98) 25 Fiji (99) 25 Panama (100) 25 Tunisia (101) 25 Brazil (102) 25 Indonesia (103) 26 Tonga (104) 26 Saint Lucia (105) 26 Suriname (106) 26 Reunion (107) 26 Azerbaijan (108) 26 Dominican Republic (109) 26 World (110) 27 Wallis and Futuna (111) 27 French Guiana (112) 27 Guam (113) 27 Brunei (114) 27 Bahrain (115) 27 Costa Rica (116) 27 Venezuela (117) 27 Peru (118) 27 Turkey (119) 28 Tuvalu (120) 28 French Polynesia (121) 28 Lebanon (122) 28 Ecuador (123) 28 Philippines (124) 29 Micronesia, Federated States of (125) 29 Gabon (126) 29 United Arab Emirates (127) 29 Malaysia (128) 29 Morocco (129) 29 Burma (130) 29 Vietnam (131) 29 Mexico (132) 30 India (133) 31 Belize (134) 31 Kyrgyzstan (135) 31 Algeria (136) 32 Kuwait (137) 33 Kiribati (138) 33 Paraguay (139) 33 El Salvador (140) 33 Bolivia (141) 33 Egypt (142) 34 Grenada (143) 34 Western Samoa (144) 34 Mongolia (145) 34 Papua New Guinea (146) 34 Guatemala (147) 34 Uzbekistan (148) 34 South Africa (149) 35 Northern Mariana Islands (150) 35 Vanuatu (151) 35 Botswana (152) 35 West Bank (153) 35 Lesotho (154) 36 Turkmenistan (155) 36 Libya (156) 36 Bangladesh (157) 37 American Samoa (158) 37 Nicaragua (159) 37 Honduras (160) 37 Cambodia (161) 38 Sao Tome and Principe (162) 38 Nepal (163) 39 Saudi Arabia (164) 40 Solomon Islands (165) 40 Bhutan (166) 40 Tajikistan (167) 40 Zimbabwe (168) 41 Oman (169) 42 Equatorial Guinea (170) 42 Guinea-Bissau (171) 42 Congo (172) 42 Chad (173) 42 Haiti (174) 43 Djibouti (175) 43 Central African Republic (176) 43 Pakistan (177) 44 Swaziland (178) 44 Liberia (179) 44 Laos (180) 44 Senegal (181) 44 Cameroon (182) 44 Syria (183) 44 Afghanistan (184) 44 Kenya (185) 44 Sudan (186) 44 Iran (187) 45 Maldives (188) 45 Namibia (189) 45 Jordan (190) 45 Ghana (191) 45 Iraq (192) 45 Zaire (193) 45 Ethiopia (194) 46 Gaza Strip (195) 46 Sierra Leone (196) 46 Burundi (197) 46 Somalia (198) 46 Guinea (199) 46 Angola (200) 46 Madagascar (201) 46 Mozambique (202) 46 Nigeria (203) 47 Marshall Islands (204) 47 Comoros (205) 47 The Gambia (206) 47 Ivory Coast (207) 48 Western Sahara (208) 48 Cape Verde (209) 48 Mauritania (210) 48 Togo (211) 48 Zambia (212) 49 Benin (213) 49 Burkina (214) 49 Tanzania (215) 50 Mayotte (216) 51 Yemen (217) 51 Uganda (218) 52 Rwanda (219) 52 Mali (220) 52 Malawi (221) 58 Niger (222) 58 Niger (1) 52 Malawi (2) 52 Mali (3) 52 Rwanda (4) 51 Uganda (5) 51 Yemen (6) 50 Mayotte (7) 49 Tanzania (8) 49 Burkina (9) 49 Benin (10) 48 Zambia (11) 48 Togo (12) 48 Mauritania (13) 48 Cape Verde (14) 48 Western Sahara (15) 47 Ivory Coast (16) 47 The Gambia (17) 47 Comoros (18) 47 Marshall Islands (19) 46 Nigeria (20) 46 Mozambique (21) 46 Madagascar (22) 46 Angola (23) 46 Guinea (24) 46 Somalia (25) 46 Burundi (26) 46 Sierra Leone (27) 46 Gaza Strip (28) 45 Ethiopia (29) 45 Zaire (30) 45 Iraq (31) 45 Ghana (32) 45 Jordan (33) 45 Namibia (34) 45 Maldives (35) 44 Iran (36) 44 Sudan (37) 44 Kenya (38) 44 Afghanistan (39) 44 Syria (40) 44 Cameroon (41) 44 Senegal (42) 44 Laos (43) 44 Liberia (44) 44 Swaziland (45) 43 Pakistan (46) 43 Central African Republic (47) 43 Djibouti (48) 42 Haiti (49) 42 Chad (50) 42 Congo (51) 42 Guinea-Bissau (52) 42 Equatorial Guinea (53) 41 Oman (54) 40 Zimbabwe (55) 40 Tajikistan (56) 40 Bhutan (57) 40 Solomon Islands (58) 39 Saudi Arabia (59) 38 Nepal (60) 38 Sao Tome and Principe (61) 37 Cambodia (62) 37 Honduras (63) 37 Nicaragua (64) 37 American Samoa (65) 36 Bangladesh (66) 36 Libya (67) 36 Turkmenistan (68) 35 Lesotho (69) 35 West Bank (70) 35 Botswana (71) 35 Vanuatu (72) 35 Northern Mariana Islands (73) 34 South Africa (74) 34 Uzbekistan (75) 34 Guatemala (76) 34 Papua New Guinea (77) 34 Mongolia (78) 34 Western Samoa (79) 34 Grenada (80) 33 Egypt (81) 33 Bolivia (82) 33 El Salvador (83) 33 Paraguay (84) 33 Kiribati (85) 32 Kuwait (86) 31 Algeria (87) 31 Kyrgyzstan (88) 31 Belize (89) 30 India (90) 29 Mexico (91) 29 Vietnam (92) 29 Burma (93) 29 Morocco (94) 29 Malaysia (95) 29 United Arab Emirates (96) 29 Gabon (97) 29 Micronesia, Federated States of (98) 28 Philippines (99) 28 Ecuador (100) 28 Lebanon (101) 28 French Polynesia (102) 28 Tuvalu (103) 27 Turkey (104) 27 Peru (105) 27 Venezuela (106) 27 Costa Rica (107) 27 Bahrain (108) 27 Brunei (109) 27 Guam (110) 27 French Guiana (111) 27 Wallis and Futuna (112) 26 World (113) 26 Dominican Republic (114) 26 Azerbaijan (115) 26 Reunion (116) 26 Suriname (117) 26 Saint Lucia (118) 26 Tonga (119) 25 Indonesia (120) 25 Brazil (121) 25 Tunisia (122) 25 Panama (123) 25 Fiji (124) 24 Colombia (125) 24 Korea, North (126) 24 Dominica (127) 24 Anguilla (128) 23 Kazakhstan (129) 23 Albania (130) 23 Jamaica (131) 23 New Caledonia (132) 23 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (133) 23 Seychelles (134) 23 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (135) 22 China (136) 22 Armenia (137) 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis (138) 22 Cook Islands (139) 21 Chile (140) 21 Israel (141) 21 Trinidad and Tobago (142) 21 Guyana (143) 21 Qatar (144) 21 Virgin Islands (145) 20 Thailand (146) 20 Argentina (147) 20 Sri Lanka (148) 20 British Virgin Islands (149) 19 Moldova (150) 19 Mauritius (151) 19 Guadeloupe (152) 19 Martinique (153) 19 The Bahamas (154) 19 Greenland (155) 18 Singapore (156) 18 Cyprus (157) 18 Iceland (158) 18 Netherlands Antilles (159) 18 Antigua and Barbuda (160) 18 Gibraltar (161) 18 Nauru (162) 17 Cuba (163) 17 Georgia (164) 17 Puerto Rico (165) 17 Uruguay (166) 17 Macau (167) 17 Faroe Islands (168) 17 Montserrat (169) 16 Korea, South (170) 16 Taiwan (171) 16 New Zealand (172) 16 Estonia (173) 16 Barbados (174) 16 Aruba (175) 16 Cayman Islands (176) 16 Turks and Caicos Islands (177) 15 Russia (178) 15 Australia (179) 15 Belarus (180) 15 Bosnia and Herzegovina (181) 15 Lithuania (182) 15 Ireland (183) 15 Latvia (184) 15 Bermuda (185) 14 United States (186) 14 United Kingdom (187) 14 Ukraine (188) 14 Poland (189) 14 Canada (190) 14 Romania (191) 14 Norway (192) 14 Malta (193) 13 France (194) 13 Czechoslovakia (195) 13 Netherlands (196) 13 Sweden (197) 13 Hong Kong (198) 13 Denmark (199) 13 Liechtenstein (200) 12 Portugal (201) 12 Hungary (202) 12 Belgium (203) 12 Bulgaria (204) 12 Austria (205) 12 Switzerland (206) 12 Finland (207) 12 Croatia (208) 12 Luxembourg (209) 12 Jersey (210) 12 Guernsey (211) 11 Germany (212) 11 Spain (213) 11 Greece (214) 11 Man, Isle of (215) 11 Andorra (216) 10 Japan (217) 10 Italy (218) 10 Saint Helena (219) 9 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (220) 8 San Marino (221) 7 Monaco (222) Death Rate false marked Death Rate (per thousand) showNameProp Death Rate (per thousand) DEATHRl DEATHRh 2 Kuwait (1) 3 United Arab Emirates (2) 4 Andorra (3) 4 Macau (4) 4 Qatar (5) 4 Guam (6) 4 Bahrain (7) 4 Costa Rica (8) 4 Venezuela (9) 4 American Samoa (10) 5 Hong Kong (11) 5 Turks and Caicos Islands (12) 5 Cayman Islands (13) 5 Taiwan (14) 5 Nauru (15) 5 Singapore (16) 5 The Bahamas (17) 5 Virgin Islands (18) 5 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (19) 5 New Caledonia (20) 5 Albania (21) 5 Dominica (22) 5 Colombia (23) 5 Panama (24) 5 Tunisia (25) 5 Saint Lucia (26) 5 Reunion (27) 5 French Guiana (28) 5 Brunei (29) 5 French Polynesia (30) 5 Mexico (31) 5 Belize (32) 5 Paraguay (33) 5 El Salvador (34) 5 Northern Mariana Islands (35) 5 Vanuatu (36) 5 Solomon Islands (37) 5 Jordan (38) 6 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (39) 6 Aruba (40) 6 Korea, South (41) 6 Cuba (42) 6 Antigua and Barbuda (43) 6 Netherlands Antilles (44) 6 Martinique (45) 6 Guadeloupe (46) 6 British Virgin Islands (47) 6 Sri Lanka (48) 6 Thailand (49) 6 Trinidad and Tobago (50) 6 Israel (51) 6 Chile (52) 6 Cook Islands (53) 6 Jamaica (54) 6 Korea, North (55) 6 Suriname (56) 6 Wallis and Futuna (57) 6 Turkey (58) 6 Ecuador (59) 6 Malaysia (60) 6 Western Samoa (61) 6 West Bank (62) 6 Libya (63) 6 Saudi Arabia (64) 6 Oman (65) 6 Gaza Strip (66) 7 Monaco (67) 7 San Marino (68) 7 Saint Helena (69) 7 Japan (70) 7 Liechtenstein (71) 7 Canada (72) 7 Bermuda (73) 7 Bosnia and Herzegovina (74) 7 Australia (75) 7 Iceland (76) 7 Mauritius (77) 7 Guyana (78) 7 Armenia (79) 7 China (80) 7 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (81) 7 Seychelles (82) 7 Fiji (83) 7 Brazil (84) 7 Tonga (85) 7 Azerbaijan (86) 7 Dominican Republic (87) 7 Peru (88) 7 Lebanon (89) 7 Philippines (90) 7 Micronesia, Federated States of (91) 7 Algeria (92) 7 Grenada (93) 7 Mongolia (94) 7 Uzbekistan (95) 7 Nicaragua (96) 7 Honduras (97) 7 Syria (98) 8 Netherlands (99) 8 Malta (100) 8 New Zealand (101) 8 Faroe Islands (102) 8 Puerto Rico (103) 8 Gibraltar (104) 8 Cyprus (105) 8 Greenland (106) 8 Kazakhstan (107) 8 Anguilla (108) 8 Indonesia (109) 8 Morocco (110) 8 Vietnam (111) 8 Kyrgyzstan (112) 8 Guatemala (113) 8 South Africa (114) 8 Botswana (115) 8 Sao Tome and Principe (116) 8 Tajikistan (117) 8 Zimbabwe (118) 8 Kenya (119) 8 Iran (120) 8 Maldives (121) 8 Marshall Islands (122) 9 Greece (123) 9 Spain (124) 9 Switzerland (125) 9 France (126) 9 United States (127) 9 Ireland (128) 9 Barbados (129) 9 Georgia (130) 9 Argentina (131) 9 World (132) 9 Tuvalu (133) 9 Bolivia (134) 9 Egypt (135) 9 Turkmenistan (136) 9 Namibia (137) 9 Iraq (138) 10 Italy (139) 10 Jersey (140) 10 Luxembourg (141) 10 Finland (142) 10 Belgium (143) 10 Portugal (144) 10 Norway (145) 10 Romania (146) 10 Poland (147) 10 Montserrat (148) 10 Uruguay (149) 10 Moldova (150) 10 Saint Kitts and Nevis (151) 10 Burma (152) 10 Lesotho (153) 10 Cape Verde (154) 11 Germany (155) 11 Guernsey (156) 11 Croatia (157) 11 Austria (158) 11 Sweden (159) 11 Czechoslovakia (160) 11 United Kingdom (161) 11 Lithuania (162) 11 Belarus (163) 11 Russia (164) 11 India (165) 11 Papua New Guinea (166) 11 Cameroon (167) 11 Zambia (168) 12 Bulgaria (169) 12 Denmark (170) 12 Ukraine (171) 12 Latvia (172) 12 Estonia (173) 12 Kiribati (174) 12 Bangladesh (175) 12 Swaziland (176) 12 Comoros (177) 12 Ivory Coast (178) 12 Togo (179) 12 Mayotte (180) 13 Hungary (181) 13 Congo (182) 13 Pakistan (183) 13 Liberia (184) 13 Senegal (185) 13 Sudan (186) 13 Ghana (187) 13 Zaire (188) 13 Somalia (189) 14 Man, Isle of (190) 14 Gabon (191) 14 Nepal (192) 14 Ethiopia (193) 14 Burundi (194) 14 Madagascar (195) 14 Uganda (196) 14 Rwanda (197) 15 Cambodia (198) 15 Equatorial Guinea (199) 15 Haiti (200) 15 Benin (201) 15 Tanzania (202) 16 Djibouti (203) 16 Laos (204) 16 Nigeria (205) 16 Burkina (206) 16 Yemen (207) 17 Bhutan (208) 17 Mozambique (209) 17 The Gambia (210) 17 Mauritania (211) 17 Malawi (212) 18 Guinea-Bissau (213) 18 Central African Republic (214) 19 Angola (215) 20 Afghanistan (216) 20 Sierra Leone (217) 20 Western Sahara (218) 21 Chad (219) 21 Guinea (220) 21 Mali (221) 23 Niger (222) 23 Niger (1) 21 Mali (2) 21 Guinea (3) 21 Chad (4) 20 Western Sahara (5) 20 Sierra Leone (6) 20 Afghanistan (7) 19 Angola (8) 18 Central African Republic (9) 18 Guinea-Bissau (10) 17 Malawi (11) 17 Mauritania (12) 17 The Gambia (13) 17 Mozambique (14) 17 Bhutan (15) 16 Yemen (16) 16 Burkina (17) 16 Nigeria (18) 16 Laos (19) 16 Djibouti (20) 15 Tanzania (21) 15 Benin (22) 15 Haiti (23) 15 Equatorial Guinea (24) 15 Cambodia (25) 14 Rwanda (26) 14 Uganda (27) 14 Madagascar (28) 14 Burundi (29) 14 Ethiopia (30) 14 Nepal (31) 14 Gabon (32) 14 Man, Isle of (33) 13 Somalia (34) 13 Zaire (35) 13 Ghana (36) 13 Sudan (37) 13 Senegal (38) 13 Liberia (39) 13 Pakistan (40) 13 Congo (41) 13 Hungary (42) 12 Mayotte (43) 12 Togo (44) 12 Ivory Coast (45) 12 Comoros (46) 12 Swaziland (47) 12 Bangladesh (48) 12 Kiribati (49) 12 Estonia (50) 12 Latvia (51) 12 Ukraine (52) 12 Denmark (53) 12 Bulgaria (54) 11 Zambia (55) 11 Cameroon (56) 11 Papua New Guinea (57) 11 India (58) 11 Russia (59) 11 Belarus (60) 11 Lithuania (61) 11 United Kingdom (62) 11 Czechoslovakia (63) 11 Sweden (64) 11 Austria (65) 11 Croatia (66) 11 Guernsey (67) 11 Germany (68) 10 Cape Verde (69) 10 Lesotho (70) 10 Burma (71) 10 Saint Kitts and Nevis (72) 10 Moldova (73) 10 Uruguay (74) 10 Montserrat (75) 10 Poland (76) 10 Romania (77) 10 Norway (78) 10 Portugal (79) 10 Belgium (80) 10 Finland (81) 10 Luxembourg (82) 10 Jersey (83) 10 Italy (84) 9 Iraq (85) 9 Namibia (86) 9 Turkmenistan (87) 9 Egypt (88) 9 Bolivia (89) 9 Tuvalu (90) 9 World (91) 9 Argentina (92) 9 Georgia (93) 9 Barbados (94) 9 Ireland (95) 9 United States (96) 9 France (97) 9 Switzerland (98) 9 Spain (99) 9 Greece (100) 8 Marshall Islands (101) 8 Maldives (102) 8 Iran (103) 8 Kenya (104) 8 Zimbabwe (105) 8 Tajikistan (106) 8 Sao Tome and Principe (107) 8 Botswana (108) 8 South Africa (109) 8 Guatemala (110) 8 Kyrgyzstan (111) 8 Vietnam (112) 8 Morocco (113) 8 Indonesia (114) 8 Anguilla (115) 8 Kazakhstan (116) 8 Greenland (117) 8 Cyprus (118) 8 Gibraltar (119) 8 Puerto Rico (120) 8 Faroe Islands (121) 8 New Zealand (122) 8 Malta (123) 8 Netherlands (124) 7 Syria (125) 7 Honduras (126) 7 Nicaragua (127) 7 Uzbekistan (128) 7 Mongolia (129) 7 Grenada (130) 7 Algeria (131) 7 Micronesia, Federated States of (132) 7 Philippines (133) 7 Lebanon (134) 7 Peru (135) 7 Dominican Republic (136) 7 Azerbaijan (137) 7 Tonga (138) 7 Brazil (139) 7 Fiji (140) 7 Seychelles (141) 7 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (142) 7 China (143) 7 Armenia (144) 7 Guyana (145) 7 Mauritius (146) 7 Iceland (147) 7 Australia (148) 7 Bosnia and Herzegovina (149) 7 Bermuda (150) 7 Canada (151) 7 Liechtenstein (152) 7 Japan (153) 7 Saint Helena (154) 7 San Marino (155) 7 Monaco (156) 6 Gaza Strip (157) 6 Oman (158) 6 Saudi Arabia (159) 6 Libya (160) 6 West Bank (161) 6 Western Samoa (162) 6 Malaysia (163) 6 Ecuador (164) 6 Turkey (165) 6 Wallis and Futuna (166) 6 Suriname (167) 6 Korea, North (168) 6 Jamaica (169) 6 Cook Islands (170) 6 Chile (171) 6 Israel (172) 6 Trinidad and Tobago (173) 6 Thailand (174) 6 Sri Lanka (175) 6 British Virgin Islands (176) 6 Guadeloupe (177) 6 Martinique (178) 6 Netherlands Antilles (179) 6 Antigua and Barbuda (180) 6 Cuba (181) 6 Korea, South (182) 6 Aruba (183) 6 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (184) 5 Jordan (185) 5 Solomon Islands (186) 5 Vanuatu (187) 5 Northern Mariana Islands (188) 5 El Salvador (189) 5 Paraguay (190) 5 Belize (191) 5 Mexico (192) 5 French Polynesia (193) 5 Brunei (194) 5 French Guiana (195) 5 Reunion (196) 5 Saint Lucia (197) 5 Tunisia (198) 5 Panama (199) 5 Colombia (200) 5 Dominica (201) 5 Albania (202) 5 New Caledonia (203) 5 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (204) 5 Virgin Islands (205) 5 The Bahamas (206) 5 Singapore (207) 5 Nauru (208) 5 Taiwan (209) 5 Cayman Islands (210) 5 Turks and Caicos Islands (211) 5 Hong Kong (212) 4 American Samoa (213) 4 Venezuela (214) 4 Costa Rica (215) 4 Bahrain (216) 4 Guam (217) 4 Qatar (218) 4 Macau (219) 4 Andorra (220) 3 United Arab Emirates (221) 2 Kuwait (222) Net Migration false marked Net Migration (per thousand) showNameProp Net Migration (per thousand) NET_MIGl NET_MIGh -30 Grenada (1) -10 Anguilla (2) -9 Gibraltar (3) -8.5 Kyrgyzstan (4) -8 Antigua and Barbuda (5) -8 Cape Verde (6) -8 Sierra Leone (7) -7 Armenia (8) -7 Malawi (9) -6 Virgin Islands (10) -6 Albania (11) -6 El Salvador (12) -6 Barbados (13) -5 Bulgaria (14) -4 Gaza Strip (15) -3 Aruba (16) -3 Azerbaijan (17) -2 Hong Kong (18) -2 British Virgin Islands (19) -2 Somalia (20) -2 Burkina (21) -1 Tonga (22) -1 Morocco (23) -1 Bolivia (24) -1 Ghana (25) -0.1 Kazakhstan (26) 0 Taiwan (27) 0 Nauru (28) 0 Singapore (29) 0 The Bahamas (30) 0 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (31) 0 Dominica (32) 0 Colombia (33) 0 Panama (34) 0 Tunisia (35) 0 Saint Lucia (36) 0 Reunion (37) 0 French Polynesia (38) 0 Mexico (39) 0 Paraguay (40) 0 Northern Mariana Islands (41) 0 Vanuatu (42) 0 Solomon Islands (43) 0 Cuba (44) 0 Netherlands Antilles (45) 0 Sri Lanka (46) 0 Thailand (47) 0 Trinidad and Tobago (48) 0 Chile (49) 0 Cook Islands (50) 0 Jamaica (51) 0 Korea, North (52) 0 Suriname (53) 0 Turkey (54) 0 Ecuador (55) 0 Malaysia (56) 0 Western Samoa (57) 0 Libya (58) 0 Saudi Arabia (59) 0 Oman (60) 0 Saint Helena (61) 0 Japan (62) 0 Liechtenstein (63) 0 Bermuda (64) 0 Iceland (65) 0 Mauritius (66) 0 Guyana (67) 0 China (68) 0 Seychelles (69) 0 Fiji (70) 0 Brazil (71) 0 Dominican Republic (72) 0 Peru (73) 0 Lebanon (74) 0 Philippines (75) 0 Algeria (76) 0 Mongolia (77) 0 Uzbekistan (78) 0 Nicaragua (79) 0 Honduras (80) 0 Syria (81) 0 New Zealand (82) 0 Faroe Islands (83) 0 Puerto Rico (84) 0 Cyprus (85) 0 Greenland (86) 0 Indonesia (87) 0 Vietnam (88) 0 Guatemala (89) 0 South Africa (90) 0 Botswana (91) 0 Sao Tome and Principe (92) 0 Tajikistan (93) 0 Zimbabwe (94) 0 Kenya (95) 0 Iran (96) 0 Maldives (97) 0 Marshall Islands (98) 0 Greece (99) 0 Spain (100) 0 Ireland (101) 0 Argentina (102) 0 Tuvalu (103) 0 Egypt (104) 0 Turkmenistan (105) 0 Namibia (106) 0 Iraq (107) 0 Finland (108) 0 Romania (109) 0 Poland (110) 0 Montserrat (111) 0 Uruguay (112) 0 Moldova (113) 0 Saint Kitts and Nevis (114) 0 Burma (115) 0 Lesotho (116) 0 Czechoslovakia (117) 0 United Kingdom (118) 0 India (119) 0 Papua New Guinea (120) 0 Cameroon (121) 0 Zambia (122) 0 Bangladesh (123) 0 Swaziland (124) 0 Comoros (125) 0 Togo (126) 0 Mayotte (127) 0 Hungary (128) 0 Congo (129) 0 Pakistan (130) 0 Senegal (131) 0 Sudan (132) 0 Zaire (133) 0 Gabon (134) 0 Nepal (135) 0 Burundi (136) 0 Madagascar (137) 0 Uganda (138) 0 Rwanda (139) 0 Cambodia (140) 0 Equatorial Guinea (141) 0 Haiti (142) 0 Benin (143) 0 Tanzania (144) 0 Djibouti (145) 0 Laos (146) 0 Nigeria (147) 0 Yemen (148) 0 Bhutan (149) 0 The Gambia (150) 0 Mauritania (151) 0 Guinea-Bissau (152) 0 Central African Republic (153) 0 Angola (154) 0 Afghanistan (155) 0 Western Sahara (156) 0 Chad (157) 0 Guinea (158) 0 Mali (159) 0 Niger (160) 1 Costa Rica (161) 1 Venezuela (162) 1 New Caledonia (163) 1 Jordan (164) 1 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (165) 1 Korea, South (166) 1 Martinique (167) 1 Netherlands (168) 1 Malta (169) 1 France (170) 1 Georgia (171) 1 Italy (172) 1 Belgium (173) 1 Belarus (174) 1 Russia (175) 1 Denmark (176) 1 Ukraine (177) 1 Kiribati (178) 2 West Bank (179) 2 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (180) 2 United States (181) 2 Portugal (182) 2 Norway (183) 2 Sweden (184) 2 Ethiopia (185) 3 Guam (186) 3 Switzerland (187) 3 Estonia (188) 3 Ivory Coast (189) 4 Macau (190) 4 Belize (191) 4 Lithuania (192) 4 Latvia (193) 4 Man, Isle of (194) 5 San Marino (195) 5 Germany (196) 5 Guernsey (197) 5 Austria (198) 6 American Samoa (199) 6 Canada (200) 6 Jersey (201) 7 Bahrain (202) 7 Brunei (203) 7 Australia (204) 7 Luxembourg (205) 8 Guadeloupe (206) 8 Wallis and Futuna (207) 9 Monaco (208) 12 Micronesia, Federated States of (209) 12 Mozambique (210) 15 Andorra (211) 15 Qatar (212) 22 Turks and Caicos Islands (213) 24 French Guiana (214) 26 Israel (215) 27 United Arab Emirates (216) 33 Cayman Islands (217) 265 Liberia (218) 265 Liberia (1) 33 Cayman Islands (2) 27 United Arab Emirates (3) 26 Israel (4) 24 French Guiana (5) 22 Turks and Caicos Islands (6) 15 Qatar (7) 15 Andorra (8) 12 Mozambique (9) 12 Micronesia, Federated States of (10) 9 Monaco (11) 8 Wallis and Futuna (12) 8 Guadeloupe (13) 7 Luxembourg (14) 7 Australia (15) 7 Brunei (16) 7 Bahrain (17) 6 Jersey (18) 6 Canada (19) 6 American Samoa (20) 5 Austria (21) 5 Guernsey (22) 5 Germany (23) 5 San Marino (24) 4 Man, Isle of (25) 4 Latvia (26) 4 Lithuania (27) 4 Belize (28) 4 Macau (29) 3 Ivory Coast (30) 3 Estonia (31) 3 Switzerland (32) 3 Guam (33) 2 Ethiopia (34) 2 Sweden (35) 2 Norway (36) 2 Portugal (37) 2 United States (38) 2 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (39) 2 West Bank (40) 1 Kiribati (41) 1 Ukraine (42) 1 Denmark (43) 1 Russia (44) 1 Belarus (45) 1 Belgium (46) 1 Italy (47) 1 Georgia (48) 1 France (49) 1 Malta (50) 1 Netherlands (51) 1 Martinique (52) 1 Korea, South (53) 1 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (54) 1 Jordan (55) 1 New Caledonia (56) 1 Venezuela (57) 1 Costa Rica (58) 0 Niger (59) 0 Mali (60) 0 Guinea (61) 0 Chad (62) 0 Western Sahara (63) 0 Afghanistan (64) 0 Angola (65) 0 Central African Republic (66) 0 Guinea-Bissau (67) 0 Mauritania (68) 0 The Gambia (69) 0 Bhutan (70) 0 Yemen (71) 0 Nigeria (72) 0 Laos (73) 0 Djibouti (74) 0 Tanzania (75) 0 Benin (76) 0 Haiti (77) 0 Equatorial Guinea (78) 0 Cambodia (79) 0 Rwanda (80) 0 Uganda (81) 0 Madagascar (82) 0 Burundi (83) 0 Nepal (84) 0 Gabon (85) 0 Zaire (86) 0 Sudan (87) 0 Senegal (88) 0 Pakistan (89) 0 Congo (90) 0 Hungary (91) 0 Mayotte (92) 0 Togo (93) 0 Comoros (94) 0 Swaziland (95) 0 Bangladesh (96) 0 Zambia (97) 0 Cameroon (98) 0 Papua New Guinea (99) 0 India (100) 0 United Kingdom (101) 0 Czechoslovakia (102) 0 Lesotho (103) 0 Burma (104) 0 Saint Kitts and Nevis (105) 0 Moldova (106) 0 Uruguay (107) 0 Montserrat (108) 0 Poland (109) 0 Romania (110) 0 Finland (111) 0 Iraq (112) 0 Namibia (113) 0 Turkmenistan (114) 0 Egypt (115) 0 Tuvalu (116) 0 Argentina (117) 0 Ireland (118) 0 Spain (119) 0 Greece (120) 0 Marshall Islands (121) 0 Maldives (122) 0 Iran (123) 0 Kenya (124) 0 Zimbabwe (125) 0 Tajikistan (126) 0 Sao Tome and Principe (127) 0 Botswana (128) 0 South Africa (129) 0 Guatemala (130) 0 Vietnam (131) 0 Indonesia (132) 0 Greenland (133) 0 Cyprus (134) 0 Puerto Rico (135) 0 Faroe Islands (136) 0 New Zealand (137) 0 Syria (138) 0 Honduras (139) 0 Nicaragua (140) 0 Uzbekistan (141) 0 Mongolia (142) 0 Algeria (143) 0 Philippines (144) 0 Lebanon (145) 0 Peru (146) 0 Dominican Republic (147) 0 Brazil (148) 0 Fiji (149) 0 Seychelles (150) 0 China (151) 0 Guyana (152) 0 Mauritius (153) 0 Iceland (154) 0 Bermuda (155) 0 Liechtenstein (156) 0 Japan (157) 0 Saint Helena (158) 0 Oman (159) 0 Saudi Arabia (160) 0 Libya (161) 0 Western Samoa (162) 0 Malaysia (163) 0 Ecuador (164) 0 Turkey (165) 0 Suriname (166) 0 Korea, North (167) 0 Jamaica (168) 0 Cook Islands (169) 0 Chile (170) 0 Trinidad and Tobago (171) 0 Thailand (172) 0 Sri Lanka (173) 0 Netherlands Antilles (174) 0 Cuba (175) 0 Solomon Islands (176) 0 Vanuatu (177) 0 Northern Mariana Islands (178) 0 Paraguay (179) 0 Mexico (180) 0 French Polynesia (181) 0 Reunion (182) 0 Saint Lucia (183) 0 Tunisia (184) 0 Panama (185) 0 Colombia (186) 0 Dominica (187) 0 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (188) 0 The Bahamas (189) 0 Singapore (190) 0 Nauru (191) 0 Taiwan (192) -0.1 Kazakhstan (193) -1 Ghana (194) -1 Bolivia (195) -1 Morocco (196) -1 Tonga (197) -2 Burkina (198) -2 Somalia (199) -2 British Virgin Islands (200) -2 Hong Kong (201) -3 Azerbaijan (202) -3 Aruba (203) -4 Gaza Strip (204) -5 Bulgaria (205) -6 Barbados (206) -6 El Salvador (207) -6 Albania (208) -6 Virgin Islands (209) -7 Malawi (210) -7 Armenia (211) -8 Sierra Leone (212) -8 Cape Verde (213) -8 Antigua and Barbuda (214) -8.5 Kyrgyzstan (215) -9 Gibraltar (216) -10 Anguilla (217) -30 Grenada (218) Infant Mortality false marked Infant Mortality (per thousand) showNameProp Infant Mortality (per thousand) INFANTl INFANTh 4 Japan (1) 4 Iceland (2) 5 Liechtenstein (3) 6 Gibraltar (4) 6 Taiwan (5) 6 Singapore (6) 6 Finland (7) 6 Sweden (8) 6 Switzerland (9) 6 Guernsey (10) 6 Jersey (11) 7 Hong Kong (12) 7 Faroe Islands (13) 7 Spain (14) 7 Netherlands (15) 7 Malta (16) 7 France (17) 7 Denmark (18) 7 Norway (19) 7 Germany (20) 7 Canada (21) 7 Andorra (22) 8 Reunion (23) 8 Ireland (24) 8 United Kingdom (25) 8 Italy (26) 8 Belgium (27) 8 Macau (28) 8 San Marino (29) 8 Austria (30) 8 Australia (31) 8 Luxembourg (32) 8 Monaco (33) 8 Cayman Islands (34) 9 Aruba (35) 9 New Zealand (36) 9 Man, Isle of (37) 9 Israel (38) 10 Cyprus (39) 10 Greece (40) 10 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (41) 10 United States (42) 10 Portugal (43) 10 Guadeloupe (44) 10 Croatia (45) 11 Dominica (46) 11 Cuba (47) 11 Netherlands Antilles (48) 11 Montserrat (49) 11 Czechoslovakia (50) 11 Martinique (51) 12 Costa Rica (52) 13 Virgin Islands (53) 13 Bulgaria (54) 13 Bermuda (55) 13 Turks and Caicos Islands (56) 14 Puerto Rico (57) 14 Poland (58) 14 Hungary (59) 14 Kuwait (60) 15 French Polynesia (61) 15 Seychelles (62) 15 Guam (63) 15 Bosnia and Herzegovina (64) 17 Panama (65) 17 Trinidad and Tobago (66) 17 Chile (67) 17 New Caledonia (68) 17 French Guiana (69) 18 Anguilla (70) 18 Saint Lucia (71) 18 Jamaica (72) 18 Lithuania (73) 19 The Bahamas (74) 19 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (75) 19 Fiji (76) 19 Latvia (77) 19 American Samoa (78) 20 Antigua and Barbuda (79) 20 British Virgin Islands (80) 20 Belarus (81) 21 Sri Lanka (82) 21 Bahrain (83) 22 Barbados (84) 22 Tonga (85) 22 Mauritius (86) 22 Romania (87) 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis (88) 22 Ukraine (89) 23 Uruguay (90) 23 Venezuela (91) 23 Korea, South (92) 23 United Arab Emirates (93) 24 Qatar (94) 25 Cook Islands (95) 25 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (96) 25 Estonia (97) 26 El Salvador (98) 26 Kazakhstan (99) 26 Brunei (100) 27 Albania (101) 27 Malaysia (102) 27 Greenland (103) 28 Grenada (104) 28 Paraguay (105) 29 Wallis and Futuna (106) 30 Mexico (107) 30 Vanuatu (108) 30 Solomon Islands (109) 30 Korea, North (110) 30 Belize (111) 31 Colombia (112) 31 Russia (113) 32 China (114) 34 Suriname (115) 34 Argentina (116) 34 Tuvalu (117) 34 Georgia (118) 35 Armenia (119) 35 Thailand (120) 35 Moldova (121) 37 West Bank (122) 38 Tunisia (123) 38 Northern Mariana Islands (124) 38 Jordan (125) 39 Micronesia, Federated States of (126) 40 Western Samoa (127) 40 Oman (128) 40 Saint Helena (129) 41 Gaza Strip (130) 41 Nauru (131) 42 Ecuador (132) 42 Botswana (133) 43 Lebanon (134) 45 Azerbaijan (135) 45 Syria (136) 47 Mongolia (137) 47 Vietnam (138) 50 Guyana (139) 50 South Africa (140) 52 Marshall Islands (141) 53 Philippines (142) 54 Honduras (143) 55 Turkey (144) 56 Kyrgyzstan (145) 56 Morocco (146) 56 Dominican Republic (147) 56 Algeria (148) 56 Guatemala (149) 57 Nicaragua (150) 58 Sao Tome and Principe (151) 59 Saudi Arabia (152) 59 Peru (153) 59 Zimbabwe (154) 60 Libya (155) 61 Cape Verde (156) 61 Maldives (157) 63 World (158) 64 Iran (159) 65 Uzbekistan (160) 66 Namibia (161) 67 Brazil (162) 67 Papua New Guinea (163) 68 Kenya (164) 68 Burma (165) 70 Indonesia (166) 74 Tajikistan (167) 74 Lesotho (168) 77 Zambia (169) 80 Egypt (170) 80 Senegal (171) 81 India (172) 81 Cameroon (173) 82 Bolivia (174) 83 Sudan (175) 84 Iraq (176) 84 Comoros (177) 84 Mayotte (178) 86 Ghana (179) 89 Mauritania (180) 90 Nepal (181) 91 Uganda (182) 93 Madagascar (183) 94 Turkmenistan (184) 94 Togo (185) 94 Ivory Coast (186) 97 Zaire (187) 98 Swaziland (188) 99 Kiribati (189) 100 Gabon (190) 103 Tanzania (191) 104 Haiti (192) 105 Pakistan (193) 106 Burundi (194) 107 Equatorial Guinea (195) 107 Laos (196) 108 Rwanda (197) 109 Congo (198) 110 Nigeria (199) 110 Mali (200) 112 Bangladesh (201) 112 Ethiopia (202) 115 Somalia (203) 115 Benin (204) 115 Djibouti (205) 115 Niger (206) 117 Burkina (207) 118 Yemen (208) 119 Liberia (209) 121 Cambodia (210) 124 Guinea-Bissau (211) 126 Bhutan (212) 129 The Gambia (213) 134 Malawi (214) 134 Mozambique (215) 135 Central African Republic (216) 136 Chad (217) 143 Guinea (218) 148 Sierra Leone (219) 152 Angola (220) 159 Western Sahara (221) 162 Afghanistan (222) 162 Afghanistan (1) 159 Western Sahara (2) 152 Angola (3) 148 Sierra Leone (4) 143 Guinea (5) 136 Chad (6) 135 Central African Republic (7) 134 Mozambique (8) 134 Malawi (9) 129 The Gambia (10) 126 Bhutan (11) 124 Guinea-Bissau (12) 121 Cambodia (13) 119 Liberia (14) 118 Yemen (15) 117 Burkina (16) 115 Niger (17) 115 Djibouti (18) 115 Benin (19) 115 Somalia (20) 112 Ethiopia (21) 112 Bangladesh (22) 110 Mali (23) 110 Nigeria (24) 109 Congo (25) 108 Rwanda (26) 107 Laos (27) 107 Equatorial Guinea (28) 106 Burundi (29) 105 Pakistan (30) 104 Haiti (31) 103 Tanzania (32) 100 Gabon (33) 99 Kiribati (34) 98 Swaziland (35) 97 Zaire (36) 94 Ivory Coast (37) 94 Togo (38) 94 Turkmenistan (39) 93 Madagascar (40) 91 Uganda (41) 90 Nepal (42) 89 Mauritania (43) 86 Ghana (44) 84 Mayotte (45) 84 Comoros (46) 84 Iraq (47) 83 Sudan (48) 82 Bolivia (49) 81 Cameroon (50) 81 India (51) 80 Senegal (52) 80 Egypt (53) 77 Zambia (54) 74 Lesotho (55) 74 Tajikistan (56) 70 Indonesia (57) 68 Burma (58) 68 Kenya (59) 67 Papua New Guinea (60) 67 Brazil (61) 66 Namibia (62) 65 Uzbekistan (63) 64 Iran (64) 63 World (65) 61 Maldives (66) 61 Cape Verde (67) 60 Libya (68) 59 Zimbabwe (69) 59 Peru (70) 59 Saudi Arabia (71) 58 Sao Tome and Principe (72) 57 Nicaragua (73) 56 Guatemala (74) 56 Algeria (75) 56 Dominican Republic (76) 56 Morocco (77) 56 Kyrgyzstan (78) 55 Turkey (79) 54 Honduras (80) 53 Philippines (81) 52 Marshall Islands (82) 50 South Africa (83) 50 Guyana (84) 47 Vietnam (85) 47 Mongolia (86) 45 Syria (87) 45 Azerbaijan (88) 43 Lebanon (89) 42 Botswana (90) 42 Ecuador (91) 41 Nauru (92) 41 Gaza Strip (93) 40 Saint Helena (94) 40 Oman (95) 40 Western Samoa (96) 39 Micronesia, Federated States of (97) 38 Jordan (98) 38 Northern Mariana Islands (99) 38 Tunisia (100) 37 West Bank (101) 35 Moldova (102) 35 Thailand (103) 35 Armenia (104) 34 Georgia (105) 34 Tuvalu (106) 34 Argentina (107) 34 Suriname (108) 32 China (109) 31 Russia (110) 31 Colombia (111) 30 Belize (112) 30 Korea, North (113) 30 Solomon Islands (114) 30 Vanuatu (115) 30 Mexico (116) 29 Wallis and Futuna (117) 28 Paraguay (118) 28 Grenada (119) 27 Greenland (120) 27 Malaysia (121) 27 Albania (122) 26 Brunei (123) 26 Kazakhstan (124) 26 El Salvador (125) 25 Estonia (126) 25 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (127) 25 Cook Islands (128) 24 Qatar (129) 23 United Arab Emirates (130) 23 Korea, South (131) 23 Venezuela (132) 23 Uruguay (133) 22 Ukraine (134) 22 Saint Kitts and Nevis (135) 22 Romania (136) 22 Mauritius (137) 22 Tonga (138) 22 Barbados (139) 21 Bahrain (140) 21 Sri Lanka (141) 20 Belarus (142) 20 British Virgin Islands (143) 20 Antigua and Barbuda (144) 19 American Samoa (145) 19 Latvia (146) 19 Fiji (147) 19 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (148) 19 The Bahamas (149) 18 Lithuania (150) 18 Jamaica (151) 18 Saint Lucia (152) 18 Anguilla (153) 17 French Guiana (154) 17 New Caledonia (155) 17 Chile (156) 17 Trinidad and Tobago (157) 17 Panama (158) 15 Bosnia and Herzegovina (159) 15 Guam (160) 15 Seychelles (161) 15 French Polynesia (162) 14 Kuwait (163) 14 Hungary (164) 14 Poland (165) 14 Puerto Rico (166) 13 Turks and Caicos Islands (167) 13 Bermuda (168) 13 Bulgaria (169) 13 Virgin Islands (170) 12 Costa Rica (171) 11 Martinique (172) 11 Czechoslovakia (173) 11 Montserrat (174) 11 Netherlands Antilles (175) 11 Cuba (176) 11 Dominica (177) 10 Croatia (178) 10 Guadeloupe (179) 10 Portugal (180) 10 United States (181) 10 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (182) 10 Greece (183) 10 Cyprus (184) 9 Israel (185) 9 Man, Isle of (186) 9 New Zealand (187) 9 Aruba (188) 8 Cayman Islands (189) 8 Monaco (190) 8 Luxembourg (191) 8 Australia (192) 8 Austria (193) 8 San Marino (194) 8 Macau (195) 8 Belgium (196) 8 Italy (197) 8 United Kingdom (198) 8 Ireland (199) 8 Reunion (200) 7 Andorra (201) 7 Canada (202) 7 Germany (203) 7 Norway (204) 7 Denmark (205) 7 France (206) 7 Malta (207) 7 Netherlands (208) 7 Spain (209) 7 Faroe Islands (210) 7 Hong Kong (211) 6 Jersey (212) 6 Guernsey (213) 6 Switzerland (214) 6 Sweden (215) 6 Finland (216) 6 Singapore (217) 6 Taiwan (218) 6 Gibraltar (219) 5 Liechtenstein (220) 4 Iceland (221) 4 Japan (222) Fertility Rate false marked Fertility Rate (per woman) showNameProp Fertility Rate (per woman) FERTILl FERTILh 1.1 Monaco (1) 1.2 Saint Helena (2) 1.2 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (3) 1.3 Jersey (4) 1.3 San Marino (5) 1.3 Andorra (6) 1.4 Portugal (7) 1.4 Germany (8) 1.4 Spain (9) 1.4 Italy (10) 1.4 Hong Kong (11) 1.5 Cayman Islands (12) 1.5 Austria (13) 1.5 Liechtenstein (14) 1.5 Greece (15) 1.6 Korea, South (16) 1.6 Guernsey (17) 1.6 Belgium (18) 1.6 Luxembourg (19) 1.6 Netherlands (20) 1.6 Japan (21) 1.6 Switzerland (22) 1.6 Macau (23) 1.7 Antigua and Barbuda (24) 1.7 Bulgaria (25) 1.7 Denmark (26) 1.7 Finland (27) 1.8 Romania (28) 1.8 Hungary (29) 1.8 Barbados (30) 1.8 Bermuda (31) 1.8 Taiwan (32) 1.8 Man, Isle of (33) 1.8 United States (34) 1.8 United Kingdom (35) 1.8 Cuba (36) 1.8 Aruba (37) 1.8 Australia (38) 1.8 Norway (39) 1.8 Canada (40) 1.8 France (41) 1.9 Czechoslovakia (42) 1.9 Singapore (43) 1.9 Sweden (44) 1.9 Martinique (45) 2 Ukraine (46) 2 Poland (47) 2 Netherlands Antilles (48) 2 Ireland (49) 2 Malta (50) 2 Guadeloupe (51) 2.1 Nauru (52) 2.1 Mauritius (53) 2.1 Russia (54) 2.1 Latvia (55) 2.1 Lithuania (56) 2.1 Belarus (57) 2.1 Puerto Rico (58) 2.1 New Zealand (59) 2.2 Greenland (60) 2.2 Thailand (61) 2.2 Sri Lanka (62) 2.2 Georgia (63) 2.2 The Bahamas (64) 2.2 Montserrat (65) 2.2 Faroe Islands (66) 2.2 Iceland (67) 2.3 China (68) 2.3 Estonia (69) 2.3 British Virgin Islands (70) 2.3 Turks and Caicos Islands (71) 2.4 Guyana (72) 2.4 Saint Kitts and Nevis (73) 2.4 Korea, North (74) 2.4 Trinidad and Tobago (75) 2.4 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (76) 2.4 Seychelles (77) 2.4 Uruguay (78) 2.4 Cyprus (79) 2.4 Dominica (80) 2.5 Guam (81) 2.5 Jamaica (82) 2.5 Chile (83) 2.5 Gibraltar (84) 2.6 Moldova (85) 2.6 Colombia (86) 2.7 Northern Mariana Islands (87) 2.7 Armenia (88) 2.7 New Caledonia (89) 2.7 Virgin Islands (90) 2.8 Indonesia (91) 2.8 Argentina (92) 2.8 Saint Lucia (93) 2.8 Reunion (94) 2.8 Albania (95) 2.9 Suriname (96) 2.9 Kazakhstan (97) 2.9 Azerbaijan (98) 2.9 Israel (99) 3 Fiji (100) 3 Brazil (101) 3 Dominican Republic (102) 3 Cook Islands (103) 3 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (104) 3 Panama (105) 3.1 Tuvalu (106) 3.1 Anguilla (107) 3.2 Tunisia (108) 3.2 Costa Rica (109) 3.3 World (110) 3.3 Peru (111) 3.3 French Polynesia (112) 3.3 Mexico (113) 3.3 Venezuela (114) 3.4 Turkey (115) 3.5 Philippines (116) 3.5 Ecuador (117) 3.5 Brunei (118) 3.6 Vietnam (119) 3.6 Malaysia (120) 3.6 Lebanon (121) 3.6 Wallis and Futuna (122) 3.6 French Guiana (123) 3.7 India (124) 3.7 Morocco (125) 3.7 Tonga (126) 3.8 Burma (127) 3.8 Belize (128) 3.9 Kiribati (129) 4 Kyrgyzstan (130) 4 Qatar (131) 4 El Salvador (132) 4 Bahrain (133) 4.1 Gabon (134) 4.1 Algeria (135) 4.1 Micronesia, Federated States of (136) 4.2 Uzbekistan (137) 4.4 Cambodia (138) 4.4 Egypt (139) 4.4 Botswana (140) 4.4 South Africa (141) 4.4 Western Samoa (142) 4.4 Paraguay (143) 4.4 Kuwait (144) 4.5 Bolivia (145) 4.5 Turkmenistan (146) 4.5 Mongolia (147) 4.5 West Bank (148) 4.5 American Samoa (149) 4.6 Bangladesh (150) 4.6 Nicaragua (151) 4.6 Guatemala (152) 4.6 Grenada (153) 4.7 Lesotho (154) 4.7 United Arab Emirates (155) 4.8 Honduras (156) 4.9 Papua New Guinea (157) 4.9 Libya (158) 5.1 Vanuatu (159) 5.2 Sao Tome and Principe (160) 5.3 Chad (161) 5.3 Tajikistan (162) 5.4 Nepal (163) 5.4 Equatorial Guinea (164) 5.4 Zimbabwe (165) 5.5 Central African Republic (166) 5.5 Bhutan (167) 5.7 Guinea-Bissau (168) 5.7 Congo (169) 6 Guinea (170) 6 Solomon Islands (171) 6.1 Sierra Leone (172) 6.1 Zaire (173) 6.2 Haiti (174) 6.2 Senegal (175) 6.2 Swaziland (176) 6.2 Kenya (177) 6.3 Djibouti (178) 6.3 Laos (179) 6.3 Sudan (180) 6.3 Ghana (181) 6.4 Afghanistan (182) 6.4 Mozambique (183) 6.4 The Gambia (184) 6.4 Cameroon (185) 6.5 Nigeria (186) 6.5 Liberia (187) 6.5 Namibia (188) 6.5 Cape Verde (189) 6.5 Maldives (190) 6.5 Iran (191) 6.6 Angola (192) 6.6 Pakistan (193) 6.6 Oman (194) 6.7 Saudi Arabia (195) 6.8 Madagascar (196) 6.8 Burundi (197) 6.8 Ivory Coast (198) 6.9 Benin (199) 6.9 Ethiopia (200) 6.9 Zambia (201) 6.9 Comoros (202) 6.9 Mayotte (203) 6.9 Syria (204) 6.9 Gaza Strip (205) 7 Tanzania (206) 7 Togo (207) 7 Marshall Islands (208) 7 Iraq (209) 7 Jordan (210) 7.1 Western Sahara (211) 7.1 Mauritania (212) 7.1 Burkina (213) 7.1 Somalia (214) 7.2 Uganda (215) 7.3 Mali (216) 7.3 Yemen (217) 7.4 Niger (218) 7.6 Malawi (219) 8.3 Rwanda (220) 8.3 Rwanda (1) 7.6 Malawi (2) 7.4 Niger (3) 7.3 Yemen (4) 7.3 Mali (5) 7.2 Uganda (6) 7.1 Somalia (7) 7.1 Burkina (8) 7.1 Mauritania (9) 7.1 Western Sahara (10) 7 Jordan (11) 7 Iraq (12) 7 Marshall Islands (13) 7 Togo (14) 7 Tanzania (15) 6.9 Gaza Strip (16) 6.9 Syria (17) 6.9 Mayotte (18) 6.9 Comoros (19) 6.9 Zambia (20) 6.9 Ethiopia (21) 6.9 Benin (22) 6.8 Ivory Coast (23) 6.8 Burundi (24) 6.8 Madagascar (25) 6.7 Saudi Arabia (26) 6.6 Oman (27) 6.6 Pakistan (28) 6.6 Angola (29) 6.5 Iran (30) 6.5 Maldives (31) 6.5 Cape Verde (32) 6.5 Namibia (33) 6.5 Liberia (34) 6.5 Nigeria (35) 6.4 Cameroon (36) 6.4 The Gambia (37) 6.4 Mozambique (38) 6.4 Afghanistan (39) 6.3 Ghana (40) 6.3 Sudan (41) 6.3 Laos (42) 6.3 Djibouti (43) 6.2 Kenya (44) 6.2 Swaziland (45) 6.2 Senegal (46) 6.2 Haiti (47) 6.1 Zaire (48) 6.1 Sierra Leone (49) 6 Solomon Islands (50) 6 Guinea (51) 5.7 Congo (52) 5.7 Guinea-Bissau (53) 5.5 Bhutan (54) 5.5 Central African Republic (55) 5.4 Zimbabwe (56) 5.4 Equatorial Guinea (57) 5.4 Nepal (58) 5.3 Tajikistan (59) 5.3 Chad (60) 5.2 Sao Tome and Principe (61) 5.1 Vanuatu (62) 4.9 Libya (63) 4.9 Papua New Guinea (64) 4.8 Honduras (65) 4.7 United Arab Emirates (66) 4.7 Lesotho (67) 4.6 Grenada (68) 4.6 Guatemala (69) 4.6 Nicaragua (70) 4.6 Bangladesh (71) 4.5 American Samoa (72) 4.5 West Bank (73) 4.5 Mongolia (74) 4.5 Turkmenistan (75) 4.5 Bolivia (76) 4.4 Kuwait (77) 4.4 Paraguay (78) 4.4 Western Samoa (79) 4.4 South Africa (80) 4.4 Botswana (81) 4.4 Egypt (82) 4.4 Cambodia (83) 4.2 Uzbekistan (84) 4.1 Micronesia, Federated States of (85) 4.1 Algeria (86) 4.1 Gabon (87) 4 Bahrain (88) 4 El Salvador (89) 4 Qatar (90) 4 Kyrgyzstan (91) 3.9 Kiribati (92) 3.8 Belize (93) 3.8 Burma (94) 3.7 Tonga (95) 3.7 Morocco (96) 3.7 India (97) 3.6 French Guiana (98) 3.6 Wallis and Futuna (99) 3.6 Lebanon (100) 3.6 Malaysia (101) 3.6 Vietnam (102) 3.5 Brunei (103) 3.5 Ecuador (104) 3.5 Philippines (105) 3.4 Turkey (106) 3.3 Venezuela (107) 3.3 Mexico (108) 3.3 French Polynesia (109) 3.3 Peru (110) 3.3 World (111) 3.2 Costa Rica (112) 3.2 Tunisia (113) 3.1 Anguilla (114) 3.1 Tuvalu (115) 3 Panama (116) 3 Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (117) 3 Cook Islands (118) 3 Dominican Republic (119) 3 Brazil (120) 3 Fiji (121) 2.9 Israel (122) 2.9 Azerbaijan (123) 2.9 Kazakhstan (124) 2.9 Suriname (125) 2.8 Albania (126) 2.8 Reunion (127) 2.8 Saint Lucia (128) 2.8 Argentina (129) 2.8 Indonesia (130) 2.7 Virgin Islands (131) 2.7 New Caledonia (132) 2.7 Armenia (133) 2.7 Northern Mariana Islands (134) 2.6 Colombia (135) 2.6 Moldova (136) 2.5 Gibraltar (137) 2.5 Chile (138) 2.5 Jamaica (139) 2.5 Guam (140) 2.4 Dominica (141) 2.4 Cyprus (142) 2.4 Uruguay (143) 2.4 Seychelles (144) 2.4 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (145) 2.4 Trinidad and Tobago (146) 2.4 Korea, North (147) 2.4 Saint Kitts and Nevis (148) 2.4 Guyana (149) 2.3 Turks and Caicos Islands (150) 2.3 British Virgin Islands (151) 2.3 Estonia (152) 2.3 China (153) 2.2 Iceland (154) 2.2 Faroe Islands (155) 2.2 Montserrat (156) 2.2 The Bahamas (157) 2.2 Georgia (158) 2.2 Sri Lanka (159) 2.2 Thailand (160) 2.2 Greenland (161) 2.1 New Zealand (162) 2.1 Puerto Rico (163) 2.1 Belarus (164) 2.1 Lithuania (165) 2.1 Latvia (166) 2.1 Russia (167) 2.1 Mauritius (168) 2.1 Nauru (169) 2 Guadeloupe (170) 2 Malta (171) 2 Ireland (172) 2 Netherlands Antilles (173) 2 Poland (174) 2 Ukraine (175) 1.9 Martinique (176) 1.9 Sweden (177) 1.9 Singapore (178) 1.9 Czechoslovakia (179) 1.8 France (180) 1.8 Canada (181) 1.8 Norway (182) 1.8 Australia (183) 1.8 Aruba (184) 1.8 Cuba (185) 1.8 United Kingdom (186) 1.8 United States (187) 1.8 Man, Isle of (188) 1.8 Taiwan (189) 1.8 Bermuda (190) 1.8 Barbados (191) 1.8 Hungary (192) 1.8 Romania (193) 1.7 Finland (194) 1.7 Denmark (195) 1.7 Bulgaria (196) 1.7 Antigua and Barbuda (197) 1.6 Macau (198) 1.6 Switzerland (199) 1.6 Japan (200) 1.6 Netherlands (201) 1.6 Luxembourg (202) 1.6 Belgium (203) 1.6 Guernsey (204) 1.6 Korea, South (205) 1.5 Greece (206) 1.5 Liechtenstein (207) 1.5 Austria (208) 1.5 Cayman Islands (209) 1.4 Hong Kong (210) 1.4 Italy (211) 1.4 Spain (212) 1.4 Germany (213) 1.4 Portugal (214) 1.3 Andorra (215) 1.3 San Marino (216) 1.3 Jersey (217) 1.2 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (218) 1.2 Saint Helena (219) 1.1 Monaco (220) .7 Morocco (96) 3.7 India (97) 3.6 French Guiana (98) 3.6 Wallis and Futuna (99) 3.6 Lebanon (100) 3.6 Malaysia (101) 3.6 Vietnam (102) 3.5 Brunei (103) 3.5 Ecuador (104) 3.5 Philippines (105) 3.4 Turkey (106) 3.3 Venezuela (107) 3.3 Mexico (108) 3.3 French Polynesia (109) 3.3 Peru (110) 3.3 World (111) 3.2 Costa Rica Ukraine false marked Ukraine showNameProp Ukraine most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Ukraine Geography Total area: 603,700 km2 Land area: 603,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 4,558 km total; Belarus 891 km, Czechoslovakia 90 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km, Poland 428 km, Romania (southwest) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia 1,576 km Coastline: 2,782 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: NA meter depth Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Territorial sea: NA nm Disputes: potential border disputes with Moldova and Romania in northern Bukovina and southern Odessa oblast Climate: temperate continental; subtropical only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm across the greater part of the country, hot in the south Terrain: most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaux, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean peninsula in the extreme south Natural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulphur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber Land use: 56% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 12% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; 30% other; includes 3% irrigated Environment: air and water pollution, deforestation, radiation contamination around Chernobyl nuclear plant Note: strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second largest country in Europe Ukraine People Population: 51,940,426 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ukrainian(s); adjective - Ukrainian Ethnic divisions: Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%, other 4% Religions: Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate), Protestant, Jewish Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish Literacy: NA% Labor force: 25,277,000; industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 19%, health, education, and culture 18%, trade and distribution 8%, transport and communication 7%, other 7% (1990) Organized labor: NA Ukraine Government Long-form name: none Type: republic Capital: Kiev (Kyyiv) Administrative divisions: 24 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and 1 autonomous republic* (avtomnaya respublika); Chernigov, Cherkassy, Chernovtsy, Dnepropetrovsk, Donetsk, Ivano-Frankovsk, Khar'kov, Kherson, Khmel'nitskiy, Kiev, Kirovograd, Krym (Simferopol')*, Lugansk, L'vov, Nikolayev, Odessa, Poltava, Rovno, Sumy, Ternopol', Vinnitsa, Volyn' (Lutsk), Zakarpat (Uzhgorod), Zaporozh'ye, Zhitomir; note - an oblast usually has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 24 August 1991; 1 December 1991 de facto from USSR; note - formerly the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Union Constitution: currently being drafted Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 24 August (1991) Executive branch: president, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council Judicial branch: being organized Leaders: Chief of State: President Leonid M. KRAVCHUK (since 5 December 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vitol'd FOKIN (since 14 November 1991); two First Deputy Prime Ministers: Valentyn SYMONENKO and Konstantyn MASYK (since 21 May 1991); two Deputy Prime Ministers: Oleh SLEPICHEV and Viktor SYTNYK (since 21 May 1991) Political parties and leaders: Ukrainian Republican Party, Levko LUKYANENKO, chairman; Green Party, Yuriy SHCHERBAK, chairman; Social Democratic Party, Andriy NOSENKO, chairman; Ukrainian Democratic Party, Yuriy BADZO, chairman; Democratic Rebirth Party, Oleksandr Volodymyr GRINEV, Oleksandr FILENKO, YEMETS, Miroslav POPOVICH, Sergei LYLYK, Oleksandr BAZYLYUK, Valeriy KHMELKO, leaders; People's Party of Ukraine, Leopold TABURYANSKIY, chairman; Peasant Democratic Party, Jerhiy PLACHYNDA, chairman; Ukrainian Socialist Party, Oleksandr MOROZ, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Leonid KRAVCHUK 61.59%, Vyacheslav CHERNOVIL 23.27%, Levko LUKYANENKO 4.49%, Volodymyr GRINEV 4.17%, Iher YUKHNOVSKY 1.74%, Leopold TABURYANSKIY 0.57% Supreme Council: last held 4 March 1990 (next scheduled for 1995, may be held earlier in late 1992 or 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (NA total) number of seats by party NA Ukraine Government Communists: Communist Party of Ukraine was banned by decree of the Supreme Council on 30 August 1991 Other political or pressure groups: Ukraninan People's Movement for Restructuring (RUKH) Member of: CIS, CSCE, CE, ECE, IAEA, IMF, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Oleh H. BILORUS; Embassy at 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 711, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 296-6960 US: Ambassador Roman POPADIUK; Embassy at ;10 Vul. Yuriy Kotsubinskoho, Kiev (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone (044) 244-7349; FAX (044) 244-7350 Flag: two horizontal bars of equal size: azure (sky blue) top half, golden yellow bottom half (represents grainfields under a blue sky) Ukraine Economy Overview: Because of its size, geographic location, Slavic population, and rich resources, the loss of Ukraine was the final and most bitter blow to the Soviet leaders wishing to preserve some semblance of the old political, military, and economic power of the USSR. After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union producing more than three times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated more than one fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its well-developed and diversified heavy industry supplied equipment and raw materials to industrial and mining sites in other regions of the USSR. In early 1992 the continued wholesale disruption of economic ties and the lack of an institutional structure necessary to formulate and implement economic reforms preclude a near-term recovery of output. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate -10% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 83% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: not finalized as of May 1992 Exports: $13.5 billion (1990) commodities: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, grain, meat partners: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan Imports: $16.7 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and parts, transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles partners: none *** No entry for this item *** External debt: $10.4 billion (end of 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -4.5% (1991) Electricity: NA kW capacity; 298,000 million kWh produced, 5,758 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food-processing Agriculture: grain, vegetables, meat, milk Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: $NA Ukraine Economy Currency: as of August 1992 using ruble and Ukrainian coupons as legal tender; Ukraine plans to withdraw the ruble from circulation and convert to a coupon-based economy on 1 October 1992; Ukrainian officials claim this will be an interim move toward introducing a Ukrainian currency - the hryvnya - possibly as early as January 1993 Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Ukraine Communications Railroads: 22,800 km all 1.500-meter gauge; does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 273,700 km total (1990); 236,400 km hard surfaced, 37,300 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: maritime - Berdyansk, Il'ichevsk Kerch', Kherson, Mariupol' (formerly Zhdanov), Nikolayev, Odessa, Sevastopol', Yuzhnoye; inland - Kiev Merchant marine: 338 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,117,595 GRT/5,403,685 DWT; includes 221 cargo, 11 container, 9 barge carriers, 59 bulk cargo, 9 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 24 passenger Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: inheriting part of the former USSR system, Ukraine has about 7 million telephone lines (13.5 telephones for each 100 persons); as of 31 January 1990, 3.56 million applications for telephones could not be satisfied; international calls can be made via satellite, by landline to other CIS countries, and through the Moscow international switching center; satellite earth stations employ INTELSAT, INMARSAT, and Intersputnik Ukraine Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground Navy, Air, and Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp UKRAINE - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General in San Francisco (415/922-6642). Ukraine - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, is located at Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10; telephone (7) (044) 244-7354. Country Description: Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Although street demonstrations and other disturbances have been rare, they may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. There are currently no restrictions on travel within the Ukraine. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: Travelers to Ukraine can obtain a visa in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine. Travelers to Ukraine who arrive without a visa must obtain one upon arrival at the border point or within 24 hours of arrival. Russian visas can no longer be used to enter Ukraine. Visas are issued at s Borispil Airport, at the airports of Lviv, Simferopol, and Odessa, and at the following border checkpoints: Chop, Uzhgorod, Mostiska, Yalta, and Vadul-Syret. Travelers who cannot obtain visas as they enter Ukraine (for example, those arriving by train from Russia or one of the other Commonwealth countries) are required to apply for a visa within 24 hours of arrival at a local visas, permits and passport department office of the ministry of internal affairs (OVIR). If the traveler does not present an invitation, visas will be valid for seven days, one entry. To obtain a longer validity or multiple entries, a letter of invitation is required, specifying the length and purpose of the visit. Such visas will usually be valid up to one year, with five entries. The cost of the visa is approximately $30 from the Ukrainian Embassy or approximately $50 if obtained inside Ukraine. Travelers in Ukraine who foresee even a slight possibility of spending time in Russia, even in transit, must procure a Russian visa before leaving the United States, as Russian visas are not available in Ukraine. For further information on visa requirements, travelers can contact the Ukrainian Embassy at 1828 I Street NW, Suite 711, Washington DC 20036, tel (202) 296-6960. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Ukraine is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information can be found in the Department of State brochure, Tips for Travelers to Russia, which includes information on Ukraine and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Ukraine has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however street crime has increased, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Ukraine is a cash-only economy. Travelers checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: According to a U.S. Department of Energy analysis, levels of background radiation and radiation found in food items affected by the fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl accident have decreased significantly with time. They are no longer of any known medical significance to travelers. Tap-water samples submitted from Kiev in the months following the accident showed no detectable radiation. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-052 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text UKRAINE United Arab Emirates false marked United Arab Emirates showNameProp United Arab Emirates most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp United Arab Emirates Geography Total area: 83,600 km2 Land area: 83,600 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: 1,016 km total; Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 586 km, Qatar 20 km Coastline: 1,448 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: defined by bilateral boundaries or equidistant line Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm (assumed), 12 nm for Ash Shariqah (Sharjah) Disputes: boundary with Qatar is unresolved; no defined boundary with Saudi Arabia; no defined boundary with most of Oman, but Administrative Line in far north; claims two islands in the Persian Gulf occupied by Iran (Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Bozorg or Greater Tunb, and Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Kuchek or Lesser Tunb); claims island in the Persian Gulf jointly administered with Iran (Jazireh-ye Abu Musa or Abu Musa,) Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains Terrain: flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert waste- land; mountains in east Natural resources: crude oil and natural gas Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 98%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: frequent dust and sand storms; lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants; desertification Note: strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil United Arab Emirates People Population: 2,522,315 (July 1992), growth rate 5.4% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 3 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 27 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Emirian(s), adjective - Emirian Ethnic divisions: Emirian 19%, other Arab 23%, South Asian (fluctuating) 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8%; less than 20% of the population are UAE citizens (1982) Religions: Muslim 96% (Shi`a 16%); Christian, Hindu, and other 4% Languages: Arabic (official); Persian and English widely spoken in major cities; Hindi, Urdu Literacy: 68% (male 70%, female 63%) age 10 and over but definition of literacy not available (1980) Labor force: 580,000 (1986 est.); industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 5%; 80% of labor force is foreign Organized labor: trade unions are illegal United Arab Emirates Government Long-form name: United Arab Emirates (no short-form name); abbreviated UAE Type: federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE central government and other powers reserved to member emirates Capital: Abu Dhabi Administrative divisions: 7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), `Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn Independence: 2 December 1971 (from UK; formerly Trucial States) Constitution: 2 December 1971 (provisional) Legal system: secular codes are being introduced by the UAE Government and in several member shaykhdoms; Islamic law remains influential National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1971) Executive branch: president, vice president, Supreme Council of Rulers, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Federal National Council (Majlis Watani Itihad) Judicial branch: Union Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan Al NUHAYYAN, (since 2 December 1971), ruler of Abu Dhabi; Vice President Shaykh Maktum bin Rashid al-MAKTUM (since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy Head of Government: Prime Minister Shaykh Maktum bin Rashid al-MAKTUM (since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy; Deputy Prime Minister Sultan bin Zayid Al NUHAYYAN (since 20 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: none Elections: none Other political or pressure groups: a few small clandestine groups may be active Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Muhammad bin Husayn Al SHAALI; Chancery at Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 338-6500 US: Ambassador Edward S. WALKER, Jr.; Embassy at Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi (mailing address is P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi); telephone [971] (2) 336691, afterhours 338730; FAX [971] (2) 318441; there is a US Consulate General in Dubayy (Dubai) Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a thicker vertical red band on the hoist side United Arab Emirates Economy Overview: The UAE has an open economy with one of the world's highest incomes per capita outside the OECD nations. This wealth is based on oil and gas, and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since 1973, when petroleum prices shot up, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, crude oil reserves should last for over 100 years. exchange rate conversion - $33.7 billion, per capita $14,100 (1990); real growth rate 11% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL (1988) Budget: revenues $3.8 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.) Exports: $21.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil 65%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates partners: Japan 35%, Singapore 6%, US 4%, Korea 3% Imports: $11.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: food, consumer and capital goods partners: Japan 14%, UK 10%, US 9%, Germany 9% External debt: $11.0 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: NA Electricity: 5,800,000 kW capacity; 17,000 million kWh produced, 7,115 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearling Agriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP and 5% of labor force; cash crop - dates; food products - vegetables, watermelons, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish; only 25% self-sufficient in food Economic aid: donor - pledged $9.1 billion in bilateral aid to less developed countries (1979-89) Currency: Emirian dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Emirian dirham (Dh) = 100 fils Exchange rates: Emirian dirhams (Dh) per US$1 - 3.6710 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year United Arab Emirates Communications Highways: 2,000 km total; 1,800 km bituminous, 200 km gravel and graded earth Pipelines: crude oil 830 km, natural gas, including natural gas liquids, 870 km Ports: Al Fujayrah, Khawr Fakkan, Mina' Jabal `Ali, Mina' Khalid, Mina' Rashid, Mina' Saqr, Mina' Zayid Merchant marine: 55 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,033,866 GRT/1,772,646 DWT; includes 18 cargo, 8 container, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 20 petroleum tanker, 4 bulk, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 vehicle carrier Civil air: 10 major transport aircraft Airports: 37 total, 34 usable; 20 with permanent-surface runways; 7 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate system of microwave and coaxial cable; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubayy; 386,600 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite communications ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; submarine cables to Qatar, Bahrain, India, and Pakistan; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave to Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Federal Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 974,288; 533,673 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.47 billion, 5.3% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa must be obtained by relative/sponsor in UAE. Transit visa issued upon arrival at discretion of airport authorities for stay up to 15 days. Both visas require sponsor/relative to meet visitor at airport. Business visas issued only by Embassy, and require company letter and sponsor in UAE to send a letter or telex to Embassy confirming trip. Single-entry visa valid 2 months for stay up to 30 days, $18 fee. Multiple-entry visa (for business only), valid 6 months from date of issue for maximum stay of 30 days per entry, $225 fee, paid by cash, money order or certified check. Submit 1 application form, 1 photo and prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified/registered mail. AIDS test required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed upon arrival; U.S. test not accepted. For further information contact Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/338-6500). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text UNITED_A United Kingdom false marked RNS\T' United Kingdom showNameProp United Kingdom most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp United Kingdom Geography Total area: 244,820 km2 Land area: 241,590 km2; includes Rockall and Shetland Islands Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon Land boundaries: 360 km; Ireland 360 km Coastline: 12,429 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in accordance with agreed upon boundaries Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Northern Ireland question with Ireland; Gibraltar question with Spain; Argentina claims Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); Argentina claims South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Mauritius claims island of Diego Garcia in British Indian Ocean Territory; Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory) Climate: temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than half of the days are overcast Terrain: mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeast Natural resources: coal, crude oil, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, lead, silica Land use: arable land 29%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 48%; forest and woodland 9%; other 14%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: pollution control measures improving air, water quality; because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal waters Note: lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and now being linked by tunnel under the English Channel United Kingdom People Population: 57,797,514 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Briton(s), British (collective pl.); adjective - British Ethnic divisions: English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8% Religions: Anglican 27.0 million, Roman Catholic 5.3 million, Presbyterian 2.0 million, Methodist 760,000, Jewish 410,000 Languages: English, Welsh (about 26% of population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland) Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1978 est.) Labor force: 26,177,000; services 60.6%, manufacturing and construction 27.2%, government 8.9%, energy 2.1%, agriculture 1.2% (June 1991) Organized labor: 40% of labor force (1991) United Kingdom Government Long-form name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; abbreviated UK Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: London Administrative divisions: 47 counties, 7 metropolitan counties, 26 districts, 9 regions, and 3 islands areas England: 39 counties, 7 metropolitan counties*; Avon, Bedford, Berkshire, Buckingham, Cambridge, Cheshire, Cleveland, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucester, Greater London*, Greater Manchester*, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertford, Humberside, Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicester, Lincoln, Merseyside*, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Nottingham, Oxford, Shropshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire*, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Tyne and Wear*, Warwick, West Midlands*, West Sussex, West Yorkshire*, Wiltshire Northern Ireland: 26 districts; Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne, Limavady, Lisburn, Londonderry, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne, Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane Scotland: 9 regions, 3 islands areas*; Borders, Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Grampian, Highland, Lothian, Orkney*, Shetland*, Strathclyde, Tayside, Western Isles* Wales: 8 counties; Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan, West Glamorgan Independence: 1 January 1801, United Kingdom established Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice Dependent areas: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands Legal system: common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences; no judicial review of Acts of Parliament; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or House of Lords and a lower house or House of Commons Judicial branch: House of Lords Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the Queen, born 14 November 1948) Head of Government: Prime Minister John MAJOR (since 28 November 1990) United Kingdom Government Political parties and leaders: Conservative and Unionist Party, John MAJOR; Labor Party, John SMITH; Liberal Democrats (LD), Jeremy (Paddy) ASHDOWN; Scottish National Party, Alex SALMOND; Welsh National Party (Plaid Cymru), Dafydd Iwan WIGLEY; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), James MOLYNEAUX; Democratic Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), Rev. Ian PAISLEY; Ulster Popular Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), James KILFEDDER; Social Democratic and Labor Party (SDLP, Northern Ireland), John HUME; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland), Gerry ADAMS; Alliance Party (Northern Ireland), John ALDERDICE; Democratic Left, Nina TEMPLE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Commons: last held 9 April 1992 (next to be held by NA April 1997); results - Conservative 41.9%, Labor 34.5%, Liberal Democratic 17.9%, other 5.7%; seats - (651 total) Conservative 336, Labor 271, Liberal Democratic 20, other 24 Communists: 15,961 Other political or pressure groups: Trades Union Congress, Confederation of British Industry, National Farmers' Union, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, BIS, C, CCC, CDB, CE, CERN, COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESCAP, ESA, FAO, G-5, G-7, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NEA, OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Sir Robin RENWICK; Chancery at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-1340; there are British Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Dallas, Miami, and Seattle US: Ambassador Raymond G. H. SEITZ; Embassy at 24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W.1A1AE, (mailing address is FPO AE 09498-4040); telephone [44] (71) 499-9000; FAX 409-1637; there are US Consulates General in Belfast and Edinburgh Flag: blue with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland) which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); known as the Union Flag or Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including dependencies, Commonwealth countries, and others Note: Hong Kong is scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997 United Kingdom Economy Overview: The UK is one of the world's great trading powers and financial centers, and its economy ranks among the four largest in Europe. The economy is essentially capitalistic with a generous admixture of social welfare programs and government ownership. Prime Minister MAJOR has continued the basic thrust of THATCHER's efforts to halt the expansion of welfare measures and promote extensive reprivatization of the government economic sector. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with only 1% of the labor force. Industry is a mixture of public and private enterprises, employing about 27% of the work force and generating 22% of GDP. The UK is an energy-rich nation with large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves; primary energy production accounts for 12% of GDP, one of the highest shares of any industrial nation. In mid-1990 the economy fell into recession after eight years of strong economic expansion, which had raised national output by one quarter. Britain's inflation rate, which has been consistently well above those of her major trading partners, declined significantly in 1991. Between 1986 and 1990 unemployment fell from 11% to about 6%, but crept back up to 8% in 1991 because of the economic slowdown. As a major trading nation, the UK will continue to be greatly affected by world boom or recession, swings in the international oil market, productivity trends in domestic industry, and the terms on which the economic integration of Europe proceeds. purchasing power equivalent - $915.5 billion, per capita $15,900; real growth rate -1.9% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (1991) Unemployment rate: 8.1% (1991) Budget: revenues $435 billion; expenditures $469 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY92 est.) Exports: $186.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, transport equipment partners: EC 53.2% (FRG 12.7%, France 10.5%, Netherlands 7.0%), US 12.4% Imports: $211.9 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 52.2% (FRG 15.6%, France 9.3%, Netherlands 8.4%), US 11.5% External debt: $10.5 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1991) Electricity: 98,000,000 kW capacity; 316,500 million kWh produced, 5,520 kWh per capita (1991) United Kingdom Economy Industries: production machinery including machine tools, electric power equipment, equipment for the automation of production, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for only 1.5% of GDP and 1% of labor force; highly mechanized and efficient farms; wide variety of crops and livestock products produced; about 60% self-sufficient in food and feed needs; fish catch of 665,000 metric tons (1987) Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $21.0 billion Currency: British pound or pound sterling (plural - pounds); 1 British pound (#) = 100 pence Exchange rates: British pounds (#) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March United Kingdom Communications Railroads: Great Britain - 16,629 km total; British Railways (BR) operates 16,629 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge (4,205 km electrified and 12,591 km double or multiple track); several additional small standard-gauge and narrow-gauge lines are privately owned and operated; Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) operates 332 km 1.600-meter gauge, including 190 km double track Highways: UK, 362,982 km total; Great Britain, 339,483 km paved (including 2,573 km limited-access divided highway); Northern Ireland, 23,499 km (22,907 paved, 592 km gravel) Inland waterways: 2,291 total; British Waterways Board, 606 km; Port Authorities, 706 km; other, 979 km Pipelines: crude oil (almost all insignificant) 933 km, petroleum products 2,993 km, natural gas 12,800 km Ports: London, Liverpool, Felixstowe, Tees and Hartlepool, Dover, Sullom Voe, Southampton Merchant marine: 224 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,905,571 GRT/4,840,862 DWT; includes 7 passenger, 21 short-sea passenger, 37 cargo, 27 container, 14 roll-on/roll-off, 10 refrigerated cargo, 1 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 66 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 1 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 26 bulk, 1 combination bulk Civil air: 618 major transport aircraft Airports: 498 total, 385 usable; 249 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 37 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 133 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: technologically advanced domestic and international system; 30,200,000 telephones; equal mix of buried cables, microwave and optical-fiber systems; excellent countrywide broadcast systems; broadcast stations - 225 AM, 525 (mostly repeaters) FM, 207 (3,210 repeaters) TV; 40 coaxial submarine cables; 5 satellite ground stations operating in INTELSAT (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), MARISAT, and EUTELSAT systems; at least 8 large international switching centers United Kingdom Defense Forces Branches: Army, Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Royal Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 14,462,820; 12,122,497 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $42 billion, 4.3% of GDP (FY91) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp UNITED KINGDOM (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 6 months. For additional information consult the Consular Section of the British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/896-0205) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/385-7381 and 415/981-3030), GA (404/524-5856), IL (312/346-1810), MA (617/437-7160), NY (212/752-8400), OH (216/621-7674) or TX (214/637-3600). United Kingdom - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in London is located at 24/31 Grosvenor Square, telephone (44)(71)499-9000. There are also consulates in Edinburgh, Scotland, at 3 Regent Terrace, telephone (44)(31)556-8315, and in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at Queen s House, 14 Queen Street, telephone (44)(232)328239. The U.S. Consulate in Hamilton, Bermuda is located at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, telephone (809) 295-1342. Country Description: The United Kingdom is a highly developed European nation with a modern economy. Tourist facilities throughout the United Kingdom are highly developed. Entry Requirements: Tourists are not required to obtain a visa for stays up to 6 months. For further information concerning entry requirements for the United Kingdom, travelers can contact the British Embassy in Washington, DC, or the nearest Consulate General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Cleveland or Dallas. Quarantine Requirements: The United Kingdom has particularly rigorous quarantine restrictions on the importation of pets and livestock. There is a six-month quarantine, for example, on importation of dogs and cats. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful whenever insurance claims are made. Further information on helath matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The incidence of criminal activity in the United Kingdom is generally low, though many major cities have areas where caution should be exercised. Visitors generally lock vehicles and guard their personal possessions. As in any developed country, the United Kingdom has higher incidents of criminal activity in urban areas than in the countryside. Incidents of violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape are minimal. Firearms are strictly controlled, making weapons-related offenses far less frequent than in large U.S. metropolitan areas. Large cities in England do have areas where the level of crime is significant. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activities: The United Kingdom is a stable, modern democracy. Civil disorder is virtually nonexistent. The U.S. Embassy, in particular, and London in general, are the sites of frequent demonstrations and marches, which are orderly and well policed. There is, however, a history of terrorist violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. While these acts are not targeted at U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens have, in rare instances, been injured. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the areas. No. 92-053 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... UNITED_K United States false marked United States showNameProp United States most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp United States Geography Total area: 9,372,610 km2 Land area: 9,166,600 km2; includes only the 50 states and District of Colombia Comparative area: about three-tenths the size of Russia; about one-third the size of Africa; about one-half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly smaller than China; about two and one-half times the size of Western Europe Land boundaries: 12,248.1 km; Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska), Mexico 3,326 km, Cuba (US naval base at Guantanamo) 29.1 km Coastline: 19,924 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: not specified Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary disputes with Canada (Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca); US Naval Base at Guantanamo is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nation; Marshall Islands claims Wake Island Climate: mostly temperate, but varies from tropical (Hawaii) to arctic (Alaska); arid to semiarid in west with occasional warm, dry chinook wind Terrain: vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii Natural resources: coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, crude oil, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 26%; forest and woodland 29%; other 25%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: pollution control measures improving air and water quality; acid rain; agricultural fertilizer and pesticide pollution; management of sparse natural water resources in west; desertification; tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; continuous permafrost in northern Alaska is a major impediment to development Note: world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and China) United States People Population: 254,521,000 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - American(s); adjective - American Ethnic divisions: white 84.1%, black 12.4%, other 3.5% (1989) Religions: Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10% (1989) Languages: predominantly English; sizable Spanish-speaking minority Literacy: 98% (male 97%, female 98%) age 25 and over having completed 5 or more years of schooling (1989) Labor force: 126,867,000 (includes armed forces and unemployed); civilian labor force 125,303,000 (1991) Organized labor: 16,568,000 members; 16.1% of total wage and salary employment which was 102,786,000 (1991) United States Government Long-form name: United States of America; abbreviated US or USA Type: federal republic; strong democratic tradition Capital: Washington, DC Administrative divisions: 50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Independence: 4 July 1776 (from England) Constitution: 17 September 1787, effective 4 June 1789 Dependent areas: American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island; Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 4 July (1776) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Congress consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989) Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Richard N. BOND, national committee chairman; Jeanie AUSTIN, co-chairman; Democratic Party, Ronald H. BROWN, national committee chairman; several other groups or parties of minor political significance Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - George BUSH (Republican Party) 53.37%, Michael DUKAKIS (Democratic Party) 45.67%, other 0.96% Senate: last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - Democratic Party 51%, Republican Party 47%, other 2%; seats - (100 total) Democratic Party 56, Republican Party 44 House of Representatives: last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - Democratic Party 52%, Republican Party 44%, other 4%; seats - (435 total) Democratic Party 267, Republican Party 167, Socialist 1 United States Government Communists: Communist Party (claimed 15,000-20,000 members), Gus HALL, general secretary; Socialist Workers Party (claimed 1,800 members), Jack BARNES, national secretary Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, BIS, CCC, COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, FAO, ESCAP, G-2, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NEA, OAS, OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UN Trusteeship Council, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: US Representative to the UN, Ambassador Thomas R. PICKERING; Mission at 799 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 415-4050, after hours (212) 415-4444; FAX (212) 415-4443 Flag: thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small white five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico Note: since 18 July 1947, the US has administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, but recently entered into a new political relationship with three of the four political units; the Northern Mariana Islands is a Commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US that was approved by the US Congress but to date the Compact process has not been completed in Palau, which continues to be administered by the US as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986) United States Economy Overview: The US has the most powerful, diverse, and technologically advanced economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $22,470, the largest among major industrial nations. The economy is market oriented with most decisions made by private individuals and business firms and with government purchases of goods and services made predominantly in the marketplace. In 1989 the economy enjoyed its seventh successive year of substantial growth, the longest in peacetime history. The expansion featured moderation in wage and consumer price increases and a steady reduction in unemployment to 5.2% of the labor force. In 1990, however, growth slowed to 1% because of a combination of factors, such as the worldwide increase in interest rates, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August, the subsequent spurt in oil prices, and a general decline in business and consumer confidence. In 1991 output failed to recover, unemployment grew, and signs of recovery proved premature. Ongoing problems for the 1990s include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical costs, and sizable budget and trade deficits. purchasing power equivalent - $5,673 billion, per capita $22,470; real growth rate -0.7% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6.6% (1991) Budget: revenues $1,054 billion; expenditures $1,323 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91) Exports: $428.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: capital goods, automobiles, industrial supplies and raw materials, consumer goods, agricultural products partners: Western Europe 27.3%, Canada 22.1%, Japan 12.1% (1989) Imports: $499.4 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: crude and partly refined petroleum, machinery, automobiles, consumer goods, industrial raw materials, food and beverages partners: Western Europe 21.5%, Japan 19.7%, Canada 18.8% (1989) External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate -1.9% (1991) Electricity: 776,550,000 kW capacity; 3,020,000 million kWh produced, 12,080 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, fishing, lumber, mining Agriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP and 2.8% of labor force; favorable climate and soils support a wide variety of crops and livestock production; world's second largest producer and number one exporter of grain; surplus food producer; fish catch of 5.0 million metric tons (1988) United States Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for domestic consumption with 1987 production estimated at 3,500 metric tons or about 25% of the available marijuana; ongoing eradication program aimed at small plots and greenhouses has not reduced production Economic aid: donor - commitments, including ODA and OOF, (FY80-89), $115.7 billion Currency: United States dollar (plural - dollars); 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: British pounds: (#) per US$ - 0.5599 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987) Canadian dollars: (Can$) per US$ - 1.1926 (March 1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988), 1.3260 (1987) French francs: (F) per US$ - 5.6397, (March 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Italian lire: (Lit) per US$ - 1,248.4 (March 1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1.372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988), 1,296.1 (1987) Japanese yen: (Y) per US$ - 132.70 (March 1992), 134.71 (1991), 144.79 (1990), 137.96 (1989), 128.15 (1988), 144.64 (1987) German deutsche marks: (DM) per US$ - 1.6611 (March 1992), 1.6595 (1991), 1.6157 (1990), 1.8800 (1989), 1.7562 (1988), 1.7974 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September United States Communications Railroads: 270,312 km Highways: 6,365,590 km, including 88,641 km expressways Inland waterways: 41,009 km of navigable inland channels, exclusive of the Great Lakes (est.) Pipelines: petroleum 275,800 km, natural gas 305,300 km (1985) Ports: Anchorage, Baltimore, Beaumont, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Cleveland, Duluth, Freeport, Galveston, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), Richmond (California), San Francisco, Savannah, Seattle, Tampa, Wilmington Merchant marine: 396 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 12,969 GRT/20,179 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 38 cargo, 25 bulk, 174 tanker, 13 tanker tug-barge, 14 liquefied gas, 129 intermodal; in addition, there are 231 government-owned vessels Civil air: 8,252 commercial multiengine transport aircraft (weighing 9,000 kg and over) including 6,036 jet, 831 turboprop, 1,382 piston (December 1989) Airports: 14,177 total, 12,417 usable; 4,820 with permanent-surface runways; 63 with runways over 3,659 m; 325 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2,524 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 182,558,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4,892 AM, 5,200 FM (including 3,915 commercial and 1,285 public broadcasting), 7,296 TV (including 796 commercial, 300 public broadcasting, and 6,200 commercial cable); 495,000,000 radio receivers (1982); 150,000,000 TV sets (1982); satellite ground stations - 45 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 16 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT United States Defense Forces Branches: Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (including Marine Corps), Department of the Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 66,458,000; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $323.5 billion, 5.7% of GNP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Hide Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... UNITED_S Uruguay false marked Uruguay showNameProp Uruguay most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Uruguay Geography Total area: 176,220 km2 Land area: 173,620 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Washington State Land boundaries: 1,564 km total; Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km Coastline: 660 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Territorial sea: 200 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm) Disputes: short section of boundary with Argentina is in dispute; two short sections of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute (Arroyo de la Invernada area of the Rio Quarai and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay) Climate: warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown Terrain: mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland Natural resources: soil, hydropower potential, minor minerals Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 78%; forest and woodland 4%; other 10%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to seasonally high winds, droughts, floods Uruguay People Population: 3,141,533 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Uruguayan(s); adjective - Uruguayan Ethnic divisions: white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4% Religions: Roman Catholic (less than half adult population attends church regularly) 66%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30% Languages: Spanish Literacy: 96% (male 97%, female 96%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,355,000 (1991 est.); government 25%, manufacturing 19%, agriculture 11%, commerce 12%, utilities, construction, transport, and communications 12%, other services 21% (1988 est.) Organized labor: Interunion Workers' Assembly/National Workers' Confederation (PIT/CNT) Labor Federation Uruguay Government Long-form name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay Type: republic Capital: Montevideo Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres Independence: 25 August 1828 (from Brazil) Constitution: 27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980 Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1828) Executive branch: president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral General Assembly (Asamblea General) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Camera de Representantes) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Luis Alberto LACALLE (since 1 March 1990); Vice President Gonzalo AGUIRRE Ramirez (since 1 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: National (Blanco) Party, Carlos CAT; Colorado Party, Jorge BATLLE Ibanez; Broad Front Coalition, Liber SEREGNI Mosquera - includes Communist Party led by Jaime PEREZ and National Liberation Movement (MLN) or Tupamaros led by Eleuterio FERNANDEZ Huidobro; New Space Coalition consists of the Party of the Government of the People (PGP), Hugo BATALLA; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), leader NA; and Civic Union, Humberto CIGANDA Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: President: last held 26 November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results - Luis Alberto LACALLE Herrera (Blanco) 37%, Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (Colorado) 29%, Liber SEREGNI Mosquera (Broad Front) 20% Chamber of Senators: last held 26 November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results - Blanco 40%, Colorado 30%, Broad Front 23% New Space 7%; seats - (30 total) Blanco 12, Colorado 9, Broad Front 7, New Space 2 Chamber of Representatives: last held NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results - Blanco 39%, Colorado 30%, Broad Front 22%, New Space 8%, other 1%; seats - (99 total) number of seats by party NA Communists: 50,000 Uruguay Government Member of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Eduardo MACGILLICUDDY; Chancery at 1918 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 331-1313 through 1316; there are Uruguayan Consulates General in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, and a Consulate in New Orleans US: Ambassador Richard C. BROWN; Embassy at Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo (mailing address is APO AA 34035); telephone [598] (2) 23-60-61 or 48-77-77; FAX [598] (2) 48-86-11 Flag: nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy Uruguay Economy Overview: The economy is slowly recovering from the deep recession of the early 1980s. In 1988 real GDP grew by only 0.5% and in 1989 by 1.5%. The recovery was led by growth in the agriculture and fishing sectors, agriculture alone contributing 20% to GDP, employing about 11% of the labor force, and generating a large proportion of export earnings. Raising livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, is the major agricultural activity. In 1991, domestic growth improved somewhat over 1990, but various government factors, including concentration on the external sector, adverse weather conditions, and greater attention to bringing down inflation and reducing the fiscal deficit kept output from expanding rapidly. In a major step toward greater regional economic cooperation, Uruguay joined Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay in forming the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur). President LACALLE continues to press ahead with a broad economic reform plan to reduce state intervention in the economy, but he faces strong opposition. exchange rate conversion - $9.1 billion, per capita $2,935; real growth rate 2.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.5% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $165 million (1988) Exports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: hides and leather goods 17%, beef 10%, wool 9%, fish 7%, rice 4% partners: Brazil, US, Argentina, Germany Imports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fuels and lubricants 15%, metals, machinery, transportation equipment, industrial chemicals partners: Brazil 23%, Argentina 17%, US 10%, EC 27.1% (1990) External debt: $4.2 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -1.4% (1990), accounts for almost 25% of GDP Electricity: 2,065,000 kW capacity; 5,677 million kWh produced, 1,819 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: meat processing, wool and hides, sugar, textiles, footwear, leather apparel, tires, cement, fishing, petroleum refining, wine Agriculture: large areas devoted to livestock grazing; wheat, rice, corn, sorghum; self-sufficient in most basic foodstuffs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $105 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $420 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $69 million Currency: new Uruguayan peso (plural - pesos); 1 new Uruguayan peso (N$Ur) = 100 centesimos Uruguay Economy Exchange rates: new Uruguayan pesos (N$Ur) per US$1 - 2,732.8 (March 1992), 2,018.8 (1991), 1,171.0 (1990), 605.5 (1989), 359.4 (1988), 226.7 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Uruguay Communications Railroads: 3,000 km, all 1.435-meter (standard) gauge and government owned Highways: 49,900 km total; 6,700 km paved, 3,000 km gravel, 40,200 km earth Inland waterways: 1,600 km; used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft Ports: Montevideo, Punta del Este Merchant marine: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 56,737 GRT/104,143 DWT; includes 1 cargo, 1 container, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 90 total, 83 usable; 16 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave network; 337,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 99 AM, no FM, 26 TV, 9 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Uruguay Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, and Marines), Air Force, Grenadier Guards, Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 745,728; 605,392 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $168 million, 2.2% of GDP (1988) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp URUGUAY - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. For official/diplomatic passport, visa required and must be obtained in advance. For additional information consult Embassy of Uruguay, 1918 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/331-1313-6) or nearest Consulate for additional information: CA (213/394-5777), FL (305/358-9350), IL (312/236-3366), LA (504/525-8354) or NY (212/753- 8191/2). Uruguay - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Uruguay is located in Montevideo at Lauro Muller 1776. The telephone number is (598-2) 23-60-61. Country Description: Uruguay is a medium-income nation with a developing economy. The quality of facilities for tourism varies. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a three-month stay. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Uruguay, travelers can contact the Uruguayan Embassy at 1918 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, tel: (202) 331-1313 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, or New York. Medical Facilities: Facilities for medical care are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Street crime including pickpocketing is on the increase. Persons carrying items of value in open display have been victimized by teenage muggers in the downtown area of Montevideo and near the old city and port. While criminals more often than not have weapons at their disposal, to date foreigners have remained relatively free from assault. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-090 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... URUGUAY Uzbekistan false marked Z%~3B4P5' Uzbekistan showNameProp Uzbekistan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Uzbekistan Geography Total area: 447,400 km2 Land area: 425,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 6,221 km total; Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km Coastline: 0 km note: Uzbekistan does border the Aral Sea (420 km) Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: mostly mid latitude desert; semiarid grassland in east Terrain: mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; Fergana valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts Note: landlocked Uzbekistan People Population: 21,626,784 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992); note - 179,000 persons left Uzbekistan in 1990 Infant mortality rate: 65 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 70 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Uzbek(s); adjective - Uzbek Ethnic divisions: Uzbek 71%, Russian 8%, Tajik 5%, other 16%; note - includes 70% of Crimean Tatars since their World War II deportation Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunnis) 75-80%, other (includes Farsi) 20-25% Languages: Uzbek 85%, Russian 5%, other 10% Literacy: NA% Labor force: 7,941,000; agriculture and forestry 39%, industry and construction 24%, other 37% (1990) Organized labor: NA Uzbekistan Government Long-form name: Republic of Uzbekistan Type: republic Capital: Tashkent (Toshkent) Administrative divisions: 11 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and 1 autonomous republic* (avtomnaya respublika); Andizhan, Bukhara, Dzhizak, Fergana, Karakalpakstan* (Nukus), Kashkadar'ya (Karshi), Khorezm (Urgench), Namangan, Samarkand, Surkhandar'ya (Termez), Syrdar'ya (Gulistan), Tashkent; note - an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 31 August 1991 from the Soviet Union; note - formerly Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Union Constitution: NA Legal system: NA National holiday: NA Executive branch: president Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Islam KARIMOV (since 29 December 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdulhashim MUTALOV (since 13 January 1992) Political parties and leaders: People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (formerly Communist Party), Islam KARIMOV, chairman; ERK, Mukhammad SOLIKH, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 29 December 1991 (next to be held NA December 1996); results - Islam KARIMOV 86%, Mukhammad SOLIKH 12%, other 2% Supreme Soviet: last held NA March 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (500 total) Communist 450, ERK 10, other 40 Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: Birlik (Unity) Abdurakhim PULATOV, chairman; Islamic Renaissance Party, Abdulljon UTAEV, chairman Member of: CIS, CSCE, IMF, NACC, UN UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: NA US: Charge d'Affaires Michael MOZUR; Embassy at Hotel Uzbekistan, ;55 Chelendarskaya, Tashkent (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone [8] (011) 7-3712-33-15-74 Uzbekistan Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands - blue (top), white, and green with a crescent moon and 12 stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant Uzbekistan Economy Overview: Although Uzbekistan accounted for only 3.4% of total Soviet output, it produced two-thirds of the USSR's cotton. Moscow's push for ever-increasing amounts of cotton included massive irrigation projects which caused extensive environmental damage to the Aral Sea and rivers of the republic. Furthermore, the lavish use of chemical fertilizers has caused extensive pollution and widespread health problems. Recently the republic has sought to encourage food production at the expense of cotton. The small industrial sector specializes in such items as agricultural machinery, mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil, and electrical cranes. Uzbekistan also has some important natural resources including gold (about 30% of Soviet production), uranium, and natural gas. The Uzbek government has encouraged land reform but has shied away from other aspects of economic reform. purchasing power equivalent - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate -0.9% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 83% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $1.5 billion (1990) commodities: cotton, gold, textiles, chemical and mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil partners: Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe Imports: $3.5 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and parts, consumer durables, grain, other foods partners: principally other former Soviet republics External debt: $2 billion (end of 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.8% (1991) Electricity: 11,400,000 kW capacity; 54,100 million kWh produced, 2,662 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: chemical and mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil, textiles Agriculture: cotton, with much smaller production of grain, fruits, vegetables, and livestock Illicit drugs: illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: $NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Uzbekistan Communications Railroads: 3,460 km all 1.520-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 78,400 km total (1990); 67,000 km hard-surfaced, 11,400 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly developed; telephone density NA; linked by landline or microwave with CIS member states and by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only) Uzbekistan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Air and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp UZBEKISTAN - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922- 6642). Uzbekistan - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is located at 82 Chelanzar; telephone (7) (3712) 771-081. Country Description: Uzbekistan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other economic difficulties. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Uzbekistan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at any hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Azerbaijan are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Medical Facilties: Medical care in Uzbekistan is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical coverage is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information in the region can be found in the Department of State brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia," which includes information on Uzbekistan, and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Uzbekistan has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Uzbekistan is a cash-only economy. Travelers checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-054 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... UZBEKIST Vanuatu false marked Vanuatu showNameProp Vanuatu most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Vanuatu Geography Total area: 14,760 km2 Land area: 14,760 km2; includes more than 80 islands Comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 2,528 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 1%; other 91% Environment: subject to tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes Note: located 5,750 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Australia Vanuatu People Population: 174,574 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural); adjective - Ni-Vanuatu Ethnic divisions: indigenous Melanesian 94%, French 4%, remainder Vietnamese, Chinese, and various Pacific Islanders Religions: Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%, other 15.7% Languages: English and French (official); pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) Literacy: 53% (male 57%, female 48%) age 15 and over can read and write (1979) Labor force: NA Organized labor: 7 registered trade unions - largest include Oil and Gas Workers' Union, Vanuatu Airline Workers' Union Vanuatu Government Long-form name: Republic of Vanuatu Type: republic Capital: Port-Vila Administrative divisions: 11 island councils; Ambrym, Aoba/Maewo, Banks/Torres, Efate, Epi, Malakula, Paama, Pentecote, Santo/Malo, Shepherd, Tafea Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and UK; formerly New Hebrides) Constitution: 30 July 1980 Legal system: unified system being created from former dual French and British systems National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament; note - the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of custom and land Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Frederick TIMAKATA (since 30 January 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Maxime CARLOT (since 16 December 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Sethy REGENVANU (since 17 December 1991) Political parties and leaders: Vanuatu Party (VP), Donald KALPOKAS; Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), Serge VOHOR; Melanesian Progressive Party (MPP), Barak SOPE; National United Party (NUP), Walter LINI; Tan Union Party (TUP), Vincent BOULEKONE; Nagriamel Party, Jimmy STEVENS; Friend Melanesian Party, leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Parliament: last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held by November 1995); note - after election, a coalition was formed by the Union of Moderate Parties and the National United Party to form new government on 16 December 1991; seats - (46 total) UMP 19; NUP 10; VP 10; MPP 4; TUP 1; Nagriamel 1; Friend 1 Member of: ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, NAM, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Vanuatu does not have a mission in Washington US: the ambassador in Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green (bottom) with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow Vanuatu Economy Overview: The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides a living for about 80% of the population. Fishing and tourism are the other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. exchange rate conversion - $142 million, per capita $900 (1988 est.); real growth rate 6% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $90.0 million; expenditures $103.0 million, including capital expenditures of $45.0 million (1989 est.) Exports: $15.6 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: copra 59%, cocoa 11%, meat 9%, fish 8%, timber 4% partners: Netherlands, Japan, France, New Caledonia, Belgium Imports: $60.4 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: machines and vehicles 25%, food and beverages 23%, basic manufactures 18%, raw materials and fuels 11%, chemicals 6% partners: Australia 36%, Japan 13%, NZ 10%, France 8%, Fiji 8% External debt: $30 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for about 10% of GDP Electricity: 17,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; export crops - copra, cocoa, coffee, and fish; subsistence crops - copra, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, and vegetables Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $606 million Currency: vatu (plural - vatu); 1 vatu (VT) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: vatu (VT) per US$1 - 112.55 (March 1992), 111.68 (1991), 116.57 (1990), 116.04 (1989), 104.43 (1988), 109.85 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Vanuatu Communications Railroads: none Highways: 1,027 km total; at least 240 km sealed or all-weather roads Ports: Port-Vila, Luganville, Palikoulo, Santu Merchant marine: 121 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,093,443 GRT/3,168,822 DWT; includes 26 cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 11 vehicle carrier, 1 livestock carrier, 5 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 51 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 33 total, 31 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, no TV; 3,000 telephones; satellite ground stations - 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT Vanuatu Defense Forces Branches: no military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp VANUATU - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. For further information consult the British Embassy (202/462-1340). Vanuatu - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: Because there is no U.S. embassy or other diplomatic post in Vanuatu, Americans seeking assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, which is located on Armit Street. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1492, APO AE 96553. The telephone is (675) 211455. There is also a U.S. Consul resident in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The mailing address is c/o American Embassy, P.O. Box 561, Honiara, Solomon Islands, tel. 677-23890. Country Description: Vanuatu consists of 80 islands located in a y-shaped archipelago, 1300 miles northeast of Sydney, Australia. It is an independent parliamentary democracy and member of the British commonwealth, whose economy is primarily agricultural. The capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate. Entry Requirements: A passport and an onward/return ticket is required. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days. For further information, travelers may consult the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 462-1340 or British consulates in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Cleveland and Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate, but limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Major crime is rare in Vanuatu. Petty crimes against property are fairly common. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the department of state pamphlet, "a safe trip abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, or with the U.S. Consul in Honiora, Solomon Islands, can obtain updated information on travel and security in the area. No. 92-118 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text VANUATU Venezuela false marked Venezuela showNameProp Venezuela most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Venezuela Geography Total area: 912,050 km2 Land area: 882,050 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,993 km total; Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km Coastline: 2,800 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 15 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo river; maritime boundary dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of Venezuela Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Terrain: Andes mountains and Maracaibo lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guyana highlands in southeast Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 39%; other 37%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts; increasing industrial pollution in Caracas and Maracaibo Note: on major sea and air routes linking North and South America Venezuela People Population: 20,675,970 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Venezuelan(s); adjective - Venezuelan Ethnic divisions: mestizo 67%, white 21%, black 10%, Indian 2% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2% Languages: Spanish (official); Indian dialects spoken by about 200,000 Amerindians in the remote interior Literacy: 88% (male 87%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.) Labor force: 5,800,000; services 56%, industry 28%, agriculture 16% (1985) Organized labor: 32% of labor force Venezuela Government Long-form name: Republic of Venezuela Type: republic Capital: Caracas Administrative divisions: 21 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 territory* (territorios, singular - territorio), 1 federal district** (distrito federal), and 1 federal dependence*** (dependencia federal); Amazonas*, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales***, Distrito Federal**, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Yaracuy, Zulia; note - the federal dependence consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands Independence: 5 July 1811 (from Spain) Constitution: 23 January 1961 Legal system: based on Napoleonic code; judicial review of legislative acts in Cassation Court only; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1811) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Carlos Andres PEREZ (since 2 February 1989) Political parties and leaders: Social Christian Party (COPEI), Hilarion CARDOZO, president, and Eduardo FERNANDEZ, secretary general; Democratic Action (AD), Humberto CELLI, president, and Luis ALFARO Ucero, secretary general; Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), Argelia LAYA, president, and Freddy MUNOZ, secretary general Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - Carlos Andres PEREZ (AD) 54.6%, Eduardo FERNANDEZ (COPEI) 41.7%, other 3.7% Senate: last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (49 total) AD 23, COPEI 22, other 4; note - 3 former presidents (1 from AD, 2 from COPEI) hold lifetime senate seats Chamber of Deputies: last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - AD 43.7%, COPEI 31.4%, MAS 10.3%, other 14.6%; seats - (201 total) AD 97, COPEI 67, MAS 18, other 19 Communists: 10,000 members (est.) Venezuela Government Other political or pressure groups: FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers, the Democratic Action - dominated labor organization Member of: AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Simon Alberto CONSALVI Bottaro; Chancery at 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2214; there are Venezuelan Consulates General in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US: Ambassador Michael Martin SKOL; Embassy at Avenida Francisco de Miranda and Avenida Principal de la Floresta, Caracas (mailing address is P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A, or APO AA 34037); telephone [58] (2) 285-2222; FAX [58] (2) 285-0336; there is a US Consulate in Maracaibo Flag: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of seven white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band Venezuela Economy Overview: Petroleum is the cornerstone of the economy and accounted for 23% of GDP, 80% of central government revenues, and 80% of export earnings in 1991. President PEREZ introduced an economic readjustment program when he assumed office in February 1989. Lower tariffs and price supports, a free market exchange rate, and market-linked interest rates threw the economy into confusion, causing an 8% decline in GDP in 1989. However, the economy recovered part way in 1990, and grew by 9.2% in 1991, led by the petroleum sector. exchange rate conversion - $52.3 billion, per capita $2,590; real growth rate 9.2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30.7% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.3% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $13.2 billion; expenditures $13.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $15.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum 80%, bauxite and aluminum, iron ore, agricultural products, basic manufactures partners: US 50.7%, Europe 13.7%, Japan 4.0% (1989) Imports: $10.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, chemicals, manufactures, machinery and transport equipment partners: US 44%, FRG 8.0%, Japan 4%, Italy 7%, Canada 2% (1989) External debt: $30.9 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.4% (1991 est.); accounts for one-fourth of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 20,128,000 kW capacity; 55,753 million kWh produced, 2,762 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, iron-ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly Agriculture: accounts for 6% of GDP and 16% of labor force; products - corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee, beef, pork, milk, eggs, fish; not self-sufficient in food other than meat Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca leaf for the international drug trade on a small scale; however, large quantities of cocaine transit the country from Colombia Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-86), $488 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $10 million Currency: bolivar (plural - bolivares); 1 bolivar (Bs) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: bolivares (Bs) per US$1 - 65.39 (March 1992), 56.82 (1991), 46.90 (1990), 34.68 (1989), 14.50 (fixed rate 1987-88) Venezuela Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Venezuela Communications Railroads: 542 km total; 363 km 1.435-meter standard gauge all single track, government owned; 179 km 1.435-meter gauge, privately owned Highways: 77,785 km total; 22,780 km paved, 24,720 km gravel, 14,450 km earth roads, and 15,835 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 7,100 km; Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vessels Pipelines: crude oil 6,370 km; petroleum products 480 km; natural gas 4,010 km Ports: Amuay Bay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Puerto Ordaz Merchant marine: 57 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 790,108 GRT/1,257,637 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger cargo, 22 cargo, 1 container, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 17 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 8 bulk, 1 vehicle carrier, 1 combination bulk Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 308 total, 287 usable; 135 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 88 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern and expanding; 1,440,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 181 AM, no FM, 59 TV, 26 shortwave; 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic Venezuela Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces (Army), Naval Forces (including Navy, Marines, Coast Guard), Air Forces, Armed Forces of Cooperation (National Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,365,880; 3,884,558 fit for military service; 210,737 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.95 billion, 4% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp VENEZUELA - Passport and visa/tourist card required. Tourist card can be obtained from airlines serving Venezuela, no charge, valid 60 days, cannot be extended. Multiple-entry visa valid up to 1 year, extendable, available from any Venezuelan Consulate, requires $2 fee (money order or company check), 1 application form, 1 photo, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and certification of employment. For business visa, need letter from company stating purpose of trip, responsibility for traveler and name and address of companies to be visited in Venezuela. All travelers must pay departure tax ($18) at airport. Business travelers must present a Declaration of Income Tax in the Ministerio de Hacienda (Treasury Department). For additional information contact nearest Consulate: MD (111 Water St., Suite 402, Baltimore 21202 (301/962-0362/3), CA (415/512-8340), FL (305/577-3834), IL (312/236-9655), LA (504/522-3284), MA (617/266- 9355), NY (212/826-1660), PA (215/923-2905), PR (809/766-4250) or TX (713/961-5141). Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela is located in Caracas at Avenida Principal de la Floresta and Avenida Francisco de Miranda. The telephone number is (58-2) 285-3111/2222/2475. There is also a U.S. Consulate located in Maracaibo at Edificio Sofimara, 3rd floor, Calle 77 and Avenida 13 at tel: (58-61) 84-253/254. Country Description: Venezuela is a medium income country. Its tourism, air, and surface transportation infrastructure is well developed. Tourist facilities vary in quality. Scheduled air service and all weather roads, some poorly marked and some congested around urban areas, connect major cities and regions of the country. Entry Requirements: U. S. citizens need a passport and a visa or tourist card in order to enter the country. Tourist cards can be obtained from airlines serving Venezuela. Visas and current information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for Venezuela can be obtained from the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel: (202) 342-2214 or a Venezuela consulate general in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, or San Juan. Areas of Instability: Cross-border incidents have occurred recently in remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure, and Amazonas states. Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available from local physicians, some public and most private hospitals and clinics in most major cities. Quality of medical care varies. Malaria is present in some remote areas of the Orinoco region. Cholera is also present in Venezuela. However, visitors who follow proper precautions about food and drink are not usually at risk. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The potential is high for theft of unattended items on beaches, from parked rental cars, and of money and documents by pickpockets on public transportation as well as in and near bus and subway stations. Armed street robberies also occur, especially in poorer urban nieghborhoods and isolated public parks. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Other Information: Since the failed February 4, 1992 coup attempt, some significant and sometimes violent political demonstrations have taken place in urban centers, primarily on or near university campuses. Most tourist destinations remain unaffected. However, Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has traditionally been the scene of frequent student demonstrations. There have been incidents of assault reported in remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas. The potential for harassment and petty crime is high during public demonstrations. Travelers can obtain information regarding such events by following the local media, and consulting local sources, such as U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers. The purpose and locations of political demonstrations are usually announced in advance. Driving Information: Driving at night and on winding roads, where vehicles may pass on blind curves and in "no passing" zones, is risky. Frequent stops at national guard and local police road check points are required. Travelers may be asked to show vehicle papers and passports at any time. Cars may also be searched. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" provides details on travel to the area and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or consulate may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-91 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text VENEZUEL Vietnam false marked Vietnam showNameProp Vietnam most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Vietnam Geography Total area: 329,560 km2 Land area: 325,360 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 3,818 km total; Cambodia 982 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 1,555 km Coastline: 3,444 km; excludes islands Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary with Cambodia not defined; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and possibly Brunei; unresolved maritime boundary with Thailand; maritime boundary dispute with China in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan Climate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March) Terrain: low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest Natural resources: phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil deposits, forests Land use: arable land 22%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 40%; other 35%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding Vietnam People Population: 68,964,018 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Vietnamese (singular and plural); adjective - Vietnamese Ethnic divisions: predominantly Vietnamese 85-90%; Chinese 3%; ethnic minorities include Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham; other mountain tribes Religions: Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic, Protestant Languages: Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English, Khmer, tribal languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) Literacy: 88% (male 92%, female 84%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 32.7 million; agricultural 65%, industrial and service 35% (1990 est.) Organized labor: reportedly over 90% of wage and salary earners are members of the Vietnam Federation of Trade Unions (VFTU) Vietnam Government Long-form name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam; abbreviated SRV Type: Communist state Capital: Hanoi Administrative divisions: 50 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), 3 municipalities* (thanh pho, singular and plural); An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Thai, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac Las, Dong Nai, Dong Tay, Gia Lai, Ha Bac, Ha Giang, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hai Hung, Hai Phong*, Ho Chi Minh*, Hoa Binh, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Minh Hai, Nam Ha, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam-Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phu, Yen Bai; note - diacritical marks are not included Independence: 2 September 1945 (from France) Constitution: 18 December 1980; new Constitution to be approved Spring 1992 Legal system: based on Communist legal theory and French civil law system National holiday: Independence Day, 2 September (1945) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi) Judicial branch: Supreme People's Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Vo Chi CONG (since 18 June 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vo Van KIET (since 9 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 10 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: only party - Vietnam Communist Party (VCP), DO MUOI Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 19 April 1987 (next to be held 19 July 1992); results - VCP is the only party; seats - (496 total) VCP or VCP-approved 496; note - number of seats under new government 395 Communists: nearly 2 million Member of: ACCT, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IIB, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: none Flag: red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center Vietnam Economy Overview: This is a formerly centrally planned, developing economy with extensive government ownership and control of productive facilities. The economy is primarily agricultural; the sector employs about 70% of the labor force and accounts for half of GNP. Rice is the staple crop; substantial amounts of maize, sorghum, cassava, and sweet potatoes are also grown. The government permits sale of surplus grain on the open market. Most of the mineral resources are located in the north, including coal, which is an important export item. Oil was discovered off the southern coast in 1986 with production reaching 70,000 barrels per day in 1991 and expected to increase in the years ahead. Following the end of the war in 1975, heavy-handed government measures undermined efforts at an efficient merger of the agricultural resources of the south and the industrial resources of the north. The economy remains heavily dependent on foreign aid and has received assistance from UN agencies, France, Australia, Sweden, and Communist countries. Inflation, although down from recent triple-digit levels, is still a major weakness and is showing signs of accelerating upwards again. Per capita output is among the world's lowest. Since late 1986 the government has sponsored a broad reform program that seeks to turn more economic activity over to the private sector. exchange rate conversion - $15 billion, per capita $220; real growth rate 2.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $551 million; expenditures $830 million, including capital expenditures of $58 million (1990) Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: agricultural and handicraft products, coal, minerals, crude petroleum, ores, seafood partners: Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Eastern Europe, USSR Imports: $1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: petroleum products, steel products, railroad equipment, chemicals, medicines, raw cotton, fertilizer, grain partners: Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Eastern Europe, USSR External debt: $16.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -3.6% (1989); accounts for 30% of GNP Electricity: 3,300,000 kW capacity; 9,200 million kWh produced, 140 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, textiles, machine building, mining, cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, fishing Agriculture: accounts for half of GNP; paddy rice, corn, potatoes make up 50% of farm output; commercial crops (rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas) and animal products other 50%; since 1989 self-sufficient in food staple rice; fish catch of 943,100 metric tons (1989 est.) Vietnam Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-74), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $61 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $12.0 billion Currency: new dong (plural - new dong); 1 new dong (D) = 100 xu Exchange rates: new dong (D) per US$1 - 11,100 (May 1992), 8,100 (July 1991), 7,280 (December 1990), 3,996 (March 1990), 2,047 (1988), 225 (1987); note - 1985-89 figures are end of year Fiscal year: calendar year Vietnam Communications Railroads: 3,059 km total; 2,454 1.000-meter gauge, 151 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, 230 km dual gauge (three rails), and 224 km not restored to service after war damage Highways: about 85,000 km total; 9,400 km paved, 48,700 km gravel or improved earth, 26,900 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: about 17,702 km navigable; more than 5,149 km navigable at all times by vessels up to 1.8 meter draft Pipelines: petroleum products 150 km Ports: Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City Merchant marine: 89 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 400,430 GRT/643,877 DWT; includes 73 cargo 4 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 8 petroleum tanker, 3 bulk; note - Vietnam owns 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 134,719 DWT under the registries of Panama and Malta Civil air: controlled by military Airports: 100 total, 100 usable; 50 with permanent-surface runways; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 25 telephones per 10,000 persons (1991); broadcast stations - 16 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 2,300,000 TV sets; 6,000,000 radio receivers; 3 satellite earth stations Vietnam Defense Forces Branches: Ground, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 16,839,400; 10,739,128 fit for military service; 787,026 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp VIETNAM - The United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with Vietnam and has no third country representing U.S. interests there. Travel is not recommended by U.S. citizens. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Vietnam. Before planning any travel to Vietnam, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/566-2701). Visa must be obtained from consulate in a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Vietnam - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The United States does not have diplomatic ties with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. There is no American consular presence in Vietnam nor does any third country represent U.S. interests in Vietnam. Consequently, the United States Government is unable to provide normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens. Country Description: Vietnam is a poor agrarian country ruled by a communist government. Tourist facilities are not well established. Entry Requirements: U.S. passports are valid for travel in Vietnam. Visas must be obtained at a Vietnamese Embassy in the city from which a traveler is embarking for Vietnam. Permission to Travel: Visitors may travel unaccompanied in Vietnam without the authorization of the U.S. Treasury Department. Travelers may spend up to $200 a day in Vietnam only to purchase items related to travel. The cost of international and intercity transportation and international telecommunication expenses is not included in the $200 per day limit. U.S. Treasury regulations prohibit the use of credit and other charge cards in Vietnam. Visitors to Vietnam may bring back into the United States merchandise valued up to $100. Informational materials are not limited. A U.S. trade embargo prohibits business dealings with Vietnam, and purchases of other goods or services unrelated to travel are prohibited. Receipts are required for any goods purchased in Vietnam and must be made available for U.S. Customs officials upon entry into the United States. Individuals considering travel to Vietnam can contact the Department of Treasury at the following address for further information: Licensing Section Office of Foreign Assets Control Department of the Treasury Washington, D.C. 20220. Direct Flight Prohibition: The U.S. Treasury Department amended its Foreign Assets Control Regulations on December 17, 1991, to permit U.S. travel agents and others to arrange hotel accommodations, ground transportation, local tours and similar travel services within Vietnam. Regulations continue, however, to prohibit direct flights between the United States and Vietnam as well as flights into or out of Vietnam by U.S. registered aircraft and aircraft controlled by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The opening of business offices by U.S. citizens remains prohibited. Arrest of Americans: The Vietnamese security apparatus may place American visitors under surveillance simply because they are Americans. Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been arbitrarily arrested or detained for activities that would not be considered crimes in the U.S. Visitors who fail to keep their travel documentation in order or who engage in activities deemed suspicious may be detained, along with their Vietnamese contacts, relatives, and friends. Involvement in politics, possession of political material or unsanctioned religious activities can result in detention. The Vietnamese authorities do not always inform the U.S. Government of arrests, nor have they provided access to American citizens under detention. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who where born in Vietnam or are former citizens of Vietnam, and the children of such persons, may be considered dual nationals by the government of Vietnam. They may therefore be subject to all Vietnamese laws that impose special obligations upon Vietnamese nationals, such as military service, taxes, etc. Specific questions on dual nationality can be directed to a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Specific questions regarding health matters can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on Crime: Petty crime is rare. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". it is available from the superintendent of documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. No. 92-119 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... VIETNAM Virgin Islands false marked Virgin Islands showNameProp Virgin Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Virgin Islands Geography Total area: 352 km2 Land area: 349 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 188 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical, tempered by easterly tradewinds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November Terrain: mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land Natural resources: sun, sand, sea, surf Land use: arable land 15%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 26%; forest and woodland 6%; other 47% Environment: rarely affected by hurricanes; subject to frequent severe droughts, floods, earthquakes; lack of natural freshwater resources Note: important location 1,770 km southeast of Miami and 65 km east of Puerto Rico, along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural, deepwater harbors in the Caribbean Virgin Islands People Population: 98,942 (July 1992), growth rate -1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -26 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Virgin Islander(s); adjective - Virgin Islander; US citizens Ethnic divisions: West Indian (45% born in the Virgin Islands and 29% born elsewhere in the West Indies) 74%, US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 5%, other 8%; black 80%, white 15%, other 5%; Hispanic origin 14% Religions: Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7% Languages: English (official), but Spanish and Creole are widely spoken Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 45,500 (1988) Organized labor: 90% of the government labor force Virgin Islands Government Long-form name: Virgin Islands of the United States Type: organized, unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: Charlotte Amalie Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US) Independence: none (territory of the US) Constitution: Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954 Legal system: based on US National holiday: Transfer Day (from Denmark to US), 31 March (1917) Executive branch: US president, popularly elected governor and lieutenant governor Legislative branch: unicameral Senate Judicial branch: US District Court handles civil matters over $50,000, felonies (persons 15 years of age and over), and federal cases; Territorial Court handles civil matters up to $50,000 small claims, juvenile, domestic, misdemeanors, and traffic cases Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Governor Alexander A. FARRELLY (since 5 January 1987); Lieutenant Governor Derek M. HODGE (since 5 January 1987) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party, Marilyn STAPLETON; Independent Citizens' Movement (ICM), Virdin C. BROWN; Republican Party, Charlotte-Poole DAVIS Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Governor: last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - Governor Alexander FARRELLY (Democratic Party) 56.5% defeated Juan LUIS (independent) 38.5% Senate: last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) number of seats by party NA US House of Representatives: last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - Ron DE LUGO reelected as nonvoting delegate seats - (1 total); seat by party NA; note - the Virgin Islands elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives Member of: ECLAC (associate), IOC, applied for associate membership in OECS in February 1990 Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: white with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows an eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white stripes below a blue panel Virgin Islands Economy Overview: Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The manufacturing sector consists of textile, electronics, pharmaceutical, and watch assembly plants. The agricultural sector is small, most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. The world's largest petroleum refinery is at Saint Croix. purchasing power equivalent - $1.2 billion, per capita $11,000; real growth rate NA% (1987) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1990) Budget: revenues $364.4 million; expenditures $364.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90) Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: refined petroleum products partners: US, Puerto Rico Imports: $3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials partners: US, Puerto Rico External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 12% Electricity: 358,000 kW capacity; 532 million kWh produced, 5,360 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics Agriculture: truck gardens, food crops (small scale), fruit, sorghum, Senepol cattle Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $42 million Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Virgin Islands Communications Highways: 856 km total Ports: Saint Croix - Christiansted, Frederiksted; Saint Thomas - Long Bay, Crown Bay, Red Hook; Saint John - Cruz Bay Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m; international airports on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix Telecommunications: 44,280 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 8 FM, 4 TV; modern system using fiber-optic cable, submarine cable, microwave radio, and satellite facilities; 98,000 radios; 63,000 TV (1988) Virgin Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp VIRGIN ISLANDS, British - Islands include Anegarda, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, onward/return ticket and sufficient funds required for tourist stay up to 3 months. AIDS test required for residency or work; U.S. test accepted. Consult British Embassy for further information (202/462- 1340). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text VIRGIN_I Wake Island false marked Wake Island showNameProp Wake Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Wake Island Geography Total area: 6.5 km2 Land area: 6.5 km2 Comparative area: about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 19.3 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Climate: tropical Terrain: atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim; average elevation less than four meters Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: subject to occasional typhoons Note: strategic location 3,700 km west of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands; emergency landing location for transpacific flights Wake Island People Population: no indigenous inhabitants; 381 temporary population (US Air Force personnel, civilian weather service personnel, and US and Thai contractors) (January 1992); note - population peaked about 1970 with over 1,600 persons during the Vietnam conflict Wake Island Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Air Force (under an agreement with the US Department of Interior) since 24 June 1972 Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Flag: the US flag is used Wake Island Economy Overview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Electricity: supplied by US military Wake Island Communications Ports: none; because of the reefs, there are only two offshore anchorages for large ships Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: underwater cables to Guam and through Midway to Honolulu; 1 Autovon circuit off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satellite; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV Note: formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used only by US military and some commercial cargo planes Wake Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WAKE_ISL Wallis and Futuna false marked Wallis and Futuna showNameProp Wallis and Futuna most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Wallis and Futuna Geography Total area: 274 km2 Land area: 274 km2; includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 129 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October) Terrain: volcanic origin; low hills Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops 20%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 75% Environment: both island groups have fringing reefs Note: located 4,600 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Wallis and Futuna People Population: 17,095 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 8 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 29 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders; adjective - Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander Ethnic divisions: almost entirely Polynesian Religions: largely Roman Catholic Languages: French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language) Literacy: 50% (male 50%, female 51%) at all ages can read and write (1969) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Wallis and Futuna Government Long-form name: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands Type: overseas territory of France Capital: Mata Utu (on Ile Uvea) Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France) Independence: none (overseas territory of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French president, chief administrator; note - there are three traditional kings with limited powers Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly (Assemblee Territoriale) Judicial branch: none; justice generally administered under French law by the chief administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata Utu Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Chief Administrator Robert POMMIES (since 26 September 1990) Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union Populaire Locale (UPL); Union Pour la Democratie Francaise (UDF); Lua kae tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche (MRG) Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: Territorial Assembly: last held 15 March 1987 (next to be held NA March 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (20 total) RPR 7, UPL 5, UDF 4, UNF 4 French Senate: last held NA September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPR 1 French National Assembly: last held 12 June 1988 (next to be held by NA September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MRG 1 Member of: FZ, SPC Diplomatic representation: as an overseas territory of France, local interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used Wallis and Futuna Economy Overview: The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia. Wallis and Futuna imports food, fuel, clothing, machinery, and transport equipment, but its exports are negligible, consisting of copra and handicrafts. exchange rate conversion - $25 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $2.7 million; expenditures $2.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1983) Exports: negligible commodities: copra, handicrafts partners: NA Imports: $13.3 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, transportation equipment, fuel partners: France, Australia, New Zealand External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,200 kW capacity; 1 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber Agriculture: dominated by coconut production, with subsistence crops of yams, taro, bananas, and herds of pigs and goats Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $118 million Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (plural - francs); 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 102.53 (March 1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.0 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30 (1988), 109.27 (1987); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: NA Wallis and Futuna Communications Highways: 100 km on Ile Uvea, 16 km sealed; 20 km earth surface on Ile Futuna Inland waterways: none Ports: Mata-Utu, Leava Airports: 2 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 225 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV Wallis and Futuna Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France West Bank Header Note: The war between Israel and the Arab states in June 1967 ended with Israel in control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Sinai, and the Golan Heights. As stated in the 1978 Camp David Accords and reaffirmed by President Bush's post-Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among the concerned parties. Camp David further specifies that these negotiations will resolve the respective boundaries. Pending the completion of this process, it is US policy that the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip has yet to be determined. In the view of the US, the term West Bank describes all of the area west of the Jordan River under Jordanian administration before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. However, with respect to negotiations envisaged in the framework agreement, it is US policy that a distinction must be made between Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank because of the city's special status and circumstances. Therefore, a negotiated solution for the final status of Jerusalem could be different in character from that of the rest of the West Bank. entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WALLIS_A West Bank false marked West Bank showNameProp West Bank most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp West Bank Geography Total area: 5,860 km2 Land area: 5,640 km2; includes West Bank, East Jerusalem, Latrun Salient, Jerusalem No Man's Land, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus Comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: 404 km total; Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Israeli occupied with status to be determined Climate: temperate, temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters Terrain: mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in east Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 27%, permanent crops 0%, meadows and pastures 32%, forest and woodland 1%, other 40% Environment: highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers Note: landlocked; there are 175 Jewish settlements in the West Bank and 14 Israeli-built Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem West Bank People Population: 1,362,464 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992); in addition, there are 95,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and 132,000 in East Jerusalem (1992 est.) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 37 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: NA Ethnic divisions: Palestinian Arab and other 88%, Jewish 12% Religions: Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 80%, Jewish 12%, Christian and other 8% Languages: Arabic, Israeli settlers speak Hebrew, English widely understood Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; excluding Israeli Jewish settlers - small industry, commerce, and business 29.8%, construction 24.2%, agriculture 22.4%, service and other 23.6% (1984) Organized labor: NA West Bank Government Long-form name: none Note: The West Bank is currently governed by Israeli military authorities and Israeli civil administration. It is US policy that the final status of the West Bank will be determined by negotiations among the concerned parties. These negotiations will determine how the area is to governed. West Bank Economy Overview: Economic progress in the West Bank has been hampered by Israeli military administration and the effects of the Palestinian uprising (intifadah). Industries using advanced technology or requiring sizable investment have been discouraged by a lack of local capital and restrictive Israeli policies. Capital investment consists largely of residential housing, not productive assets that would enable local firms to compete with Israeli industry. A major share of GNP is derived from remittances of workers employed in Israel and Persian Gulf states, but such transfers from the Gulf dropped dramatically after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. In the wake of the Persian Gulf crisis, many Palestinians have returned to the West Bank, increasing unemployment, and export revenues have plunged because of the loss of markets in Jordan and the Gulf states. Israeli measures to curtail the intifadah also have pushed unemployment up and lowered living standards. The area's economic outlook remains bleak. exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $1,200; real growth rate -10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1990 est.) Budget: revenues $31.0 million; expenditures $36.1 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY88) Exports: $150 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.) commodities: NA partners: Jordan, Israel Imports: $410 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.) commodities: NA partners: Jordan, Israel External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1989); accounts for about 4% of GNP Electricity: power supplied by Israel Industries: generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale modern industries in the settlements and industrial centers Agriculture: accounts for about 15% of GNP; olives, citrus and other fruits, vegetables, beef, and dairy products Economic aid: NA Currency: new Israeli shekel (plural - shekels) and Jordanian dinar (plural - dinars); 1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot and 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 fils West Bank Economy Exchange rates: new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 2.4019 (March 1992), 2.2791 (1991), 2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989), 1.5989 (1988), 1.5946 (1987); Jordanian dinars (JD) per US$1 - 0.6760 (January 1992), 0.6810 (1991), 0.6636 (1990), 0.5704 (1989), 0.3709 (1988), 0.3387 (1987) Fiscal year: previously 1 April - 31 March; FY91 was 1 April - 31 December, and since 1 January 1992 the fiscal year has conformed to the calendar year West Bank Communications Highways: small road network, Israelis developing east-west axial highways to service new settlements Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: open-wire telephone system currently being upgraded; broadcast stations - no AM, no FM, no TV West Bank Defense Forces Branches: NA Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP, EAST JERUSALEM - WARNING March 12, 1992 Summary: The Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip until further notice. U.S. citizens traveling to East Jerusalem should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions and exercise caution at all times. In general, Americans should avoid demonstrations and protest activities. Israel's strict security measures, particularly at Ben Gurion Airport and Allenby Bridge, may affect visitors. Americans arrested in the West Bank or Gaza on security offenses are often denied timely communication with consular officials. End Summary. I. Travel and Safety TRAVEL TO THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Due to recurrent disturbances and tension in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas until further notice. U.S. citizens who must travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone- throwing, which can affect visitors. If travel to the West Bank is unavoidable, travelers should consult with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. In the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, travelers should consult with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Americans residing in these areas should exercise particular caution. They should also register with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. TRAVEL TO EAST JERUSALEM: There have been occasional disturbances in East Jerusalem. U.S. citizens who travel to East Jerusalem should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone-throwing, which can affect visitors. Travelers to all areas of East Jerusalem, including the walled city, should exercise caution. Travelers should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions. Because of the potential for violent incidents, tourists should be vigilant while using public transportation and while traveling by car in areas of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists. DEMONSTRATIONS: Under all circumstances, Americans should avoid demonstrations, protest activities, and other situations that have the potential to lead to violence. American tourists should carry their U.S. passports at all times II. Consular Matters, Security, and Arrests SECURITY MEASURES: Israel has strict security measures which may affect visitors. Prolonged questioning and detailed searches may take place at the time of entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben Gurion Airport. At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab surnames may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or electronics equipment. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed. During searches and questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or family members. Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, Americans should telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at 253-288. If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, Americans should phone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at 517-4338. ARRESTS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Americans arrested or detained in the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses often are not permitted to communicate with consular officials, lawyers, or family members in a timely manner during the interrogation period of their case. Youths who are over the age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. The U.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is delayed. No. 92-044 This updates the previous advisory, dated October 8, 1990, to reflect changes in conditions in East Jerusalem. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WEST_BAN Western Sahara false marked Western Sahara showNameProp Western Sahara most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Western Sahara Geography Total area: 266,000 km2 Land area: 266,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Colorado Land boundaries: 2,046 km total; Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km Coastline: 1,110 km Maritime claims: contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue Disputes: claimed and administered by Morocco, but sovereignty is unresolved and the UN is attempting to hold a referendum on the issue; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991 Climate: hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore currents produce fog and heavy dew Terrain: mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 0%; other 81% Environment: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility; sparse water and arable land Western Sahara People Population: 201,467 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 20 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 159 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 43 years male, 45 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s); adjective - Sahrawian, Sahraouian Ethnic divisions: Arab and Berber Religions: Muslim Languages: Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 12,000; 50% animal husbandry and subsistence farming Organized labor: NA Western Sahara Government Long-form name: none Type: legal status of territory and question of sovereignty unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a government in exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR); territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government in exile was seated as an OAU member in 1984; guerrilla activities continued sporadically, until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6 September 1991 Capital: none Administrative divisions: none (under de facto control of Morocco) Leaders: none Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none Western Sahara Economy Overview: Western Sahara, a territory poor in natural resources and having little rainfall, has a per capita GDP of roughly $300. Pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining are the principal sources of income for the population. Most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government. $60 million, per capita $300; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $8 million (f.o.b., 1982 est.) commodities: phosphates 62% partners: Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts Imports: $30 million (c.i.f., 1982 est.) commodities: fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs partners: Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 60,000 kW capacity; 79 million kWh produced, 425 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: phosphate, fishing, handicrafts Agriculture: limited largely to subsistence agriculture; some barley is grown in nondrought years; fruit and vegetables are grown in the few oases; food imports are essential; camels, sheep, and goats are kept by the nomadic natives; cash economy exists largely for the garrison forces Economic aid: NA Currency: Moroccan dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.889 (March 1992), 8.071 (1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987) Fiscal year: NA Western Sahara Communications Highways: 6,200 km total; 1,450 km surfaced, 4,750 km improved and unimproved earth roads and tracks Ports: El Aaiun, Ad Dakhla Airports: 13 total, 13 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: sparse and limited system; tied into Morocco's system by microwave, tropospheric scatter, and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations linked to Rabat, Morocco; 2,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 2 TV Western Sahara Defense Forces Branches: NA Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WEST_SAH Western Samoa false marked Western Samoa showNameProp Western Samoa most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Western Samoa Geography Total area: 2,860 km2 Land area: 2,850 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: 403 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October) Terrain: narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish Land use: arable land 19%; permanent crops 24%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 47%; other 10% Environment: subject to occasional typhoons; active volcanism Note: located 4,300 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Western Samoa People Population: 194,992 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 70 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Western Samoan(s); adjective - Western Samoan Ethnic divisions: Samoan; Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) about 7%, Europeans 0.4% Religions: Christian 99.7% (about half of population associated with the London Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Latter Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist) Languages: Samoan (Polynesian), English Literacy: 97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over can read and write (1971) Labor force: 38,000; 22,000 employed in agriculture (1987 est.) Organized labor: Public Service Association (PSA) Western Samoa Government Long-form name: Independent State of Western Samoa Type: constitutional monarchy under native chief Capital: Apia Administrative divisions: 11 districts; A`ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa`asaleleaga, Gaga`emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa`itea, Tuamasaga, Va`a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano Independence: 1 January 1962 (from UN trusteeship administered by New Zealand) Constitution: 1 January 1962 Legal system: based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 1 June Executive branch: chief, Executive Council, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Chief Susuga Malietoa TANUMAFILI II (Co-Chief of State from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole Chief of State on 5 April 1963) Head of Government: Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana (since 7 April 1988) Political parties and leaders: Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), TOFILAU Eti, chairman; Samoan National Development Party (SNDP), VA'AI Kolone, chairman Suffrage: universal adult over age 21, but only matai (head of family) are able to run for the Legislative Assembly Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held NA February 1991 (next to be held by NA February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) HRPP 30, SNDP 14, independents 3 Member of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IOC, ITU, LORCS, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Fili (Felix) Tuaopepe WENDT; Chancery (temporary) at suite 510, 1155 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 833-1743 US: the ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Western Samoa (mailing address is P.O. Box 3430, Apia); telephone (685) 21-631; FAX (685) 22-030 Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation Western Samoa Economy Overview: Agriculture employs more than half of the labor force, contributes 50% to GDP, and furnishes 90% of exports. The bulk of export earnings comes from the sale of coconut oil and copra. The economy depends on emigrant remittances and foreign aid to support a level of imports several times export earnings. Tourism has become the most important growth industry, and construction of the first international hotel is under way. exchange rate conversion - $115 million, per capita $690 (1989); real growth rate -4.5% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA%; shortage of skilled labor Budget: revenues $95.3 million; expenditures $95.4 million, including capital expenditures of $41 million (FY92) Exports: $9 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: coconut oil and cream 54%, taro 12%, copra 9%, cocoa 3% partners: NZ 28%, American Samoa 23%, Germany 22%, US 6% (1990) Imports: $75 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: intermediate goods 58%, food 17%, capital goods 12% partners: New Zealand 41%, Australia 18%, Japan 13%, UK 6%, US 6% External debt: $83 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: 29,000 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 240 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: timber, tourism, food processing, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; coconuts, fruit (including bananas, taro, yams) Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $18 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $306 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4 million Currency: tala (plural - tala); 1 tala (WS$) = 100 sene Exchange rates: tala (WS$) per US$1 - 2,4284 (March 1992), 2,3975 (1991), 2.3095 (1990), 2.2686 (1989), 2.0790 (1988), 2.1204 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Western Samoa Communications Highways: 2,042 km total; 375 km sealed; remainder mostly gravel, crushed stone, or earth Ports: Apia Merchant marine: 1 roll-on/roll-off ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,838 GRT/5,536 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 7,500 telephones; 70,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT ground station Western Samoa Defense Forces Branches: Department of Police and Prisons Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp WESTERN SAMOA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. For longer stays contact Embassy of Western Samoa, 115 15th Street, N.W., Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/833-1743). Western Samoa - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Western Samoa is located in the John Williams Building, fifth floor, Beach Road, Apia. The Embassy is open to the public from 9:30 to 12:30 every morning and by appointment at other times. The Embassy can be reached from the U.S. c/o P.O. Box 3430 in Apia. The telephone number is (685) 21-631. Country Description: The island country of Western Samoa has a stable parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are accessible by bus, taxi, and car and are within walking distance of access roads. Daily air and ferry service is available between Apia, on the island of Upolu, and the larger island of Savai'i. Entry Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket are required. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days. The Western Samoa Mission to the U.N. can be contacted for information concerning longer stays. The address is 820 2nd Avenue, Suite 800, New York, New York 10017, tel., (212) 599-6196. Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in Western Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment, but limited in range and availability. A national hospital is located in Apia and district hospitals are available on Savai'i and Upolu. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Crime in Western Samoa is low. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-120 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WEST_SAM World false marked World showNameProp World most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp World Geography Total area: 510,072,000 km2 Land area: 148,940,000 km2 (29.2%) Comparative area: land area about 16 times the size of the US Land boundaries: 442,000 km Coastline: 356,000 km Maritime claims: range from 3 to 200 nm; 1 claim is rectangular; 112 states claim a 12 nm limit; note - boundary situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm; 41 nations and other areas are landlocked and include Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe Contiguous zone: 39 states claim contiguous zone, 33 of which have 24 nm limits Continental shelf: approximately 78 states have specific continental shelf claims, the limit of 42 claims is based on depth (200 m) plus exploitability, 21 claims define the continental shelf as 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Exclusive fishing zone: 23 claims with limits ranging from 12 nm to 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 83 states claim an EEZ, with most limits being 200 nm Territorial sea: claims range from 3 to 200 nm, 112 states claim a 12 nm limit; note - 41 nations and miscellaneous areas are landlocked and comprise Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Byelarus, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macebia, Zimbabwe Disputes: major international land boundary or territorial diputes - Bahrain-Qatar, Chad-Libya, China-India, China-Russia, Ecuador-Peru, El Salvador-Honduras, Israel-Jordan, Israel-Syria, Japan-Russia, North Korea-South Korea, Saudi Arabia-Yemen, South China Sea Climate: two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather narrow temperate zones from a wide equatorial band of tropical to subtropical climates Terrain: highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters Natural resources: the rapid using up of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality (especially in Eastern Europe and the former USSR) pose serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only beginning to address Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 24%; forest and woodland 31%; other 34%; includes irrigated 1.6% Environment: large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions), overpopulation, industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of wildlife resources, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion World People Population: 5,515,617,484 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 63 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 65 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Literacy: 74% (male 81%, female 67%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2.24 billion (1992) Organized labor: NA World Government Administrative divisions: 187 sovereign nations plus 72 dependent, other, and miscellaneous areas Legal system: varies by individual country; 182 are parties to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court) Diplomatic representation: there are 178 members of the UN World Economy Overview: Aggregate world output in 1991 increased by 1.3%, in contrast to estimated 2% growth in 1990 and 3% growth in 1989. In 1991, the developed countries grew by 2.5% and the LDCs by 3.5%, these gains being offset by a 10-15% drop in the former Communist-dominated areas of the USSR and Eastern Europe. As usual, results among individual countries differed widely. In the developed group, Japan led with 4.5%, the West European members averaged 1.2%, and the recession-plagued United States lagged,with GDP down 0.7%. As for the 15 former Soviet republics and the seven nations of Eastern Europe, output plummeted in many economic sectors because of fundamental changes in the rules of the game and in the channels of production and exchange. China and the Four Dragons performed well in 1991 but many of the other developing countries are mired in poverty and political instability. For the world as a whole, the addition of nearly 100 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe will exacerbate the problems of pollution, desertification, underemployment, epidemics, and famine. GWP (gross world product): purchasing power equivalent - $25 trillion, per capita $4,600; real growth rate 1.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): developed countries 5%; developing countries 50%, with wide variations (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Exports: $3.34 trillion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services partners: in value, about 75% of exports from developed countries Imports: $3.49 trillion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services partners: in value, about 75% of imports by the developed countries External debt: $1.0 trillion for less developed countries (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1990 est.) Electricity: 2,864,000,000 kW capacity; 11,450,000 million kWh produced, 2,150 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: industry worldwide is dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to these technological forces, and the technological gap between the industrial nations and the less-developed countries continues to widen; the rapid development of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating already grim environmental problems World Economy Agriculture: the production of major food crops has increased substantially in the last 20 years. The annual production of cereals, for instance, has risen by 50%, from about 1.2 billion metric tons to about 1.8 billion metric tons; production increases have resulted mainly from increased yields rather than increases in planted areas; while global production is sufficient for aggregate demand, about one-fifth of the world's population remains malnourished, primarily because local production cannot adequately provide for large and rapidly growing populations, which are too poor to pay for food imports; conditions are especially bad in Africa where drought in recent years has exacerbated the consequences of all other factors Economic aid: NA World Communications Railroads: 239,430 km of narrow gauge track; 710,754 km of standard gauge track; 251,153 km of broad gauge track; includes about 190,000 to 195,000 km of electrified routes of which 147,760 km are in Europe, 24,509 km in the Far East, 11,050 km in Africa, 4,223 km in South America, and only 4,160 km in North America; fastest speed in daily service is 300 km/hr attained by France's SNCF TGV-Atlantique line Ports: Mina al Ahmadi (Kuwait), Chiba, Houston, Kawasaki, Kobe, Marseille, New Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, Yokohama Merchant marine: 23,596 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 386,736,000 GRT/637,493,000 DWT; includes 348 passenger-cargo, 12,441 freighters, 5,446 bulk carriers, and 5,361 tankers (January 1991) Civil air: 14,500-16,000 major transport aircraft with gross take-off weight of 9,000 kg (20,000 lbs) or more (1992 est.) World Defense Forces Branches: ground, maritime, and air forces at all levels of technology Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,400,000,000; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: $1.0 trillion, 4% of total world output; decline of 5-10% (1991 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text WORLD apita (1990) Industries: industry worldwide is dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small portion of non-OE 7 7!7"7#7$7%7&7'7(7)7*7+7,7-7.7/70717273747v Syria false marked Syria showNameProp Syria most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Syria Geography Total area: 185,180 km2 Land area: 184,050 km2 (including 1,295 km2 of Israeli-occupied territory) Comparative area: slightly larger than North Dakota Land boundaries: 2,253 km total; Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 km Coastline: 193 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 6 nm beyond territorial sea limit Territorial sea: 35 nm Disputes: separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Golan Heights is Israeli occupied; Hatay question with Turkey; periodic disputes with Iraq over Euphrates water rights; ongoing dispute over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Climate: mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast Terrain: primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west Natural resources: crude oil, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum Land use: arable land 28%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 46%; forest and woodland 3%; other 20%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: there are 38 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Syria People Population: 13,730,436 (July 1992), growth rate 3.8% (1992); in addition, there are at least 14,500 Druze and 14,000 Jewish settlers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (1992 est.) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 45 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Syrian(s); adjective - Syrian Ethnic divisions: Arab 90.3%; Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7% Religions: Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%, Christian (various sects) 10%, tiny Jewish communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian; French widely understood Literacy: 64% (male 78%, female 51%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,400,000; miscellaneous and government services 36%, agriculture 32%, industry and construction 32%; majority unskilled; shortage of skilled labor (1984) Organized labor: 5% of labor force Syria Government Long-form name: Syrian Arab Republic Type: republic; under leftwing military regime since March 1963 Capital: Damascus Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar`a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, Tartus Independence: 17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration); formerly United Arab Republic Constitution: 13 March 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 17 April (1946) Executive branch: president, three vice presidents, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Chaab) Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Court of Cassation, State Security Courts Leaders: Chief of State: President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971); Vice Presidents `Abd al-Halim KHADDAM, Vice President Rif`at al-ASAD, and Vice President Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mahmud ZU`BI (since 1 November 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11 March 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Salim YASIN (since NA December 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Mahmud QADDUR (since NA May 1985) Political parties and leaders: ruling party is the Arab Socialist Resurrectionist (Ba`th) Party; the Progressive National Front is dominated by Ba`thists but includes independents and members of the Syrian Arab Socialist Party (ASP), Arab Socialist Union (ASU), Syrian Communist Party (SCP), Arab Socialist Unionist Movement, and Democratic Socialist Union Party Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held December 1998); results - President Hafiz al-ASAD was reelected for a fourth seven-year term with 99.98% of the vote People's Council: last held 22-23 May 1990 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - Ba`th 53.6%, ASU 3.2%, SCP 3.2%, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 2.8%, ASP 2%, Democratic Socialist Union Party 1.6%, independents 33.6%; seats - (250 total) Ba`th 134, ASU 8, SCP 8, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 7, ASP 5, Democratic Socialist Union Party 4, independents 84; note - the People's Council was expanded to 250 seats total prior to the May 1990 election Syria Government Communists: Syrian Communist Party (SCP) Other political or pressure groups: non-Ba`th parties have little effective political influence; Communist party ineffective; conservative religious leaders; Muslim Brotherhood Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Walid MOUALEM; Chancery at 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6313 US: Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSS; Embassy at Abu Rumaneh, Al Mansur Street No. 2, Damascus (mailing address is P. O. Box 29, Damascus); telephone [963] (11) 333052 or 332557, 330416, 332814, 332315, 714108, 337178, 333232; FAX [963] (11) 718-687 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with two small green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band and of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band Syria Economy Overview: Syria's state-dominated Ba`thist economy has benefited from the Gulf war, increased oil production, good weather, and economic deregulation. Economic growth averaged nearly 12% annually in 1990-91, buoyed by increased oil production and improved agricultural performance. The Gulf war of early 1991 provided Syria an aid windfall of several billion dollars from Arab, European, and Japanese donors. These inflows more than offset Damascus's war-related costs and will help Syria cover some of its debt arrears, restore suspended credit lines, and initiate selected military and civilian purchases. For the long run, Syria's economy is still saddled with a large number of poorly performing public sector firms; investment levels remain low; and industrial and agricultural productivity is poor. A major long-term concern is the additional drain of upstream Euphrates water by Turkey when its vast dam and irrigation projects are completed by mid-decade. exchange rate conversion - $30 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 11% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $5.4 billion; expenditures $7.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.9 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum 40%, farm products 13%, textiles, phosphates (1989) partners: USSR and Eastern Europe 42%, EC 31%, Arab countries 17%, US/Canada 2% (1989) Imports: $2.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: foodstuffs and beverages 21%, metal and metal products 16%, machinery 14%, textiles, petroleum products (1989) partners: EC 42%, USSR and Eastern Europe 13%, other Europe 13%, US/Canada 8%, Arab countries 6% (1989) External debt: $5.2 billion in hard currency (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1991 est.); accounts for 17% of GDP Electricity: 3,005,000 kW capacity; 8,800 million kWh produced, 680 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining, petroleum Agriculture: accounts for 27% of GDP and one-third of labor force; all major crops (wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas) grown mainly on rainfed land causing wide swings in production; animal products - beef, lamb, eggs, poultry, milk; not self-sufficient in grain or livestock products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $538 million; Western (non-US) ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.23 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12.3 billion; former Communist countries (1970-89), $3.3 billion Currency: Syrian pound (plural - pounds); 1 Syrian pound (#S) = 100 piasters Syria Economy Exchange rates: Syrian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 22.0 (promotional rate since 1991), 11.2250 (fixed rate 1987-90), 3.9250 (fixed rate 1976-87) Fiscal year: calendar year Syria Communications Railroads: 2,350 km total; 2,035 km standard gauge, 315 km 1.050-meter (narrow) gauge Highways: 28,000 km total; 22,000 km paved, 3,000 km gravel or crushed stone, 3,000 km improved earth Inland waterways: 672 km; minimal economic importance Pipelines: crude oil 1,304 km, petroleum products 515 km Ports: Tartus, Latakia, Baniyas Merchant marine: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 85,417 GRT/138,078 DWT; includes 25 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 vehicle carrier, 2 bulk Civil air: 35 major transport aircraft Airports: 104 total, 100 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 21 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system currently undergoing significant improvement; 512,600 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 1 FM, 17 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Intersputnik, 1 submarine cable; coaxial cable and radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey Syria Defense Forces Branches: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force, Syrian Arab Air Defense Forces, Police and Security Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,012,671; 1,691,660 fit for military service; 145,976 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, 8% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp SYRIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Single- entry visa valid 6 months or double-entry for 3 months, $15; multiple- entry visa valid 6 months, $30. Submit 2 application forms, 2 photos (signed) and fee (payment must be money order only). Enclose prepaid envelope (with correct postage) for return of passport by mail. Any visitor over 12 must exchange $100 upon arrival in Syria. AIDS test required for students and others staying over 1 year; U.S. test sometimes accepted. For group visas and other information contact Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic, 2215 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-6313). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text SYRIA Tajikistan false marked Tajikistan showNameProp Tajikistan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tajikistan Geography Total area: 143,100 km2 Land area: 142,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Land boundaries: 3,651 km total; Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: boundary with China under dispute Climate: midlatitude semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains Terrain: Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kafirnigan and Vakhsh Valleys in southeast Natural resources: significant hydropower potential, petroleum, uranium, mercury, small production of petroleum, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten Land use: 6% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA Note: landlocked Tajikistan People Population: 5,680,242 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 74 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 70 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tajik(s); adjective - Tajik Ethnic divisions: Tajik 62%, Uzbek 24%, Russian 8%, Tatar 2%, other 4% Religions: Sunni Muslim approximately 80%, Shi`a Muslim 5% Languages: Tajik (official) NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,938,000; agriculture and forestry 43%, industry and construction 22%, other 35% (1990) Organized labor: NA Tajikistan Government Long-form name: Republic of Tajikistan Type: republic Capital: Dushanbe Administrative divisions: 3 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and one autonomous oblast*; Gorno-Badakhshan*; Kurgan-Tyube, Kulyab, Leninabad (Khudzhand); note - the rayons around Dushanbe are under direct republic jurisdiction; an oblast usually has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union); formerly Tajikistan Soviet Socialist Republic Constitution: adopted NA April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Rakhman NABIYEV (since NA September 1991); note - a government of National Reconciliation was formed in May 1992; NABIYEV is titular head Head of Government: Prime Minister Akbar MIRZOYEV (since 10 January 1992); First Deputy Prime Minister Davlat USMON Political parties and leaders: Tajik Democratic Party, Shodmon YUSUF, chairman; Rastokhez (Rebirth), Tohir ABDULJABAR, chairman; Islamic Revival Party, Sharif HIMMOT-ZODA, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Rakhman NABIYEV, Communist Party 60%; Daolat KHUDONAZAROV, Democratic Party, Islamic Rebirth Party and Rastokhoz Party 30% Supreme Soviet: last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held NA); results - Communist Party 99%, other 1%; seats - (230 total) Communist Party 227, other 3 Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: Kazi Kolon, Akbar TURAJON-SODA, Muslim leader Member of: CSCE, IMF, UN Diplomatic representation: NA US: Ambassador-designate Stan ESCUDERO; Embassy at Interim Chancery, #39 Ainii Street; Residences: Oktyabrskaya Hotel, Dushanbe (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone [8] (011) 7-3772-24-32-23 Tajikistan Government Flag: NA; still in the process of designing one Tajikistan Economy Overview: Tajikistan has had the lowest standard of living and now faces the bleakest economic prospects of the 15 former Soviet republics. Agriculture is the main economic sector, normally accounting for 38% of employment and featuring cotton and fruits. Industry is sparse, bright spots including electric power and aluminum production based on the country's sizable hydropower resources and a surprising specialty in the production of metal-cutting machine tools. In 1991 and early 1992, disruptions in food supplies from the outside have severely strained the availability of food throughout the republic. The combination of the poor food supply, the general disruption of industrial links to suppliers and markets, and political instability have meant that the republic's leadership could make little progress in economic reform in 1991 and early 1992. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate -9% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 84% (1991) Unemployment rate: 25% (1991 est.) Budget: $NA Exports: $706 million (1990) commodities: aluminum, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles partners: Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Imports: $1.3 billion (1990) commodities: chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, textiles, foodstuffs partners: NA External debt: $650 million (end of 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -2.0% (1991) Electricity: 4,575,000 kW capacity; 17,500 million kWh produced, 3,384 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezers Agriculture: cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, yaks Illicit drugs: illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Tajikistan Communications Railroads: 480 km all 1.520-meter (broad) gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990); 258 km between Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Termez (Uzbekistan), connects with the railroad system of the other republics of the former Soviet Union at Tashkent in Uzbekistan Highways: 29,900 km total (1990); 24,400 km hard surfaced, 8,500 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly developed; telephone density NA; linked by landline or microwave with other CIS member states and by leased connections via the Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only) Tajikistan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TAJIKISTAN - TRAVEL WARNING October 24, 1992 U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan, due to armed conflict in several areas of the country, including Dushanbe, the capital. As a result, the Department of State has ordered the departure of all U.S. government personnel from Tajikistan. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe will be closed until further notice. U.S. citizens in Tajikistan are advised to depart the country as soon as possible. No. 92-003 This replaces the travel warning for Tajikistan dated October 7, 1992 to reflect the ordered departure of U.S. government personnel and the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe. TAJIKISTAN - CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET October 7, 1992 Warning: The Department of State has a Travel Warning for Tajikistan. U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan, due to armed conflict in several areas of the country. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is temporarily located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Independence, (formerly known as the Hotel October), 105a Rudaki Prospect; telephone (7) (3772) 248-223. only limited consular services are at present available. Country Description: Tajikistan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring states. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Tajikistan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Tajikistan are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place N.W., Washington DC 20008, telephone (202) 939- 8916, or the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Areas of Instability: Areas of instability include southern Tajikistan, especially around Kulyab and Kurgan Tyube, due to clashes between opposing political groups and recent flooding in the region. As yet, conflict has not extended to the capital, the northern Leninabad region, the Pamir region of the Hissar and Garm valleys. While the Dushanbe International Airport is open and daily flights to and from Moscow operate, such flights are habitually delayed. Travel to the Tajik-Afghan border remains extremely dangerous in view of the recurring violations of the Tajik border by groups based in Afghanistan, and the resultant attempts by C.I.S. border guards to maintain the integrity of the frontier. It has also become increasingly difficult for individuals without an Uzbek visa to travel by land from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan. Travelers may be turned back at the Uzbek border if they do not have in their possession a valid Uzbek visa. Anyone who wishes to visit Uzbekistan after Tajikistan must make the necessary arrangements before arriving in Dushanbe as the government of Uzbekistan does not have an Embassy in Dushanbe. Medical Facilities: There has been a steady decline in quality medical care. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. While certain medical professionals in Tajikistan are trained to handle medical emergencies, the lack of medicines and supplies dictate that the traveler would have to travel to Moscow or beyond to receive adequate medical care in most circumstances. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information in the region can be found in the Department of State s brochure, Tips for Travelers to Russia, which includes Tajikistan and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Specific questions on helath matters can be addressed to the Centers for Disease Control's International travelers' hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information On Crime: Tajikistan has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however street crime has increased, especially at night. In the past two months there have been serious attacks against foreign diplomats and individuals on main thoroughfares, in broad daylight. Cars have been stolen and houses robbed. The disintegration of local economic conditions, widespread unemployment in Tajikistan, and a less-than-effective police force are in large part to blame. The Department of State s pamphlet Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are not accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing on illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-049 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TAJIKIST Tanzania false marked Tanzania showNameProp Tanzania most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tanzania Geography Total area: 945,090 km2 Land area: 886,040 km2; includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar Comparative area: slightly larger than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 3,402 km total; Burundi 451 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km Coastline: 1,424 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary dispute with Malawi in Lake Nyasa; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled Climate: varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands Terrain: plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south Natural resources: hydropower potential, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 40%; forest and woodland 47%; other 7%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: lack of water and tsetse fly limit agriculture; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture; Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa Tanzania People Population: 27,791,552 (July 1992), growth rate 3.4% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 103 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tanzanian(s); adjective - Tanzanian Ethnic divisions: mainland - native African consisting of well over 100 tribes 99%; Asian, European, and Arab 1% Religions: mainland - Christian 33%, Muslim 33%, indigenous beliefs 33%; Zanzibar - almost all Muslim Languages: Swahili and English (official); English primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education; Swahili widely understood and generally used for communication between ethnic groups; first language of most people is one of the local languages; primary education is generally in Swahili Literacy: 46% (male 62%, female 31%) age 15 and over can read and write (1978) Labor force: 732,200 wage earners; 90% agriculture, 10% industry and commerce (1986 est.) Organized labor: 15% of labor force Tanzania Government Long-form name: United Republic of Tanzania Type: republic Capital: Dar es Salaam; some government offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital by the end of the 1990s Administrative divisions: 25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar Urban/West, Ziwa Magharibi Independence: Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UN trusteeship under British administration); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964 Constitution: 15 March 1984 (Zanzibar has its own Constitution but remains subject to provisions of the union Constitution) Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Union Day, 26 April (1964) Executive branch: president, first vice president and prime minister of the union, second vice president and president of Zanzibar, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Bunge) Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Ali Hassan MWINYI (since 5 November 1985); First Vice President John MALECELA (since 9 November 1990); Second Vice President Salmin AMOUR (since 9 November 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister John MALECELA (since 9 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: only party - Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM or Revolutionary Party), Ali Hassan MWINYI, party chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - Ali Hassan MWINYI was elected without opposition National Assembly: last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - CCM is the only party; seats - (241 total, 168 elected) CCM 168 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-6, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Tanzania Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador-designate Charles Musama NYIRABU; Chancery at 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-6125 US: Ambassador Edmund DE JARNETTE, Jr.; Embassy at 36 Laibon Road (off Bagamoyo Road), Dar es Salaam (mailing address is P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam); telephone [255] (51) 66010/13; FAX [255] (51)66701 Flag: divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is blue Tanzania Economy Overview: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for about 47% of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 90% of the work force. Industry accounts for 8% of GDP and is mainly limited to processing agricultural products and light consumer goods. The economic recovery program announced in mid-1986 has generated notable increases in agricultural production and financial support for the program by bilateral donors. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's deteriorated economic infrastructure. Growth in 1991 was featured by a pickup in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of minerals led by gold. exchange rate conversion - $6.9 billion, per capita $260 (1989 est.); real growth rate 4.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $495 million; expenditures $631 million, including capital expenditures of $118 million (FY90) Exports: $478 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.) commodities: coffee, cotton, sisal, tea, cashew nuts, meat, tobacco, diamonds, gold, coconut products, pyrethrum, cloves (Zanzibar) partners: FRG, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Kenya, Hong Kong, US Imports: $1.5 billion (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transportation equipment, cotton piece goods, crude oil, foodstuffs partners: FRG, UK, US, Japan, Italy, Denmark External debt: $5.2 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.2% (1988); accounts for 8% of GDP Electricity: 405,000 kW capacity; 905 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: primarily agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine), diamond and gold mining, oil refinery, shoes, cement, textiles, wood products, fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for over 45% of GDP; topography and climatic conditions limit cultivated crops to only 5% of land area; cash crops - coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashews, tobacco, cloves (Zanzibar); food crops - corn, wheat, cassava, bananas, fruits, and vegetables; small numbers of cattle, sheep, and goats; not self-sufficient in food grain production Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $400 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $9.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $44 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $614 million Tanzania Economy Currency: Tanzanian shilling (plural - shillings); 1 Tanzanian shilling (TSh) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Tanzanian shillings (TSh) per US$1 - 236.01 (February (1992), 219.16 (1991), 195.06 (1990), 143.38 (1989), 99.29 (1988), 64.26 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June Tanzania Communications Railroads: 3,555 km total; 960 km 1.067-meter gauge; 2,595 km 1.000-meter gauge, 6.4 km double track, 962 km Tazara Railroad 1.067-meter gauge; 115 km 1.000-meter gauge planned by end of decade Highways: total 81,900 km, 3,600 km paved; 5,600 km gravel or crushed stone; remainder improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa Pipelines: crude oil 982 km Ports: Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga, and Zanzibar are ocean ports; Mwanza on Lake Victoria and Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika are inland ports Merchant marine: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 19,185 GRT/22,916 DWT; includes 2 passenger-cargo, 2 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 104 total, 94 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3, 659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system operating below capacity; open wire, radio relay, and troposcatter; 103,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 12 AM, 4 FM, 2 TV; 1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Tanzania Defense Forces Branches: Tanzanian People's Defense Force (TPDF; including Army, Navy, and Air Force); paramilitary Police Field Force Unit; Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,747,542; 3,319,116 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $119 million, about 2% of GDP (FY89 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TANZANIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before departure. Visas for mainland Tanzania are valid for Zanzibar. Tourist visa (valid 6 months from date of issuance) for 1 entry up to 30 days, may be extended after arrival. Requires $10.50 fee (no personal checks). Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified or registered mail. Visitors must exchange at least $50 at point of entry. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations recommended (required if arriving from infected area) and malarial suppressants advised. Allow 1 month for processing. For business visa and other information, consult Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania, 2139 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6125) or Tanzanian Permanent Mission to the U.N. 205 East 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/972-9160). TANZANIA - CAUTION June 1, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in Tanzania. Crime continues to be a major problem in urban and rural areas. Air Tanzania has again been suspended from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for failure to meet its financial obligations: tickets issued by Air Tanzania for travel on other airlines may not be honored, and the airline's financial problems may also affect its maintenance and overhaul capabilities. Black market currency transactions are illegal, and even discussing such transactions may result in arrest. Severe restrictions on photography are enforced throughout the country. Tanzanian security officials do not always notify the U.S. Embassy promptly when an American citizen is arrested or detained. Restrictions against bearers of passports containing evidence of past or planned travel to South Africa have been relaxed to a limited extent. End summary. Crime continues to be a concern in both urban and rural areas. Most of the incidents are muggings, vehicle thefts and break-ins, and residential break- ins. Visitors should exercise extreme caution in safeguarding documents and valuables such as passports, traveler's checks, cameras and jewelry. Valuables should not be left in luggage checked with airlines or other transportation companies. Thieves often pose as passengers on buses and trains in order to steal valuables from inattentive riders. In some cases, victims are first drugged with tainted food or drink offered by strangers or casual acquaintances. Visitors driving in the various game parks are advised to have an experienced driver or game park official accompany them. Visitors should exercise extreme caution when walking on beaches, and should avoid isolated areas due to the danger posed by muggers and pickpockets. Travel by night in the countryside is dangerous due to crime and hazardous road conditions. In May, Air Tanzania was again suspended from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for failure to meet its financial obligations. Travelers are advised not to purchase tickets from Air Tanzania for flights on its own services or those of other carriers, as such tickets may not be honored. The airline's financial problems may also affect its maintenance and overhaul capabilities. Visitors are strongly advised that currency exchange should be transacted only at banks and authorized exchange bureaus, not on the street with black marketeers. Photography of military installations is forbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, industrial sites, airports, harbors, railway stations, bridges, government buildings and other such facilities, which are not always clearly identified as being off-limits to photographers. There are no restrictions on the use of cameras in game parks. Tanzanian police and prison officials, especially in rural areas, have consistently failed to immediately inform the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam of the arrest or detention of American citizens, thus impeding the ability of the U.S. government to provide timely and effective consular assistance. To avoid problems, travel to remote regions or areas away from the normal tourist routes should be undertaken only after consultation with Tanzanian authorities. The government of Tanzania has assured the Embassy that it is now safe for tourists to visit Tanzania with South African visas or immigration stamps in their passports. Trade sanctions, however, remain in effect, and business travelers who appear to be pursuing trade relations with South Africa may be denied entry. All U.S. citizens are urged to register at the American Embassy, 30 Laibon Road, Dar es Salaam, telephone number 66010/1/2/3/4/5. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No. 92-116 This replaces the travel advisory dated April 29, 1992, to advise of Air Tanzania's suspension from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TANZANIA Thailand false marked GRH`I' Thailand showNameProp Thailand most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Thailand Geography Total area: 514,000 km2 Land area: 511,770 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming Land boundaries: 4,863 km total; Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km Coastline: 3,219 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved maritime boundary with Vietnam Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid Terrain: central plain; eastern plateau (Khorat); mountains elsewhere Natural resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite Land use: arable land 34%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 30%; other 31%; includes irrigated 7% Environment: air and water pollution; land subsidence in Bangkok area Note: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore Thailand People Population: 57,624,180 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Thai (singular and plural); adjective - Thai Ethnic divisions: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11% Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991) Languages: Thai; English is the secondary language of the elite; ethnic and regional dialects Literacy: 93% (male 96%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 30,870,000; agriculture 62%, industry 13%, commerce 11%, services (including government) 14% (1989 est.) Organized labor: 309,000 union members (1989) Thailand Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Thailand Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Bangkok Administrative divisions: 72 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date); never colonized Constitution: 22 December 1978; new constitution approved 7 December 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991 military coup National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927) Executive branch: monarch, interim prime minister, three interim deputy prime ministers, interim Council of Ministers (cabinet), Privy Council; following the military coup of 23 February 1991 a National Peace-Keeping Council was set up Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Rathasatha) consists of an upper house or Senate (Vuthisatha) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Saphaphoothan-Rajsadhorn) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarndika) Leaders: Chief of State: King PHUMIPHON Adunlayadet (since 9 June 1946); Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON (born 28 July 1952) Head of Government: Prime Minister Anan PANYARACHUN (since 10 June 1992) Political parties and leaders: Justice Unity Party (Samakki Tham); Chart Thai Party; Solidarity Party; Thai Citizens Party (TCP, Prachakorn Thai); Social Action Party (SAP); Democrat Party (DP); Force of Truth Party (Palang Dharma); New Aspiration Party; Rassadorn Party; Muanchon Party; Puangchon Chothai Party Suffrage: universal at age 21 Thailand Government Elections: House of Representatives: last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held by NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) Samakki Tham 79, Chart Thai Party 74, New Aspiration Party 72, DP 44, Palang Dharma 41, SAP 31, TCP 7, Solidarity Party 6, Rassadorn 4, Muanchon 1, Puangchon Chotahi 1 Communists: illegal Communist party has 500 to 1,000 members; armed Communist insurgents throughout Thailand total 200 (est.) Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador-designate PHIRAPHONG Kasemsi; Embassy at 2300 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-7200; there are Thai Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador David F. LAMBERTSON; Embassy at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok (mailing address is APO AP 96546); telephone [66] (2) 252-5040; FAX [66] (2) 254-2990; there is a US Consulate General in Chiang Mai and Consulates in Songkhla and Udorn Flag: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red Thailand Economy Overview: Thailand, one of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, enjoyed a year of 8% growth in 1991, although down from an annual average of 11% growth between 1987 and 1990. The increasingly sophisticated manufacturing sector benefited from export-oriented investment. The manufacturing and service sectors have accounted for the lion's share of economic growth. Thailand's traditional agricultural sector continued to become less important to the overall economy in 1991. The trade deficit continued to increase in 1991, to $11 billion; earnings from tourism and remittances grew marginally as a result of the Gulf War; and Thailand's import bill grew, especially for manufactures and oil. The government has followed fairly sound fiscal and monetary policies. Aided by increased tax receipts from the fast-moving economy; Bangkok recorded its fourth consecutive budget surplus in 1991. The government is moving ahead with new projects - especially for telecommunications, roads, and port facilities - needed to refurbish the country's overtaxed infrastructure. Political unrest and the military's shooting of antigovernment demonstrators in May 1992 have caused international businessmen to question Thailand's political stability. Thailand's general economic outlook remains good, however, assuming the continuation of the government's progrowth measures. exchange rate conversion - $92.6 billion, per capita $1,630; real growth rate 8% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.6% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.1% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $17.9 billion; expenditures $17.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.0 billion (FY92 est.) Exports: $27.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machinery and manufactures 62%, food 28%, crude materials 7% (1990) partners: US 23.4%, Japan 17.2%, Singapore 7.3%, Germany 5.3%, Hong Kong 4.8%, UK 4.4%, Netherlands 4.3%, Malaysia, France, China (1990) Imports: $39.0 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery and manufactures 67%, chemicals l0%, fuels 9%, crude materials 6% (1990) partners: Japan 30.2%, US 12%, Singapore 6.9%, Taiwan 5%, Germany 4.8%, China 3.2%, South Korea, Malaysia, UK (1990) External debt: $25.1 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 14% (1990 est.); accounts for about 25% of GDP Electricity: 7,400,000 kW capacity; 37,500 million kWh produced, 660 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism is the largest source of foreign exchange; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, other light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer Thailand Economy Agriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP and 60% of labor force; leading producer and exporter of rice and cassava (tapioca); other crops - rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans; except for wheat, self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: a minor producer, major illicit trafficker of heroin, particularly from Burma and Laos, and cannabis for the international drug market; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been affected by eradication efforts Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $870 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.6 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million Currency: baht (plural - baht); 1 baht (B) = 100 satang Exchange rates: baht (B) per US$1 - 25.614 (March 1992), 25.517 (1991), 25.585 (1990), 25.702 (1989), 25.294 (1988), 25.723 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 October-30 September Thailand Communications Railroads: 3,940 km 1.000-meter gauge, 99 km double track Highways: 44,534 km total; 28,016 km paved, 5,132 km earth surface, 11,386 km under development Inland waterways: 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft Pipelines: natural gas 350 km, petroleum products 67 km Ports: Bangkok, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha Merchant marine: 151 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 628,225 GRT/957,095 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 87 cargo, 11 container, 31 petroleum tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 2 chemical tanker, 3 bulk, 4 refrigerated cargo, 2 combination bulk, 1 passenger Civil air: 41 (plus 2 leased) major transport aircraft Airports: 115 total, 97 usable; 50 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 28 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and radio relay network; 739,500 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - over 200 AM, 100 FM, and 11 TV in government-controlled networks; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT domestic satellite system being developed Thailand Defense Forces Branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (including Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 16,361,393; 9,966,446 fit for military service; 612,748 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion, about 3% of GNP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp THAILAND - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not needed for stay up to 15 days if arrive and depart from Don Muang Airport in Bangkok. For longer stays obtain visa in advance. Transit visa, for stay up to 30 days, $10 fee or tourist visa for stay up to 60 days, $15 fee. For business visa valid up to 90 days, need $20 fee and company letter stating purpose of visit. Submit 1 application form, 2 photos and postage for return of passport by mail. Apply Embassy of Thailand, 2300 Kalorama Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-5052 or 483- 7200) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/937-1894), IL (312/236- 2447) or NY (212/754-1770). Thailand - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The mailing address is APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-2) 252-5040. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at Vidhyanon road; the mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629. The U.S. Consulate in Songkhla is located at 9 Sadao Road. The mailing address is Box S, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-74)321-441. The U.S. Consulate in Udorn is located at 35/6 Supakitjanya Road. The mailing address is Box UD, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-42) 244-270. Country Description: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is a popular travel destination and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country. Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not needed for stays of up to 15 days. However, without a visa, entry is permitted only when arriving at international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. For longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in advance from a Thai embassy or consulate. For stays of up to 60 days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is $15. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Thailand, 2300 Kalorama Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 234-5052 or 483-7200. Medical Facilities: Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is good. While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is endemic. AIDS is increasing, especially among prostitutes and intravenous drug users. Malaria is a problem in rural border areas but not in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crime against travelers is uncommon. Petty crimes are common in areas where tourists gather. Many tourists have been victimized by someone offering to serve as a guide, free of charge, to practice English. The "guide" takes the tourist to a gemstones dealer who overcharges for poor quality stones. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Thailand strongly enforces its strict drug laws. Americans convicted of drug trafficking have received long sentences, often in excess of 20 years. Other Information: Heavy traffic is constant in Bangkok. Motorist and pedestrian accidents are common. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-116 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... THAILAND false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Togo Geography Total area: 56,790 km2 Land area: 54,390 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,647 km total; Benin 644 km, Burkina 126 km, Ghana 877 km Coastline: 56 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 30 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes Natural resources: phosphates, limestone, marble Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 28%; other 42%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; recent droughts affecting agriculture; deforestation Togo People Population: 3,958,863 (July 1992), growth rate 3.6% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 94 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 58 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Togolese (singular and plural); adjective - Togolese Ethnic divisions: 37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and Kabye; under 1% European and Syrian-Lebanese Religions: indigenous beliefs about 70%, Christian 20%, Muslim 10% Languages: French, both official and language of commerce; major African languages are Ewe and Mina in the south and Dagomba and Kabye in the north Literacy: 43% (male 56%, female 31%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA; agriculture 78%, industry 22%; about 88,600 wage earners, evenly divided between public and private sectors; 50% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: Federation of Togolese Workers (CNTT) was only legal labor union until Spring 1991; at least two more groups established since then: Labor Federation of Togolese Workers (CSTT) and the National Union of Independent Syndicates (UNSIT), each with 10-12 member unions; four other civil service unions have formed a loose coalition known as the Autonomous Syndicates of Togo (CTSA) Togo Government Long-form name: Republic of Togo Type: republic; under transition to multiparty democratic rule Capital: Lome Administrative divisions: 21 circumscriptions (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription); Amlame (Amou), Aneho (Lacs), Atakpame (Ogou), Badou (Wawa), Bafilo (Assoli), Bassar (Bassari), Dapango (Tone), Kande (Keran), Klouto (Kloto), Pagouda (Binah), Lama-Kara (Kozah), Lome (Golfe), Mango (Oti), Niamtougou (Doufelgou), Notse (Haho), Pagouda, Sotouboua, Tabligbo (Yoto), Tchamba, Nyala, Tchaoudjo, Tsevie (Zio), Vogan (Vo); note - the 21 units may now be called prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture) and reported name changes for individual units are included in parentheses Independence: 27 April 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration, formerly French Togo) Constitution: 1980 constitution nullified during national reform conference; transition constitution adopted 24 August 1991; multiparty draft constitution sent to High Council of the Republic for approval in November 1991, scheduled to be put to public referendum in NA 1992 Legal system: French-based court system National holiday: Independence Day 27 April (1960) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Assembly dissolved during national reform conference; 79-member interim High Council for the Republic (HCR) formed to act as legislature during transition to multiparty democracy; legislative elections scheduled to be held in NA Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel), Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14 April 1967) Head of Government: interim Prime Minister Joseph Kokou KOFFIGOH (since 28 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) led by President EYADEMA was the only party until the formation of multiple parties was legalized 12 April 1991; more than 10 parties formed as of mid-May, though none yet legally registered; a national conference to determine transition regime took place 10 July-28 August 1991 Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: President: last held 21 December 1986 (next to be held NA 1992); results - Gen. EYADEMA was reelected without opposition National Assembly: last held 4 March 1990; dissolved during national reform conference (next to be held April/May 1992); results - RPT was the only party; seats - (77 total) RPT 77 Togo Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO (observer), ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ellom-Kodjo SCHUPPIUS; Chancery at 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-4212 or 4213 US: Ambassador Harmon E. KIRBY; Embassy at Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome (mailing address is B. P. 852, Lome); telephone [228] 21-29-91 through 94 and 21-77-17; FAX [228] 21-79-52 Flag: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Togo Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, which accounts for about 35% of GDP and provides employment for 78% of the labor force. Primary agricultural exports are cocoa, coffee, and cotton, which together account for about 30% of total export earnings. Togo is self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs when harvests are normal. In the industrial sector phosphate mining is by far the most important activity, with phosphate exports accounting for about 40% of total foreign exchange earnings. Togo serves as a regional commercial and trade center. The government, over the past decade, with IMF and World Bank support, has been implementing a number of economic reform measures, that is, actively encouraging foreign investment and attempting to bring revenues in line with expenditures. Political unrest throughout 1991, however, has jeopardized the reform program and has disrupted vital economic activity. exchange rate conversion - $1.5 billion, per capita $400; real growth rate 2% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1987) Budget: revenues $330 million; expenditures $363 million, including capital expenditures of $101 million (1990 est.) Exports: $396 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: phosphates, cocoa, coffee, cotton, manufactures, palm kernels partners: EC 70%, Africa 9%, US 2%, other 19% (1985) Imports: $502 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: food, fuels, durable consumer goods, other intermediate goods, capital goods partners: EC 61%, US 6%, Africa 4%, Japan 4%, other 25% (1989) External debt: $1.3 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.9% (1987 est.); 6% of GDP Electricity: 179,000 kW capacity; 209 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, beverages Agriculture: cash crops - coffee, cocoa, cotton; food crops - yams, cassava, corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock production not significant; annual fish catch, 10,000-14,000 tons Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $132 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $35 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $51 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Togo Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 281.99 (March 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Togo Communications Railroads: 515 km 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 6,462 km total; 1,762 km paved; 4,700 km unimproved roads Inland waterways: 50 km Mono River Ports: Lome, Kpeme (phosphate port) Merchant marine: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,975 GRT/34,022 DWT; includes 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction large-load carrier Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 9 total, 9 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system based on network of radio relay routes supplemented by open wire lines; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 3 (2 relays) TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 SYMPHONIE Togo Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 828,259; 435,113 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $43 million, about 3% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TOGO - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. Americans travelling in remote areas in Togo occasionally require visas. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required. Check further information with Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-4212/3). Togo - Caution August 7, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution while in Togo. As Togo tries to move forward with elections planned for later this year, there exists the possibility of public disorder, resulting in increased risks to personal safety. U.S. citizens in Togo should avoid political rallies or demonstrations. Petty criminal activity has also increased. U.S. citizens traveling to Togo are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy upon arrival to register their presence and receive updated security information. The Embassy is located at the intersection of Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban. The telephone numbers are 21-29-91/92/93/94 and 21-77-17. No. 92-154 This replaces the advisory dated January 23, 1992, to advise U.S. citizens to exercise caution as Togo prepares for elections later this year. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Tokelau false marked Tokelau showNameProp Tokelau most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tokelau Geography Total area: 10 km2 Land area: 10 km2 Comparative area: about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 101 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November) Terrain: coral atolls enclosing large lagoons Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: lies in Pacific typhoon belt Note: located 3,750 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Tokelau People Population: 1,760 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tokelauan(s); adjective - Tokelauan Ethnic divisions: all Polynesian, with cultural ties to Western Samoa Religions: Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2%; on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the Congregational Christian Church predominant Languages: Tokelauan (a Polynesian language) and English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Tokelau Government Long-form name: none Type: territory of New Zealand Capital: none; each atoll has its own administrative center Administrative divisions: none (territory of New Zealand) Independence: none (territory of New Zealand) Constitution: administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970 Legal system: British and local statutes National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840) Executive branch: British monarch, administrator (appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in New Zealand), official secretary Legislative branch: Council of Elders (Taupulega) on each atoll Judicial branch: High Court in Niue, Supreme Court in New Zealand Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Administrator Neil WALTER (since NA February 1988); Official Secretary Casimilo J. PEREZ, Office of Tokelau Affairs Suffrage: NA Elections: NA Member of: SPC Diplomatic representation: none (territory of New Zealand) Flag: the flag of New Zealand is used Tokelau Economy Overview: Tokelau's small size, isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people must rely on aid from New Zealand to maintain public services, annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand. exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, per capita $800; real growth rate NA% (1988 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $430,830; expenditures $2.8 million, including capital expenditures of $37,300 (FY87) Exports: $98,000 (f.o.b., 1983) commodities: stamps, copra, handicrafts partners: NZ Imports: $323,400 (c.i.f., 1983) commodities: foodstuffs, building materials, fuel partners: NZ External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 200 kW capacity; 300,000 kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: small-scale enterprises for copra production, wood work, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing Agriculture: coconuts, copra; basic subsistence crops - breadfruit, papaya, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $24 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), l.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6708 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March Tokelau Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: none; lagoon landings by amphibious aircraft from Western Samoa Telecommunications: telephone service between islands and to Western Samoa Tokelau Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TOKELAU Tonga false marked Tonga showNameProp Tonga most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tonga Geography Total area: 748 km2 Land area: 718 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 419 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: no specific limits Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December) Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base Natural resources: fish, fertile soil Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops 55%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 12%; other 2% Environment: archipelago of 170 islands (36 inhabited); subject to cyclones (October to April); deforestation Note: located about 2,250 km north-northwest of New Zealand, about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand Tonga People Population: 103,114 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -11 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 70 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tongan(s); adjective - Tongan Ethnic divisions: Polynesian; about 300 Europeans Religions: Christian; Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents Languages: Tongan, English Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write a simple message in Tongan or English (1976) Labor force: NA; 70% agriculture; 600 engaged in mining Organized labor: none Tonga Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Tonga Type: hereditary constitutional monarchy Capital: Nuku`alofa Administrative divisions: three island groups; Ha`apai, Tongatapu, Vava`u Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK; formerly Friendly Islands) Constitution: 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967 Legal system: based on English law National holiday: Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Privy Council Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965) Head of Government: Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister S. Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Reform Movement, 'Akilisi POHIVA Suffrage: all literate, tax-paying males and all literate females over 21 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held NA February 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (29 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist Member of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, SPC, SPF, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Siosaia a'Ulupekotofa TUITA resides in London US: the US has no offices in Tonga; the Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga and makes periodic visits Flag: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner Tonga Economy Overview: The economy's base is agriculture, which employs about 70% of the labor force and contributes 50% to GDP. Coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops and make up two-thirds of exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The manufacturing sector accounts for only 11% of GDP. Tourism is the primary source of hard currency earnings, but the island remains dependent on sizable external aid and remittances to offset its trade deficit. exchange rate conversion - $92 million, per capita $900; real growth rate 2.5% (FY90 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.9% (third quarter 1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $30.6 million; expenditures $48.9 million, including capital expenditures of $22.5 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $9.6 million (f.o.b., FY90 est.) commodities: coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra, bananas, taro, vanilla beans, fruits, vegetables, fish partners: NZ 35%, Australia 22%, US 13%, Fiji 5% (FY90) Imports: $59.9 million (c.i.f., FY90 est.) commodities: food products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, fuels, chemicals partners: NZ 30%, Australia 23%, US 12%, Japan 7% (FY90) External debt: $42.0 million (FY89) Industrial production: growth rate 15% (FY86); accounts for 11% of GDP Electricity: 6,000 kW capacity; 8 million kWh produced, 80 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, fishing Agriculture: dominated by coconut, copra, and banana production; vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $16 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $258 million Currency: pa'anga (plural - pa'anga); 1 pa'anga (T$) = 100 seniti Exchange rates: pa'anga (T$) per US$1 - 1.2987 (January 1992), 1.2961 (1991), 1.2809 (1990), 1.2637 (1989), 1.2799 (1988), 1.4282 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June Tonga Communications Highways: 198 km sealed road (Tongatapu); 74 km (Vava`u); 94 km unsealed roads usable only in dry weather Ports: Nukualofa, Neiafu, Pangai Merchant marine: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,511 GRT/17,816 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 liquefied gas Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 3,529 telephones; 66,000 radios; no TV sets; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Tonga Defense Forces Branches: Tonga Defense Force, Tonga Maritime Division, Royal Tongan Marines, Royal Tongan Guard, Police Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TONGA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. For additional information consult the Consulate General of Tonga, 360 Post St., Suite 604, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415/781-0365). Tonga - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Tonga. For assistance, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji - telephone: (679) 314-466. Country Description: Tonga is a stable constitutional monarchy with ties to the United Kingdom. Its agrarian-based economy is developing, and its tourist industry, although relatively undeveloped, is growing. Tourist facilities are limited and concentrated in and around the main islands of Tongatapu (where the capital Nuku'alofa is located) and Vava'u. Entry Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket are required. A visa is not required for stays of up to thirty days. For specific information regarding entry requirements, travelers can consult the Consulate General of Tonga, 360 Post Street, Suite 604, San Francisco, California 94108 - telephone: (415) 781-0365. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Tonga are limited. The cities of Nuku'alofa, and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency and outpatient facilities. Local residents and visitors with serious medical problems are often referred to New Zealand for treatment. Medical practitioners and hospitals usually expect payment upon treatment or prior to release. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information the traveler can contact the international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Tonga has a low crime rate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Fiji can obtain updated information on travel and security in Tonga. No. 92-117 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TONGA Trinidad and Tobago false marked Trinidad and Tobago showNameProp Trinidad and Tobago most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Trinidad and Tobago Geography Total area: 5,130 km2 Land area: 5,130 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Delaware Land boundaries: none Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: outer edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December) Terrain: mostly plains with some hills and low mountains Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, asphalt Land use: arable land 14%; permanent crops 17%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 44%; other 23%; includes irrigated 4% Environment: outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms Note: located 11 km from Venezuela Trinidad and Tobago People Population: 1,299,301 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s); adjective - Trinidadian, Tobagonian Ethnic divisions: black 43%, East Indian 40%, mixed 14%, white 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 32.2%, Hindu 24.3%, Anglican 14.4%, other Protestant 14%, Muslim 6%, none or unknown 9.1% Languages: English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish Literacy: 95% (male 97%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 463,900; construction and utilities 18.1%; manufacturing, mining, and quarrying 14.8%; agriculture 10.9%; other 56.2% (1985 est.) Organized labor: 22% of labor force (1988) Trinidad and Tobago Government Long-form name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port-of-Spain Administrative divisions: 8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**; Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*, Tobago**, Victoria Independence: 31 August 1962 (from UK) Constitution: 31 August 1976 Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Noor Mohammed HASSANALI (since 18 March 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Patrick Augustus Mervyn MANNING (since 17 December 1991) Political parties and leaders: People's National Movement (PNM), Patrick MANNING; United National Congress (UNC), Basdeo PANDAY; National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Carson CHARLES; Movement for Social Transformation (MOTION), David ABDULLAH; National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal DAAGA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 16 December 1991 (next to be held by December 1996);results - PNM 32%, UNC 13%, NAR 2%; seats - (36 total) PNM 21, UNC 13, NAR 2 Communists: Communist Party of Trinidad and Tobago; Trinidad and Tobago Peace Council, James MILLETTE Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Corinne BAPTISTE; Chancery at 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 467-6490; Trinidad and Tobago has a Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Sally GROOMS-COWAL; Embassy at 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain (mailing address is P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain); telephone (809) 622-6372 through 6376, 6176; FAX (809) 628-5462 Trinidad and Tobago Government Flag: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side Trinidad and Tobago Economy Overview: Trinidad and Tobago's petroleum-based economy began to emerge from a lengthy depression in 1990 and 1991. The economy fell sharply through most of the 1980s, largely because of the decline in oil prices. This sector accounts for 80% of export earnings and more than 25% of GDP. The government, in response to the oil revenue loss, pursued a series of austerity measures that pushed the unemployment rate as high as 22% in 1988. The economy showed signs of recovery in 1990, however, helped along by rising oil prices. Agriculture employs only about 11% of the labor force and produces about 3% of GDP. Since this sector is small, it has been unable to absorb the large numbers of the unemployed. The government currently seeks to diversify its export base. exchange rate conversion - $4.9 billion, per capita $3,600; real growth rate 0.7% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.1% (1990) Unemployment rate: 21% (1990) Budget: revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $150 million (1991 est.) Exports: $2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: includes reexports - petroleum and petroleum products 82%, steel products 9%, fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus (1988) partners: US 54%, CARICOM 16%, EC 10%, Latin America 3% (1989) Imports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: raw materials and intermediate goods 47%, capital goods 26%, consumer goods 26% (1988) partners: US 41%, Latin America 10%, UK 8%, Canada 5%, CARICOM 6% (1989) External debt: $2.5 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 2.3%, excluding oil refining (1986); accounts for 40% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 1,176,000 kW capacity; 3,480 million kWh produced, 2,708 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage, cotton textiles Agriculture: highly subsidized sector; major crops - cocoa and sugarcane; sugarcane acreage is being shifted into rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry sector most important source of animal protein; must import large share of food needs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $373 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $518 million Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) = 100 cents Trinidad and Tobago Economy Exchange rates: Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TT$) per US$1 - 4.2500 (March 1992), 4.2500 (1991), 4.2500 (1990), 4.2500 (1989), 3.8438 (1988), 3.6000 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Trinidad and Tobago Communications Railroads: minimal agricultural railroad system near San Fernando Highways: 8,000 km total; 4,000 km paved, 1,000 km improved earth, 3,000 km unimproved earth Pipelines: crude oil 1,032 km, petroleum products 19 km, natural gas 904 km Ports: Port-of-Spain, Point Lisas, Pointe-a-Pierre Civil air: 14 major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international service via tropospheric scatter links to Barbados and Guyana; good local service; 109,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Trinidad and Tobago Defense Forces Branches: Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (Army), Coast Guard, Air Wing, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Manpower availability: males 15-49, 344,990; 248,912 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $59 million, 1-2% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 2 months. If traveling on official/diplomatic passport or for other travel, visa required and must be obtained in advance. Business visa requires passport and company letter. For further information consult Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Mass Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/467- 6490) or nearest Consulate in New York (212/682-7272). Trinidad & Tobago - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 15 Queen's Park West in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; telephone (809) 622-6371. Country Description: Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation comprised of two islands. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Trinidad and Tobago. Visas are not required for tourist or business stays up to two months. Work permits are required for certain types of compensated and non- compensated employment, including missionary work. For further information concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago at 1708 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 467-6490 or the Consulate in New York City. Medical Facilities: Medical care is sometimes limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are severe and strictly enforced. Many of the Americans convicted for drug offenses in Trinidad and Tobago were caught taking suitcases or packages containing drugs out of the country. Even if the package or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveler is liable for its contents. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-089 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TRINIDAD Tromelin Island false marked Tromelin Island showNameProp Tromelin Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tromelin Island Geography Total area: 1 km2 Land area: 1 km2 Comparative area: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 3.7 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles Climate: tropical Terrain: sandy Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other - scattered bushes 100% Environment: wildlife sanctuary Note: located 350 km east of Madagascar and 600 km north of Reunion in the Indian Ocean; climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones Tromelin Island People Population: uninhabited Tromelin Island Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since NA July 1991), resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion Tromelin Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Tromelin Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with runway less than 1,220 m Telecommunications: important meteorological station Tromelin Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TROMELIN Tunisia false marked :*r,6- Tunisia showNameProp Tunisia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tunisia Geography Total area: 163,610 km2 Land area: 155,360 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Georgia Land boundaries: 1,424 km total; Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km Coastline: 1,148 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Libya; land boundary disputes with Algeria under discussion Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south Terrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara Natural resources: crude oil, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 10%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 4%; other 47%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: strategic location in central Mediterranean; only 144 km from Italy across the Strait of Sicily; borders Libya on east Tunisia People Population: 8,445,656 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tunisian(s); adjective - Tunisian Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish less than 1% Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish less than 1% Languages: Arabic (official); Arabic and French (commerce) Literacy: 65% (male 74%, female 56%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,250,000; agriculture 32%; shortage of skilled labor Organized labor: about 360,000 members claimed, roughly 20% of labor force; General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT), quasi-independent of Constitutional Democratic Party Tunisia Government Long-form name: Republic of Tunisia; note - may be changed to Tunisian Republic Type: republic Capital: Tunis Administrative divisions: 23 governorates; Beja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Gabes, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kebili, L'Ariana, Le Kef, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sidi Bou Zid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, Zaghouan Independence: 20 March 1956 (from France) Constitution: 1 June 1959 Legal system: based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session National holiday: National Day, 20 March (1956) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Nuwaab) Judicial branch: Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: President Gen. Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Hamed KAROUI (since 26 September 1989) Political parties and leaders: Constitutional Democratic Rally Party (RCD), President BEN ALI (official ruling party); Movement of Democratic Socialists (MDS), Mohammed MOUAADA; five other political parties are legal, including the Communist Party Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: President: last held 2 April 1989 (next to be held NA April 1994); results - Gen. Zine el Abidine BEN ALI was reelected without opposition Chamber of Deputies: last held 2 April 1989 (next to be held NA April 1994); results - RCD 80.7%, independents/Islamists 13.7%, MDS 3.2%, other 2.4%; seats - (141 total) RCD 141 Member of: ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ismail KHELIL; Chancery at 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20005; telephone (202) 862-1850 US: Ambassador John T. McCARTHY; Embassy at 144 Avenue de la Liberte, 1002 Tunis-Belvedere; telephone [216] (1) 782-566; FAX [216] (1) 789-719 Flag: red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam Tunisia Economy Overview: The economy depends primarily on petroleum, phosphates, tourism, and exports of light manufactures. Following two years of drought-induced economic decline, the economy made a strong recovery in 1990 as a result of a bountiful harvest, continued export growth, and higher domestic investment. Continued high inflation and unemployment have eroded popular support for the government, however, and forced Tunis to slow the pace of economic reform. Nonetheless, the government appears committed to implementing its IMF-supported structural adjustment program and to servicing its foreign debt. exchange rate conversion - $10.9 billion, per capita $1,320; real growth rate 3.5% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.2% (1991) Unemployment rate: 15% (1991) Budget: revenues $3.8 billion; expenditures $5.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $970 million (1992 est.) Exports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: hydrocarbons, agricultural products, phosphates and chemicals partners: EC 74%, Middle East 11%, US 2%, Turkey, USSR Imports: $4.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: industrial goods and equipment 57%, hydrocarbons 13%, food 12%, consumer goods partners: EC 67%, US 6%, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Turkey, Algeria External debt: $8.6 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989); accounts for about 25% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 1,493,000 kW capacity; 4,210 million kWh produced, 530 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, food, beverages Agriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP and one-third of labor force; output subject to severe fluctuations because of frequent droughts; export crops - olives, dates, oranges, almonds; other products - grain, sugar beets, wine grapes, poultry, beef, dairy; not self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 99,200 metric tons (1987) Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $730 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $684 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $410 million Currency: Tunisian dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Tunisian dinar (TD) = 1,000 millimes Exchange rates: Tunisian dinars (TD) per US$1 - 0.9272 (March 1992), 0.9246 (1991), 0.8783 (1990), 0.9493 (1989), 0.8578 (1988), 0.8287 (1987) Tunisia Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Tunisia Communications Railroads: 2,115 km total; 465 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge; 1,650 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 17,700 km total; 9,100 km bituminous; 8,600 km improved and unimproved earth Pipelines: crude oil 797 km, petroleum products 86 km, natural gas 742 km Ports: Bizerte, Gabes, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, La Goulette, Zarzis Merchant marine: 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 160,069 GRT/218,791 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 4 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 bulk Civil air: 19 major transport aircraft Airports: 29 total, 26 usable; 13 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the system is above the African average; facilities consist of open-wire lines, coaxial cable, and radio relay; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; 233,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 8 FM, 19 TV; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT with back-up control station; coaxial cable to Algeria and Libya; radio relay to Algeria, and Libya Tunisia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, National Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,117,864; 1,217,819 fit for military service; 88,619 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $520 million, 5% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TUNISIA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visas not required for tourist/business stay up to 4 months. For further information consult Embassy of Tunisia, 1515 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/862-1850) or nearest Consulate: San Francisco (415/922-9222) or New York (212/742-6585). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TUNISIA Turkey false marked Turkey showNameProp Turkey most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Turkey Geography Total area: 780,580 km2 Land area: 770,760 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Texas Land boundaries: 2,627 km total; Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 331 km, Syria 822 km Coastline: 7,200 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only - to the maritime boundary agreed upon with the former USSR Territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea, 12 nm in Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea Disputes: complex maritime and air (but not territorial) disputes with Greece in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question; Hatay question with Syria; ongoing dispute with downstream riparians (Syria and Iraq) over water development plans for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Climate: temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior Terrain: mostly mountains; narrow coastal plain; high central plateau (Anatolia) Natural resources: antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, sulphur, iron ore Land use: arable land 30%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 12%; forest and woodland 26%; other 28%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: subject to severe earthquakes, especially along major river valleys in west; air pollution; desertification Note: strategic location controlling the Turkish straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas Turkey People Population: 59,640,143 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 populatition (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 55 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Turk(s); adjective - Turkish Ethnic divisions: Turkish 80%, Kurdish 17%, other 3% (est.) Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 99.8%, other (Christian and Jews) 0.2% Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic Literacy: 81% (male 90%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 20,700,000; agriculture 49%, services 30%, industry 15%; about 1,500,000 Turks work abroad (1989) Organized labor: 10% of labor force Turkey Government Long-form name: Republic of Turkey Type: republican parliamentary democracy Capital: Ankara Administrative divisions: 73 provinces (iller, singular - il); Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahraman Maras, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Urfa, Usak, Van, Yozgat, Zonguldak Independence: 29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire) Constitution: 7 November 1982 Legal system: derived from various continental legal systems; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic, 29 October (1923) Executive branch: president, Presidential Council, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Grand National Assembly (Buyuk Millet Meclisi) Judicial branch: Court of Cassation Leaders: Chief of State: President Turgut OZAL (since 9 November 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Suleyman DEMIREL (since 30 November 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Erdal INONU (since 30 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: Correct Way Party (DYP), Suleyman DEMIREL; Motherland Party (ANAP), Mesut YILMAZ; Social Democratic Populist Party (SHP), Erdal INONU; Refah Party (RP), Necmettin ERBAKAN; Democratic Left Party (DSP), Bulent ECEVIT; Nationalist Labor Party (MCP), Alpaslan TURKES; People's Labor Party (HEP), Feridun YAZAR; Socialist Unity Party (SBP), leader NA; Great Anatolia Party (BAP), leader NA; Democratic Center Party (DSP), Bedrettin DALAN; Grand National Party (GNP), leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: Grand National Assembly: last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1996); results - DYP 27.03%, ANAP 24.01%, SHP 20.75%, RP 16.88%, DSP 10.75%, SBP 0.44%, independent 0.14%; seats - (450 total) DYP 178, ANAP 115, SHP 86, RP 40, MCP 19, DSP 7, other 5 Turkey Government Member of: AsDB, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN (observer), COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NEA, OECD, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNRWA, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Nuzhet KANDEMIR; Chancery at 1606 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC; 20008; telephone (202) 387-3200; there are Turkish Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Richard C. BARKLEY; Embassy at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Ankara (mailing address is PSC 88, Box 5000, Ankara, or APO AE 09823); telephone [90] (4) 126 54 70; FAX [90] (4) 167-0057; there are US Consulates General in Istanbul and Izmir, and a Consulate in Adana Flag: red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening Turkey Economy Overview: The impressive stream of benefits from the economic reforms that Turkey launched in 1980 have begun to peter out. Although real growth in per capita GDP averaged 5% annually between 1983 and 1988, recent economic performance has fallen substantially. Moreover, inflation and interest rates remain high, and a large budget deficit will continue to provide difficulties for a country undergoing a substantial transformation from a centrally controlled to a free market economy. Agriculture remains an important economic sector, employing about half of the work force, accounting for 18% of GDP, and contributing 19% to exports. The government has launched a multibillion-dollar development program in the southeastern region, which includes the building of a dozen dams on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers to generate electric power and irrigate large tracts of farmland. The planned tapping of huge additional quantities of Euphrates water has raised serious concern in the downstream riparian nations of Syria and Iraq. The Turkish economy emerged from the Gulf War of early 1991 in stronger shape than Ankara had expected. Although the negative effects of the crisis were felt primarily in the politically sensitive southeast, aid pledges by the coalition allies of more than $4 billion have helped offset the burden. purchasing power equivalent - $198 billion, per capita $3,400; real growth rate 1.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 71.1% (1991) Unemployment rate: 11.1% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $41.9 billion; expenditures $49.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $9.9 billion (1992) Exports: $13.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: industrial products (steel, chemicals) 81%; fruits, vegetables, tobacco and meat products 19% partners: EC countries 49%, US 7%, Iran 5% Imports: $22.3 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, plastics, rubber, fertilizers, grain partners: EC countries 49%, US 7%, Iran 5% External debt: $49.0 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 10% (1990 est.); accounts for 29% of GDP Electricity: 14,400,000 kW capacity; 44,000 million kWh produced, 750 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, mining (coal, chromite, copper, boron minerals), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper Agriculture: accounts for 18% of GDP and employs about half of working force; products - tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulses, citrus fruit, variety of animal products; self-sufficient in food most years Turkey Economy Illicit drugs: one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.3 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $665 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.5 billion; note - aid for Persian Gulf war efforts from coalition allies (1991), $4.1 billion; aid pledged for Turkish Defense Fund, $2.5 billion Currency: Turkish lira (plural - liras); 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus Exchange rates: Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 6,098.4 (March 1992), 4,171.8 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989), 1,422.3 (1988), 857.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Turkey Communications Railroads: 8,401 km 1.435-meter gauge; 479 km electrified Highways: 49,615 km total; 26,915 km paved; 16,500 km gravel or crushed stone; 4,000 km improved earth; 2,200 km unimproved earth (1985) Inland waterways: about 1,200 km Pipelines: crude oil 1,738 km, petroleum products 2,321 km, natural gas 708 km Ports: Iskenderun, Istanbul, Mersin, Izmir Merchant marine: 353 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,056,455 GRT/7,143,096 DWT; includes 7 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger-cargo, 191 cargo, 1 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 1 livestock carrier, 37 petroleum tanker, 9 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 10 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 80 bulk, 4 combination bulk Civil air: 52 major transport aircraft (1991) Airports: 109 total, 104 usable; 65 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair domestic and international systems; trunk radio relay network; limited open wire network; 3,400,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 15 AM; 94 FM; 357 TV; 1 satellite ground station operating in the INTELSAT (2 Atlantic Ocean) and EUTELSAT systems; 1 submarine cable Turkey Defense Forces Branches: Land Forces, Navy (including Naval Air and Naval Infantry), Air Force, Coast Guard, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 15,274,591; 9,330,851 fit for military service; 597,814 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.2 billion, 3-4% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TURKEY - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months. If traveling on official/diplomatic passport or for other travel, visa required and must be obtained in advance. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, 1714 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/659-0742) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/937-0118), IL (312/263-0644), NY (212/949-0160) or TX (713/622-5849). Turkey - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard; telephone (90) (4) 426-5470. There are also Consulates in Istanbul at 104-108 Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebasl, telephone (90) (1) 251-3602; in Izmir on the third floor of 92 Ataturk Caddesi, telephone (90) (51) 149-426; and in Adana at Ataturk Caddesi, telephone (90) (71) 139-106. Country Description: Turkey is a moderately developed European nation. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business visits of up to three months. For further information on entry requirements to Turkey, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 1714 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20036, tel: (202) 659-8200, or the nearest Turkish Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. Areas of Instability: Three Americans were kidnapped in Bingol province in August 1991 and held for three weeks. Other foreign travelers have also been kidnapped in southeastern Turkey. Terrorist attacks continue to occur against Turkish police and civilians in several southeastern provinces. Urban and rural terrorist attacks have caused injuries and loss of life. In Istanbul, terrorists have targeted buses used by Turkish government employees, a public ferry boat and have exploded bombs in various parts of the city. Recently, small arms fire was directed against Turkish airlines planes departing the southeastern city of Adana. In the past, terrorist attacks have also targeted the personnel and property of organizations with official and commercial ties to the United States. Medical Information: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash opayment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: There is some crime against tourists, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging. The Department of State pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Public Safety: Driving conditions make travel by road at night hazardous throughout Turkey. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Turkish citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Turkish law while in Turkey. Those who may be affected can inquire at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate to determine status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are extremely strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: Unauthorized purchase or removal from Turkey of antiquities or other important cultural artifacts is strictly forbidden. Violation of this law may result in imprisonment. At the time of departure, travelers who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the seller as well as the official museum export certificate required by law. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy or consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-051 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... TURKEY Turkmenistan false marked Turkmenistan showNameProp Turkmenistan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Turkmenistan Geography Total area: 488,100 km2 Land area: 488,100 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 3,736 km total; Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379 km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km Coastline: 0 km note: Turkmenistan does border the Caspian Sea (1,768 km) Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: subtropical desert Terrain: flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; borders Caspian Sea in west Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, sulphur, salt, magnesium Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA Note: landlocked Turkmenistan People Population: 3,838,108 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 94 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 66 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Turkmen(s); adjective - Turkmen Ethnic divisions: Turkmen 72%, Russian 9%, Uzbek 9%, other 10% Religions: Islam 85%, Eastern Orthodox 10%, unknown 5% Languages: Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,542,000; agriculture and forestry 42%, industry and construction 21%, other 37% (1990) Organized labor: NA Turkmenistan Government Long-form name: none Type: republic Capital: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) Administrative divisions: 4 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Balkan (Nebit-Dag), Chardzhou, Mary, Tashauz; note - the rayons around Ashgabat are under direct republic jurisdiction; all oblasts have the same name as their administrative center except Balkan Oblast, centered at Nebit-Dag Independence: 27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union; formerly Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic) Constitution: adopted 18 May 1992 Legal system: NA National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1991) Executive branch: president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: Majlis Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Saparmurad NIYAZOV (since 21 June 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister (vacant), Deputy Prime Ministers V. G. OCHERTSOV and Atta CHARYYEV (since NA 1991) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (formerly Communist), Saparmurad NIYAZOV, chairman opposition: Democratic Party, Durdymorad KHODZHA Mukhammed, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 21 June 1992 (next to be held NA June 1997); results - Saparmurad NIYAZOV 99.5% (ran unopposed) Majlis: last held 7 January 1990 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) elections not officially by party, but Communist Party members won nearly 90% of seats Communists: renamed Democratic Party, 16 December 1990 Other political or pressure groups: Agzybirlik (Unity) Movement Member of: CIS, CSCE, IBRD, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: NA US: Ambassador-designate Joseph HULINGS; Embassy at Yubilenaya Hotel, Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) (mailing address is APO; AE 09862); telephone [8] (011) 7-3630-24-49-08 Turkmenistan Government Flag: green field with five claret carpet gels (that is, a repeated carpet pattern) on the hoist side; a white crescent and five white stars in the upper left corner to the right of the carpet gels Turkmenistan Economy Overview: Like the other 15 former Soviet republics, Turkmenistan faces enormous problems of economic adjustment - to move away from Moscow-based central planning toward a system of decisionmaking by private enterpreneurs, local government authorities, and, hopefully, foreign investors. This process requires wholesale changes in supply sources, markets, property rights, and monetary arrangements. Industry - with 10% of the labor force - is heavily weighted toward the energy sector, which produced 11% of the ex-USSR's gas and 1% of its oil. Turkmenistan ranked second among the former Soviet republics in cotton production, mainly in the irrigated western region, where the huge Karakumskiy Canal taps the Amu Darya. purchasing power equivalent - NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate -0.6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 85% (1991) Unemployment rate: 20-25% (1991 est.) Budget: NA Exports: $239 million (1990) commodities: natural gas, oil, chemicals, cotton, textiles, carpets partners: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Imports: $970 million (1990) commodities: machinery and parts, plastics and rubber, consumer durables, textiles partners: NA External debt: $650 million (end of 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.1% (1991) Electricity: 3,170,000 kW capacity; 14,900 million kWh produced, 4,114 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: oil and gas, petrochemicals, fertilizers, food processing, textiles Agriculture: cotton, fruits, vegetables Illicit drugs: illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: As of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Turkmenistan Communications Railroads: 2,120 km all 1.520-meter gauge Highways: 23,000 km total (1990); 18,300 km hard surfaced, 4,700 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: NA Ports: inland - Krasnovodsk Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly developed; telephone density NA; linked by landline or microwave to other CIS member states and Iran, and by leased connections via the Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only) Turkmenistan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Air and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TURKMENISTAN - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922- 6642). Turkmenistan - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is located at the Yubilenaya Hotel; telephone (7) (3630) 244-908. Country Description: Turkmenistan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other economic difficulties. Entry Information: All travelers to Turkmenistan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Turkmenistan are issued by a Russian Embassy or consulate. Visas for Azerbaijan are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate Medical Facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the country. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information can be found in the Department of State s brochure, Tips for Travelers to Russia, which includes information on Turkmenistan. It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night. The Deparment of State s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Turkmenistan is a cash-only economy. Traveler checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-050 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TURKMENI Turks and Caicos Islands false marked Turks and Caicos Islands showNameProp Turks and Caicos Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Turks and Caicos Islands Geography Total area: 430 km2 Land area: 430 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 389 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry Terrain: low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps Natural resources: spiny lobster, conch Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures; 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 98% Environment: 30 islands (eight inhabited); subject to frequent hurricanes Note: located 190 km north of the Dominican Republic in the North Atlantic Ocean Turks and Caicos Islands People Population: 12,697 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 22 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: no noun or adjectival forms Ethnic divisions: majority of African descent Religions: Baptist 41.2%, Methodist 18.9%, Anglican 18.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.7%, other 19.9% (1980) Languages: English (official) Literacy: 98% (male 99%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: NA; majority engaged in fishing and tourist industries; some subsistence agriculture Organized labor: Saint George's Industrial Trade Union Turks and Caicos Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town) Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: introduced 30 August 1976, suspended in 1986, and a Constitutional Commission is currently reviewing its contents Legal system: based on laws of England and Wales with a small number adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas National holiday: Constitution Day, 30 August (1976) Executive branch: British monarch, governor, Executive Council, chief minister Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1953), represented by Governor Michael J. BRADLEY (since 1987) Head of Government: Chief Minister Washington MISSIC (since NA 1991) Political parties and leaders: People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Oswald SKIPPINGS; Progressive National Party (PNP), Washington MISSIC; National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Ariel MISSICK Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held on 3 April 1991 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (20 total, 13 elected) PNP 8, PDM 5 Member of: CDB Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands are represented in the US by the UK US: none Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow and contains a conch shell, lobster, and cactus Turks and Caicos Islands Economy Overview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and offshore banking. Only subsistence farming - corn and beans - exists on the Caicos Islands, so that most foods, as well as nonfood products, must be imported. purchasing power equivalent - $44.9 million, per capita $5,000; real growth rate NA% (1986) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 12% (1989) Budget: revenues $12.4 million; expenditures $15.8 million, including capital expenditures of $2.6 million (FY87) Exports: $2.9 million (f.o.b., FY84) commodities: lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells partners: US, UK Imports: $26.3 million (c.i.f., FY84) commodities: foodstuffs, drink, tobacco, clothing partners: US, UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 9,050 kW capacity; 11.1 million kWh produced, 1,140 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing, tourism, offshore financial services Agriculture: subsistence farming prevails, based on corn and beans; fishing more important than farming; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $110 million Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: calendar year Turks and Caicos Islands Communications Highways: 121 km, including 24 km tarmac Ports: Grand Turk, Salt Cay, Providenciales, Cockburn Harbour Civil air: Air Turks and Caicos (passenger service) and Turks Air Ltd. (cargo service) Airports: 7 total, 7 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair cable and radio services; 1,446 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, no FM, several TV; 2 submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Turks and Caicos Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TURKS AND CAICOS - (See West Indies, British.) Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TURKS_AN Tuvalu false marked Tuvalu showNameProp Tuvalu most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Tuvalu Geography Total area: 26 km2 Land area: 26 km2 Comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 24 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March) Terrain: very low-lying and narrow coral atolls Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: severe tropical storms are rare Note: located 3,000 km east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean Tuvalu People Population: 9,494 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 34 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Tuvaluans(s); adjective - Tuvaluan Ethnic divisions: 96% Polynesian Religions: Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6% Languages: Tuvaluan, English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: none Tuvalu Government Long-form name: none Type: democracy Capital: Funafuti Administrative divisions: none Independence: 1 October 1978 (from UK; formerly Ellice Islands) Constitution: 1 October 1978 National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1978) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Palamene) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Tupua LEUPENA (since 1 March 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Bikenibeu PAENIU (since 16 October 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Alesana SELUKA (since October 1989) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Parliament: last held 28 September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (12 total) Member of: ACP, C (special), ESCAP, SPC, SPF, UPU Diplomatic representation: Ambassador (vacant) US: none Flag: light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands Tuvalu Economy Overview: Tuvalu consists of a scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral resources and few exports. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. The islands are too small and too remote for development of a tourist industry. Government revenues largely come from the sale of stamps and coins and worker remittances. Substantial income is received annually from an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea. exchange rate conversion - $4.6 million, per capita $530; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $4.3 million; expenditures $4.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $1.0 million (f.o.b., 1983 est.) commodities: copra partners: Fiji, Australia, NZ Imports: $2.8 million (c.i.f., 1983 est.) commodities: food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods partners: Fiji, Australia, NZ External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA Electricity: 2,600 kW capacity; 3 million kWh produced, 330 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing, tourism, copra Agriculture: coconuts, copra Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $1 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $101 million Currency: Tuvaluan dollar and Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Tuvaluan dollar ($T) or 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Tuvaluan dollars ($T) or Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3117 (March 1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: NA Tuvalu Communications Highways: 8 km gravel Ports: Funafuti, Nukufetau Merchant marine: 1 passenger-cargo (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,043 GRT/450 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 300 radiotelephones; 4,000 radios; 108 telephones Tuvalu Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp TUVALU - Passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visitors permit issued on arrival. For further information consult British Embassy (202/462-1340). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text TUVALU Uganda false marked Uganda showNameProp Uganda most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Uganda Geography Total area: 236,040 km2 Land area: 199,710 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon Land boundaries: 2,698 km total; Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km, Zaire 765 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast Terrain: mostly plateau with rim of mountains Natural resources: copper, cobalt, limestone, salt Land use: arable land 23%; permanent crops 9%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 30%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: straddles Equator; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion Note: landlocked Uganda People Population: 19,386,104 (July 1992), growth rate 3.7% (1992) Birth rate: 51 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 91 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 52 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ugandan(s); adjective - Ugandan Ethnic divisions: African 99%, European, Asian, Arab 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, rest indigenous beliefs Languages: English (official); Luganda and Swahili widely used; other Bantu and Nilotic languages Literacy: 48% (male 62%, female 35%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,500,000 (est.); 50% of population of working age (1983) Organized labor: 125,000 union members Uganda Government Long-form name: Republic of Uganda Type: republic Capital: Kampala Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Busoga, Central, Eastern, Karamoja, Nile, North Buganda, Northern, South Buganda, Southern, Western Independence: 9 October 1962 (from UK) Constitution: 8 September 1967, in process of constitutional revision Legal system: government plans to restore system based on English common law and customary law and reinstitute a normal judicial system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 9 October (1962) Executive branch: president, vice president, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Resistance Council Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 29 January 1986); Vice President Samson Babi Mululu KISEKKA (since NA January 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister George Cosmas ADYEBO (since NA January 1991) Political parties and leaders: only party - National Resistance Movement (NRM); note - the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), Ugandan People's Congress (UPC), Democratic Party (DP), and Conservative Party (CP) are all proscribed from conducting public political activities Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Resistance Council: last held 11-28 February 1989 (next to be held by January 1995); results - NRM was the only party; seats - (278 total, 210 indirectly elected) 210 members elected without party affiliation Other political or pressure groups: Uganda People's Front (UPF), Uganda People's Christian Democratic Army (UPCDA), Ruwenzori Movement Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Stephen Kapimpina KATENTA-APULI; 5909 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011; telephone (202) 726-7100 through 7102 US: Ambassador Johnnie CARSON; Embassy at Parliament Avenue, Kampala (mailing address is P. O. Box 7007, Kampala); telephone [256] (41) 259792, 259793, 259795 Uganda Government Flag: six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the staff side Uganda Economy Overview: Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. The economy has been devastated by widespread political instability, mismanagement, and civil war since independence in 1962, keeping Uganda poor with a per capita income of about $300. (GDP remains below the levels of the early 1970s, as does industrial production.) Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee is the major export crop and accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986 the government has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing petroleum prices, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation, which was running at over 300% in 1987, and boosting production and export earnings. During the period 1990-91, the economy turned in a solid performance based on continued investment in the rehabilitation of infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, and gradually improving domestic security. exchange rate conversion - $5.6 billion, per capita $300; real growth rate 4.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $365 million; expenditures $545 million, including capital expenditures of $165 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $208 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: coffee 97%, cotton, tea partners: US 25%, UK 18%, France 11%, Spain 10% Imports: $209 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: petroleum products, machinery, cotton piece goods, metals, transportation equipment, food partners: Kenya 25%, UK 14%, Italy 13% External debt: $1.9 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.0% (1990); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: 175,000 kW capacity; 315 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement Agriculture: mainly subsistence; accounts for 57% of GDP and over 80% of labor force; cash crops - coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco; food crops - cassava, potatoes, corn, millet, pulses; livestock products - beef, goat meat, milk, poultry; self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $145 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $60 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $169 million Uganda Economy Currency: Ugandan shilling (plural - shillings); 1 Ugandan shilling (USh) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Ugandan shillings (USh) per US$1 - 1,031.3 (March 1992), 734.0 (1991), 428.85 (1990), 223.1 (1989), 106.1 (1988), 42.8 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Uganda Communications Railroads: 1,300 km, 1.000-meter-gauge single track Highways: 26,200 km total; 1,970 km paved; 5,849 km crushed stone, gravel, and laterite; remainder earth roads and tracks Inland waterways: Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward; Victoria Nile, Albert Nile; principal inland water ports are at Jinja and Port Bell, both on Lake Victoria Merchant marine: 1 roll-on/roll-off (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,697 GRT Civil air: 6 major transport aircraft Airports: 35 total, 27 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system with microwave and radio communications stations; broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 9 TV; satellite communications ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Uganda Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, about 4,132,887; about 2,243,933 for military service Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp UGANDA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival. Visas, valid within 3 months to 6 months, $20 fee (money order), requires 2 application forms, 2 photos and immunizations certificates for yellow fever, cholera, typhoid and malaria suppressants are required as well. For business visa and other information contact Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-7100-02) or Permanent Mission to the U.N. (212/949-0110). UGANDA - WARNING December 20, 1991 The Department of State advises travelers to exercise caution when traveling in Uganda. While travel to Kampala and other parts of Uganda is considered to be safe, travelers should avoid most of northern Uganda and the Uganda/Rwanda border area in the south, which are considered to be unsafe. Travelers should be aware that there are frequent incidents of daytime highway robberies and car hijackings throughout the country. In addition, U.S. citizens should avoid all highway travel after dark. Due to intermittent bandit and rebel activity, U.S. citizens should avoid travel in most of northern Uganda. This includes the towns of Kumi, Soroti, Lira and Gulu, as well the areas north of these towns to the Kenya and Sudan borders. In northwest Uganda, travel to the north bank of the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park should be avoided. Also, overland travel to the West Nile region and the city of Arua is not advised. Visitors should not travel to the Uganda/Rwanda border in the south, which is presently closed as a result of fighting in northern Rwanda between armed rebels and the Rwandan army. The city of Kisora near the border is subject to periodic shelling and should be avoided. Visits to the gorilla habitats around Mount Sabinyo are not recommended. Due to rebel activity by the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU) in the Ruwenzori Mountains of western Uganda, travelers should avoid the mountainous areas in Kasese District, including the subcounties of Kisinga, Kyonddo, Kyarumba, Nyakiyumbu and Kitholhu. As a result of the unrest in Zaire, all overland travel from Uganda to Zaire should be deferred. Travel is generally safe from the Kenya border to Kampala and west to the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains. In the eastern region of the country, this includes the routes to Kampala through Mbale and Jinja. West from Kampala, travel is generally safe to and around Fort Portal, Kasese, Queen Elizabeth National Park and on the route south to Mbarara and Kabale. Travelers should be aware that there are frequent incidents throughout the country of daylight highway robberies and car hijackings. Highway travel at night should be avoided entirely. Roads in much of Uganda are poor; overland travelers should plan accordingly. Police and military roadblocks throughout the country normally present no major problems for travelers if they present passports with valid visas. In addition, pickpocketing is a common problem in Kampala city center. Americans should refrain from photographing security forces or government installations. Journalists must have proper credentials from the Ministry of Information. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala upon arrival and to obtain the most up-to-date information about conditions in the country. The Embassy is located on Parliament Ave., telephone number 259-792. No. 91-248 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated February 6, 1991 and alerts travelers to avoid the mountainous areas in Kasese District, as well as other parts of the country. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text UGANDA commodities: petroleum products, machinery, cotton piece goods, metals, transportation equipment, food partners: Kenya 25%, UK 14%, Italy 13% External debt: $1.9 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.0% (1990); accounts !+"+#+ %+&+'+)+ ++,+-+.+ 0+=+2+3+6+5+ Sierra Leone false marked Z'f1*283' Sierra Leone showNameProp Sierra Leone most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Sierra Leone Geography Total area: 71,740 km2 Land area: 71,620 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina Land boundaries: 958 km total; Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km Coastline: 402 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April) Terrain: coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east Natural resources: diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 31%; forest and woodland 29%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: extensive mangrove swamps hinder access to sea; deforestation; soil degradation Sierra Leone People Population: 4,456,737 (July 1992), growth rate -0.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 20 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -28 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 148 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 43 years male, 48 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Sierra Leonean(s); adjective - Sierra Leonean Ethnic divisions: native African 99% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%); Creole, European, Lebanese, and Asian 1%; 13 tribes Religions: Muslim 30%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%, other or none 30% Languages: English (official); regular use limited to literate minority; principal vernaculars are Mende in south and Temne in north; Krio is the language of the resettled ex-slave population of the Freetown area and is lingua franca Literacy: 21% (male 31%, female 11%) age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,369,000 (est.); agriculture 65%, industry 19%, services 16% (1981); only about 65,000 earn wages (1985); 55% of population of working age Organized labor: 35% of wage earners Sierra Leone Government Long-form name: Republic of Sierra Leone Type: military government Capital: Freetown Administrative divisions: Western Area and 3 provinces; Eastern, Northern, Southern Independence: 27 April 1961 (from UK) Constitution: 1 October 1991; amended September 1991 Legal system: based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Republic Day, 27 April (1961) Executive branch: National Provisional Ruling Council Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Gen. Joseph Saidu MOMOH was ousted in coup of 29 April 1992; succeeded by Chairman of the National Provisional Ruling Council Valentine STRASSER (since 29 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: status of existing political parties are unknown following 29 April 1992 coup Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: suspended after 29 April 1992 coup; Chairman STRASSER promises multi-party elections sometime in the future Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador (vacant); Chancery at 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-9261 US: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG; Embassy at the corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown; telephone [232] (22) 226-481; FAX [232] (22) 225471 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue Sierra Leone Economy Overview: The economic and social infrastructure is not well developed. Subsistence agriculture dominates the economy, generating about one-third of GDP and employing about two-thirds of the working population. Manufacturing, which accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Diamond mining provides an important source of hard currency. The economy suffers from high unemployment, rising inflation, large trade deficits, and a growing dependency on foreign assistance. The government in 1990 was attempting to get the budget deficit under control and, in general, to bring economic policy in line with the recommendations of the IMF and the World Bank. Since March 1991, however, military incursions by Liberian rebels in southern and eastern Sierra Leone have severely strained the economy and have undermined efforts to institute economic reforms. exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion, per capita $330; real growth rate 3% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 110% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $134 million; expenditures $187 million, including capital expenditures of $32 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $138 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: rutile 50%, bauxite 17%, cocoa 11%, diamonds 3%, coffee 3% partners: US, UK, Belgium, FRG, other Western Europe Imports: $146 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: capital goods 40%, food 32%, petroleum 12%, consumer goods 7%, light industrial goods partners: US, EC, Japan, China, Nigeria External debt: $572 million (1990) Industrial production: NA Electricity: 85,000 kW capacity; 185 million kWh produced, 45 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining (diamonds, bauxite, rutile), small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear), petroleum refinery Agriculture: accounts for over 30% of GDP and two-thirds of the labor force; largely subsistence farming; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, palm kernels; harvests of food staple rice meets 80% of domestic needs; annual fish catch averages 53,000 metric tons Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $161 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $848 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $18 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 million Currency: leone (plural - leones); 1 leone (Le) = 100 cents Sierra Leone Economy Exchange rates: leones (Le) per US$1 - 476.74 (March 1992), 295.34 (1991), 144.9275 (1990), 58.1395 (1989), 31.2500 (1988), 30.7692 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Sierra Leone Communications Railroads: 84 km 1.067-meter narrow-gauge mineral line is used on a limited basis because the mine at Marampa is closed Highways: 7,400 km total; 1,150 km paved, 490 km laterite (some gravel), remainder improved earth Inland waterways: 800 km; 600 km navigable year round Ports: Freetown, Pepel, Bonthe Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship totaling 5,592 GRT/9,107 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 12 total, 7 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: marginal telephone and telegraph service; national microwave system unserviceable at present; 23,650 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Sierra Leone Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, National Police Force, Special Security Detachment Manpower availability: males 15-49, 976,147; 472,112 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $6 million, 0.7% of GDP (1988 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp B B SIERRA LEONE - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa valid 3 months, requires $12.50 fee (cash or money order), 2 application forms, 2 photos, return/onward ticket and proof of financial support from bank or employer. Cholera and yellow fever immunizations required and malarial suppressants recommended. Adult travelers (over age 16) must exchange $100 minimum upon arrival and declare other foreign currency on an exchange control form (M), certified and stamped at the port of entry. For further information consult Embassy of Sierra Leone, 1701 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/939-9261). SIERRA LEONE - WARNING November 13, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when considering travel to Sierra Leone. A recent military coup has resulted in an active, highly visible military presence throughout the country. Travelers should especially avoid the Kono district in the eastern province where there has been an outbreak of fighting. Americans already in this area have been urged to depart until the situation stabilizes. Extreme caution should be exercised in the eastern and southern border areas with Liberia, where fighting resulting from a rebel incursion from Liberia continues. The area of Kailahun, northeast of Daru, should be avoided. In Freetown, a curfew remains in effect and is strictly enforced. Similar curfews have been imposed in other areas. Travelers should remain alert to possible curfew restrictions throughout the country. Roadblocks manned by military personnel exist at key points. Petty street crime and theft of wallets/passports remain a problem. Dual U.S.-Sierra Leonean citizens traveling on their Sierra Leone passports should be aware that bearers of Sierra Leone passports are now required to present proof of payment of taxes before being granted departure clearance from the country. All U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Sierra Leone are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown and to receive updated security information. The Embassy is located at No. 1 Walpole Street, telephone (232) (22) 226481. No. 92-177 This replaces the travel advisory dated June 29, 1992, and advises travelers to avoid or depart the Kono district. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... SIERRA_L Singapore false marked Singapore showNameProp Singapore most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Singapore Geography Total area: 632.6 km2 Land area: 622.6 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 193 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: two islands in dispute with Malaysia Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy; no pronounced rainy or dry seasons; thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days (67% of days in April) Terrain: lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 5%; other 84% Environment: mostly urban and industrialized Note: focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes Singapore People Population: 2,792,092 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Singaporean(s); adjective - Singapore Ethnic divisions: Chinese 76.4%, Malay 14.9%, Indian 6.4%, other 2.3% Religions: majority of Chinese are Buddhists or atheists; Malays are nearly all Muslim (minorities include Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists, Confucianists) Languages: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English (all official); Malay (national) Literacy: 88% (male 93%, female 84%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,485,800; financial, business, and other services 30.2%, manufacturing 28.4%, commerce 22.0%, construction 9.0%, other 10.4% (1990) Organized labor: 210,000; 16.1% of labor force (1989) Singapore Government Long-form name: Republic of Singapore Type: republic within Commonwealth Capital: Singapore Administrative divisions: none Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysia) Constitution: 3 June 1959, amended 1965; based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution Legal system: based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 9 August (1965) Executive branch: president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President WEE Kim Wee (since 3 September 1985) Head of Government: Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November 1990); Deputy Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 28 November 1990); Deputy Prime Ministers ONG Teng Cheong (since 2 January 1985) and LEE Hsien Loong Political parties and leaders: government: People's Action Party (PAP), LEE Kuan Yew, secretary general; opposition: Workers' Party (WP), J. B. JEYARETNAM; Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), CHIAM See Tong; National Solidarity Party (NSP), leader NA; Barisan Sosialis (BS, Socialist Front), leader NA Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 20 Elections: President: last held 31 August 1989 (next to be held NA August 1993); results - President WEE Kim Wee was reelected by Parliament without opposition Parliament: last held 31 August 1991 (next to be held 31 August 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total) PAP 77, SDP 3, WP 1 Communists: 200-500; Barisan Sosialis infiltrated by Communists; note - Communist party illegal Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador S. R. NATHAN; Chancery at 1824 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 667-7555 US: Ambassador Robert D. ORR; Embassy at 30 Hill Street, Singapore 0617 (mailing address is FPO AP 96534); telephone [65] 338-0251; FAX [65] 338-4550 Singapore Government Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle Singapore Economy Overview: Singapore has an open entrepreneurial economy with strong service and manufacturing sectors and excellent international trading links derived from its entrepot history. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the economy expanded rapidly, achieving an average annual growth rate of 9%. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia. The economy grew at a respectable 6.5% in 1991, down from 8.3% in 1990, in part because of a slowdown in overseas demand and lower growth in the financial and business services sector. exchange rate conversion - $38.3 billion, per capita $13,900; real growth rate 6.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $9.8 billion; expenditures $9.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.8 billion (FY91 est.) Exports: $57.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: includes transshipments to Malaysia - petroleum products, rubber, electronics, manufactured goods partners: US 20%, Malaysia 15%, Japan 9%, Hong Kong 7%, Thailand 6% Imports: $65.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: includes transshipments from Malaysia - capital equipment, petroleum, chemicals, manufactured goods, foodstuffs partners: Japan 21%, US 16%, Malaysia 15%, Taiwan 4% External debt: $3.8 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 9% (1991 est.); accounts for 29% of GDP (1990) Electricity: 4,000,000 kW capacity; 14,400 million kWh produced, 5,300 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: petroleum refining, electronics, oil drilling equipment, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot trade, financial services, biotechnology Agriculture: occupies a position of minor importance in the economy; self-sufficient in poultry and eggs; must import much of other food; major crops - rubber, copra, fruit, vegetables Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-83), $590 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.0 billion Currency: Singapore dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Singapore dollar (S$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Singapore dollars (S$) per US$1 - 1.6596 (March 1992), 1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988), 2.1060 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Singapore Communications Railroads: 38 km of 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 2,597 km total (1984) Ports: Singapore Merchant marine: 468 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,751,619 GRT/14,195,718 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 126 cargo, 74 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 18 vehicle carrier, 1 livestock carrier, 144 petroleum tanker, 5 chemical tanker, 4 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 5 liquefied gas, 74 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 1 short-sea passenger; note - many Singapore flag ships are foreign owned Civil air: 38 major transport aircraft (est.) Airports: 10 total, 10 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good domestic facilities; good international service; good radio and television broadcast coverage; 1,110,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 4 FM, 2 TV; submarine cables extend to Malaysia (Sabah and peninsular Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT Singapore Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, People's Defense Force, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 847,435; 626,914 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 4% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp SINGAPORE - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 2 weeks, extendable to 3 months maximum. For additional information contact Embassy of Singapore, 1824 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/667-7555). Singapore - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 30 Hill Street, Singapore 0617; the mailing address is American Embassy Singapore, FPO AP 96534; telephone (65) 338-0251. Country Description: Singapore is a small, highly developed parliamentary democracy. Tourist facilities are modern and widely available. Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stays of up to two weeks. For additional information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Singapore, 1824 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 667-7555. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are good and widely available in Singapore. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crimes against tourists are uncommon. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing do occur in tourist areas. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-112 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... SINGAPOR Slovenia false marked Slovenia showNameProp Slovenia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Slovenia Geography Total area: 20,296 km2 Land area: 20,296 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Jersey Land boundaries: 998 km total; Austria 262 km, Croatia 455 km, Italy 199 km, Hungary 83 km Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 200 m or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: dispute with Croatia over fishing rights in the Adriatic; small vocal minority in northern Italy seeks the return of parts of southwestern Slovenia Climate: Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east Terrain: a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy, mixed mountain and valleys with numerous rivers to the east Natural resources: lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 45%; other 23%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; heavy metals and toxic chemicals along coastal waters; near Koper, forest damage from air pollutants originating at metallurgical and chemical plants; subject to flooding and earthquakes Slovenia People Population: 1,963,000 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Slovene(s); adjective - Slovenia Ethnic divisions: Slovene 91%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Muslim 1%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic 94%, Orthodox Catholic 2%, Muslim 1%, other 3% Languages: Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 7%, other 2% Literacy: 99.2% (male 99.3%, female 99.1%) age 10 and over can read and write Labor force: 786,036; 2% agriculture, manufacturing and mining 46% Organized labor: NA Slovenia Government Long-form name: Republic of Slovenia Type: emerging democracy Capital: Ljubljana Administrative divisions: 62 provinces (pokajine, singular - pokajina) Independence: 25 June 1991; 15 January 1992 from Yugoslavia Constitution: adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, 4 vice presidents Legislative branch: bicameral; consists of the State Assembly and the State Council; note - will take effect after next election Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Milan KUCAN (since 22 April 1990); Vice President Matjaz KMECL (since 11 April 1990); Vice President Ivan OMAN (since 11 April 1990); Vice President Dusan PLUT (since 11 April 1990); Vice President Ciril ZLOBEC (since 11 April 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Janez DRNOVSEK (since 14 May 1992) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic, Lozje PETERLE, chairman; Liberal Democratic, Janez DRNOVSEK, chairman; Social Democratic, Joze PUNIK, chairman; Socialist, Viktor ZAKELJ, chairman; Greens, Dusan PLUT, chairman; National Democratic, Rajko PIRNAT, chairman; Democratic Peoples Party, Marjan PODOBNIK, chairman; Reformed Socialists (former Communist Party), Ciril RIBICIC, chairman Suffrage: at age 16 if employed, universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held NA (next to be held NA) State Assembly: last held NA (next to be held NA); State Council: last held NA (next to be held NA) Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE, IMF, UN Diplomatic representation: Representative Ernest PETRIC; Chancery at 1300 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 828-1650 US: Ambassador Ignac GOLOB, Embassy at NA (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone NA Slovenia Government Flag: a three color flag, white (hoist side), blue, and red of equal width with the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav in white against a blue background at the center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers; around it, there are three six-sided stars arranged in an inverted triangle); the seal is located in the upper hoist side of the flag centered in the white and blue band Slovenia Economy Overview: Slovenia was by far the most prosperous of the old Yugoslav republics, with a per capita income more than twice the Yugoslav average, indeed not far below the levels in neighboring Austria and Italy. Because of its strong ties to Western Europe and the small scale of damage during internecine fighting in Yugoslavia, Slovenia has the brightest prospects among the former Yugoslav republics for economic reform and recovery over the next few years. The political and economic disintegration of Yugoslavia, however, has led to severe short-term dislocations in production, employment, and trade ties. For example, overall industrial production fell 10% in 1991; particularly hard hit were the iron and steel, machine-building, chemical, and textile industries. Meanwhile, fighting has continued in other republics leading to further destruction of long-established trade channels and to an influx of tens of thousands of Croatian refugees. As in other former Communist areas in Eastern Europe, economic reform has often sputtered not only because of the vested interests of old bosses in retaining old rules of the game but also because of the tangible losses experienced by rank-and-file people in the transition to a more market-oriented system. The key program for breaking up and privatizing major industrial firms has not yet begun. Bright spots for encouraging Western investors are Slovenia's comparatively well-educated work force, its developed infrastructure, and its Western business attitudes. Slovenia in absolute terms is a small economy, and a little Western investment would go a long way. $21 billion, per capita $10,700; real growth rate -10% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15-20% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10% (April 1992) Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $4,120 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 38%, other manufactured goods 44%, chemicals 9%, food and live animals 4.6%, raw materials 3%, beverages and tobacco less than 1% partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics, Austria, and Italy Imports: $4,679 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 35%, other manufactured goods 26.7%, chemicals 14.5%, raw materials 9.4%, fuels and lubricants 7%, food and live animals 6% partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, former USSR, US, Hungary, Italy, and Austria External debt: $2.5 billion Industrial production: industrial production has been declining at a rate of about 1% per month (1991-92), mostly because of lost markets in the other former Yugoslav republics Electricity: 2,900,000 kW capacity; 12,250 million kWh produced, 6,447 kWh per capita (1991) Slovenia Economy Industries: ferrous metallurgy and rolling mill products, aluminum reduction and rolled products, lead and zinc smelting, electronics (including military electronics), trucks, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools Agriculture: dominated by stock breeding (sheep and cattle) and dairy farming; main crops are potatoes, hops, hemp, and flax; although self-sufficient and having an export surplus in these commodities, Slovenia must import many other agricultural products and has a negative overall trade balance in this sector Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: NA Currency: Slovene Tolar (plural - Tolars); 1 Tolar (SLT) = 100 NA Exchange rates: Tolars (SLT) per US$1 - 28 (January 1992) Fiscal year: calendar year Slovenia Communications Railroads: NA Highways: 14,553 km total; 10,525 km paved, 4,028 km gravel Inland waterways: NA Pipelines: crude oil 290 km, natural gas 305 km Ports: maritime - Koper Merchant marine: 0 ships (1,000 GRT or over) are under Slovenian flag; note - Slovenian owners control 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 334,995 GRT/558,621 DWT; includes 14 bulk carriers and 7 general cargo ships all under Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 3 main airports Telecommunications: 130,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 7 TV; 370,000 radios; 330,000 TVs Slovenia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 444,030; NA fit for military service; 18,219 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 13.5 billion Slovene Tolars, 4.5% of GDP (1992); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Slovenia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana is located in the Kompas Building, at Cam Karjevo 11, telephone number (011) (38) (061) 210190. Country Description: Slovenia is a moderately developed European nation that recently declared its independence from Yugoslavia and is undergoing profound political and economic change. It is largely unaffected at the present time by the civil war in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Tourist facilities are available, but are limited, especially in more rural parts of the country. Entry Requirements: Visas for Slovenia are not available in the U.S. Travelers can obtain tourist visas free of charge at the border points of entry. Additional information can be obtained from the Embassy of Slovenia at 1300 19 Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 828-1650. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Medicines may be in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Crime in Slovenia is rare, but has increased since the onset of civil unrest in the region. Travelers, especially those who appear affluent, can become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers, especially at train stations and airports. The Department of State s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-045 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text SLOVENIA Solomon Islands false marked Solomon Islands showNameProp Solomon Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Solomon Islands Geography Total area: 28,450 km2 Land area: 27,540 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: none Coastline: 5,313 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather Terrain: mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls Natural resources: fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 93%; other 4% Environment: subject to typhoons, which are rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earth tremors Note: located just east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean Solomon Islands People Population: 360,010 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Solomon Islander(s); adjective - Solomon Islander Ethnic divisions: Melanesian 93.0%, Polynesian 4.0%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%, Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4% Religions: almost all at least nominally Christian; Anglican 34%, Roman Catholic 19%, Baptist 17%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 11%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, other Protestant 5% Languages: 120 indigenous languages; Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English spoken by 1-2% of population Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 23,448 economically active; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 32.4%; services 25%; construction, manufacturing, and mining 7.0%; commerce, transport, and finance 4.7% (1984) Organized labor: NA, but most of the cash-economy workers have trade union representation Solomon Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Honiara Administrative divisions: 7 provinces and 1 town*; Central, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Temotu, Western Independence: 7 July 1978 (from UK; formerly British Solomon Islands) Constitution: 7 July 1978 Legal system: common law National holiday: Independence Day, 7 July (1978) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir George LEPPING (since 27 June 1989, previously acted as governor general since 7 July 1988) Head of Government: Prime Minister Solomon MAMALONI (since 28 March 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Sir Baddeley DEVESI (since NA October 1990) Political parties and leaders: People's Alliance Party (PAP); United Party (UP), leader NA; Solomon Islands Liberal Party (SILP), Bartholemew ULUFA'ALU; Nationalist Front for Progress (NFP), Andrew NORI; Labor Party (LP), Joses TUHANUKU Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Parliament: last held 22 February 1989 (next to be held NA February 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total) PAP 13, UP 6, NFP 4, SILP 4, LP 2, independents 9 Member of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador (vacant) resides in Honiara (Solomon Islands) US: the ambassador in Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands; Embassy at Mud Alley, Honiara (mailing address is American Embassy, P. O. Box 561, Honiara); telephone (677) 23890; FAX (677) 23488 Flag: divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green Solomon Islands Economy Overview: About 90% of the population depend on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Agriculture, fishing, and forestry contribute about 70% to GDP, with the fishing and forestry sectors being important export earners. The service sector contributes about 25% to GDP. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. The economy suffered from a severe cyclone in mid-1986 that caused widespread damage to the infrastructure. exchange rate conversion - $200 million, per capita $600; real growth rate 6.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.2% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $44 million; expenditures $45 million, including capital expenditures of $22 million (1989 est.) Exports: $67.3 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish 46%, timber 31%, copra 5%, palm oil 5% partners: Japan 51%, UK 12%, Thailand 9%, Netherlands 8%, Australia 2%, US 2% (1985) Imports: $86.0 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: plant and machinery 30%, fuel 19%, food 16% partners: Japan 36%, US 23%, Singapore 9%, UK 9%, NZ 9%, Australia 4%, Hong Kong 4%, China 3% (1985) External debt: $128 million (1988 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1987); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: 21,000 kW capacity; 39 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra, fish (tuna) Agriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 70% of GDP; mostly subsistence farming; cash crops - cocoa, beans, coconuts, palm kernels, timber; other products - rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, cattle, pigs; not self-sufficient in food grains; 90% of the total fish catch of 44,500 metric tons was exported (1988) Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $250 million Currency: Solomon Islands dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Solomon Islands dollar (SI$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Solomon Islands dollars (SI$) per US$1 - 2.8740 (March 1992), 2.7148 (1991), 2.5288 (1990), 2.2932 (1989), 2.0825 (1988), 2.0033 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Solomon Islands Communications Highways: about 2,100 km total (1982); 30 km paved, 290 km gravel, 980 km earth, 800 private logging and plantation roads of varied construction Ports: Honiara, Ringi Cove Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 33 total, 30 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Solomon Islands Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp SOLOMON ISLANDS - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visitors permit issued on arrival for stay up to 2 months in 1-year period. For further information consult British Embassy (202/462-1340). Solomon Islands - Consular Information Sheet November 23, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on Mud Alley in Honiara; the mailing address is P.O. Box 561 Honiara, the Solomon Islands. The telephone number is (677) 23-890. There is a Consul/Charge d'Affaires resident in Honiara who performs consular services for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Ambassador is resident in Port Moresby, New Guinea. Country Description: The Solomon Islands form an archipelago in the southwest Pacific about 1200 miles northeast of Australia. The capital is Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. Tourism facilities are limited, and outside of Honiara may be of poor quality. Entry Requirements: Passports, onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds are required. Visitors' permits are issued on arrival for stays of up to two months in a one-year period. For further information travelers can consult the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 462-1340 or British Consulates in other cities. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are generally adequate. Hospitals and pharmacies are limited to population centers and missions. The incidence of malaria is extremely high. Many visitors begin taking malarial suppressants before arrival. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on health matters is available from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Major crimes against travelers are not common, though petty crimes against property frequently occur in the capital city, Honiara. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-o121 This amends the Consular Information Sheet of November 13, 1992 to add the information that there is a Consul/Charge d'Affaires resident in Honiara. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text SOLOMON_ Somalia false marked 1p2~3' Somalia showNameProp Somalia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Somalia Geography Total area: 637,660 km2 Land area: 627,340 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 2,340 km total; Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km Coastline: 3,025 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: southern half of boundary with Ethiopia is a Provisional Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Ethiopia over the Ogaden; possible claims to Djibouti and parts of Ethiopia and Kenya based on unification of ethnic Somalis Climate: desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), cooler southwest monsoon (May to October); irregular rainfall; hot, humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north Natural resources: uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 46%; forest and woodland 14%; other 38%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal Somalia People Population: 7,235,226 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -12 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 56 years male, 57 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Somali(s); adjective - Somali Ethnic divisions: Somali 85%, rest mainly Bantu; Arabs 30,000, Europeans 3,000, Asians 800 Religions: almost entirely Sunni Muslim Languages: Somali (official); Arabic, Italian, English Literacy: 24% (male 36%, female 14%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,200,000; very few are skilled laborers; pastoral nomad 70%, agriculture, government, trading, fishing, handicrafts, and other 30%; 53% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: General Federation of Somali Trade Unions was controlled by the government prior to January 1991; the fall of SIAD regime may have led to collapse of Trade Union organization Somalia Government Long-form name: none Type: none Capital: Mogadishu Administrative divisions: 16 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe, Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha Hoose, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed Independence: 1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960, to form the Somali Republic) Constitution: 25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979 National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Golaha Shacbiga) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Interim President ALI Mahdi Mohamed (since 27 January 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister OMAR Arteh Ghalib (since 27 January 1991) Political parties and leaders: the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the former regime on 27 January 1991; note - formerly the only party was the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party (SRSP), headed by former President and Commander in Chief of the Army Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 23 December 1986 (next to be held NA); results - President SIAD was reelected without opposition People's Assembly: last held 31 December 1984 (next to be held NA); results - SRSP was the only party; seats - (177 total, 171 elected) SRSP 171; note - the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the regime of Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre on 27 January 1991; the provisional government has promised that a democratically elected government will be established Member of: ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador (vacant); Chancery at Suite 710, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-1575; there is a Somali Consulate General in New York; note - Somalian Embassy ceased operations on 8 May 1991 Somalia Government US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at K-7, AFGOI Road, Mogadishu (mailing address is P. O. Box 574, Mogadishu); telephone [252] (01) 39971; note - US Embassy evacuated and closed indefinitely in January 1991 Flag: light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the flag of the UN (Italian Somaliland was a UN trust territory) Somalia Economy Overview: One of the world's poorest and least developed countries, Somalia has few resources. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, with the livestock sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and seminomads who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihoods make up more than half of the population. Crop production generates only 10% of GDP and employs about 20% of the work force. The main export crop is bananas; sugar, sorghum, and corn are grown for the domestic market. The small industrial sector is based on the processing of agricultural products and accounts for less than 10% of GDP. Greatly increased political turmoil in 1991-92 has resulted in a substantial drop in output, with widespread famine a grim fact of life. exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, per capita $210; real growth rate -1.4% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 210% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $190 million; expenditures $195 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (1989 est.) Exports: $58.0 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: bananas, livestock, fish, hides, skins partners: US 0.5%, Saudi Arabia, Italy, FRG (1986) Imports: $249 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials partners: US 13%, Italy, FRG, Kenya, UK, Saudi Arabia (1986) External debt: $1.9 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate -5.0% (1988); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: 75,000 kW capacity; 60 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: a few small industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining Agriculture: dominant sector, led by livestock raising (cattle, sheep, goats); crops - bananas, sorghum, corn, mangoes, sugarcane; not self-sufficient in food; fishing potential largely unexploited Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $639 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $336 million Currency: Somali shilling (plural - shillings); 1 Somali shilling (So. Sh.) = 100 centesimi Exchange rates: Somali shillings (So. Sh.) per US$1 - 3,800.00 (December 1990), 490.7 (1989), 170.45 (1988), 105.18 (1987), 72.00 (1986) Somalia Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Somalia Communications Highways: 15,215 km total; including 2,335 km paved, 2,880 km gravel, and 10,000 km improved earth or stabilized soil (1983) Pipelines: crude oil 15 km Ports: Mogadishu, Berbera, Chisimayu, Bosaso Merchant marine: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,913 GRT/8,718 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 53 total, 40 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 6 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: minimal telephone and telegraph service; microwave and troposcatter system centered on Mogadishu connects a few towns; 6,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; scheduled to receive an ARABSAT ground station Somalia Defense Forces Branches: NA Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,673,542; 942,153 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp SOMALIA - Passport and visa required. Visa for stay up to 3 months, requires 4 application forms, 4 photos, return/onward ticket, cholera and yellow fever immunizations and $13 fee. Business visa requires company letter stating purpose of trip. Send check or money order and SASE for return of passport by mail. For further information contact Embassy of the Somali Democratic Republic, Suite 710, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 or Consulate in New York (212/688- 9410). SOMALIA - WARNING April 17, 1992 The Department of State advises all U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Somalia. Civil war and other factional fighting continue sporadically. In much of the country, there is no effective administration. Bandits are numerous and operate with impunity. All U.S. Government employees and dependents have been evacuated from Somalia, and the U.S. Embassy there was closed on January 5, 1991. Under the circumstances, the United States Government is unable to offer American citizens in Somalia any type of assistance or protection. No. 92-083 This renews the travel advisory dated January 11, 1991, updating the description of civil disorder. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... SOMALIA South Africa false marked PLQZR' South Africa showNameProp South Africa most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp South Africa Geography Total area: 1,221,040 km2 Land area: 1,221,040 km2; includes Walvis Bay, Marion Island, and Prince Edward Island Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 4,973 km total; Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 1,078 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km Coastline: 2,881 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay exclave and 12 offshore islands administered by South Africa; South Africa and Namibia have agreed to jointly administer the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to be covered by joint administration arrangements have not been established at this time; and Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty over the entire area Climate: mostly semiarid; subtropical along coast; sunny days, cool nights Terrain: vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain Natural resources: gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 65%; forest and woodland 3%; other 21%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures Note: Walvis Bay is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia; South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland South Africa People Population: 41,688,360 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992); includes the 10 so-called homelands, which are not recognized by the US Population: four independent homelands: Bophuthatswana 2,489,347, growth rate 2.86%; Ciskei 1,088,476, growth rate 2.99%; Transkei 4,746,796, growth rate 4.13%; Venda 718,207, growth rate 3.81% six other homelands: Gazankulu 803,806, growth rate 3.96%; Kangwane 597,783, growth rate 3.60%; KwaNdebele 373,012, growth rate 3.40%; KwaZulu 5,748,950, growth rate 3.58%; Lebowa 2,924,584, growth rate 3.90%; QwaQwa 288,155, growth rate 3.60% Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - South African(s); adjective - South African Ethnic divisions: black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6% Religions: most whites and Coloreds and about 60% of blacks are Christian; about 60% of Indians are Hindu; Muslim 20% Languages: Afrikaans, English (both official); many vernacular languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, North and South Sotho, Tswana Literacy: 76% (male 78%, female 75%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 11,000,000 economically active (1989); services 34%, agriculture 30%, industry and commerce 29%, mining 7% (1985) Organized labor: about 17% of total labor force belongs to a registered trade union (1989); African unions represent 15% of black labor force South Africa Government Long-form name: Republic of South Africa; abbreviated RSA Type: republic Capital: Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judicial) Administrative divisions: 4 provinces; Cape, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal; there are 10 homelands not recognized by the US - 4 independent (Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda) and 6 other (Gazankulu, Kangwane, KwaNdebele, KwaZulu, Lebowa, QwaQwa) Independence: 31 May 1910 (from UK) Constitution: 3 September 1984 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Republic Day, 31 May (1910) Executive branch: state president, Executive Council (cabinet), Ministers' Councils (from the three houses of Parliament) Legislative branch: tricameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of the House of Assembly (Volksraad; whites), House of Representatives (Raad van Verteenwoordigers; Coloreds), and House of Delegates (Raad van Afgevaardigdes; Indians) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: State President Frederik W. DE KLERK (since 13 September 1989) Political parties and leaders: white political parties and leaders: National Party (NP), Frederik W. DE KLERK (majority party); Conservative Party (CP), Dr. Andries P. TREURNICHT (official opposition party); Democratic Party (DP), Zach DE BEER Colored political parties and leaders: Labor Party (LP), Allan HENDRICKSE (majority party); Freedom Party; note - the Democratic Reform Party (DRP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) were disbanded in May 1991 Indian political parties and leaders: Solidarity, J. N. REDDY (majority party); National People's Party (NPP), Amichand RAJBANSI; Merit People's Party Suffrage: universal at age 18, but voting rights are racially based Elections: House of Assembly (whites): last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held by NA March 1995); results - NP 58%, CP 23%, DP 19%; seats - (178 total, 166 elected) NP 103, CP 41, DP 34; note - by February 1992 because of byelections, changes in number of seats held by parties were as follows: NP 102, CP 42, DP 33, vacant 1 House of Representatives (Coloreds): last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held no later than March 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (85 total, 80 elected) LP 69, DRP 5, UDP 3, Freedom Party 1, independents 2; note - since the National Party became multiracial, by February 1992 many representatives from other parties have changed their allegiance causing the following changes in seating: LP 39, NP 38, Freedom Party 1, independents 7 South Africa Government House of Delegates (Indians): last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held no later than March 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total, 40 elected) Solidarity 16, NPP 9, Merit People's Party 3, independents 6, other 6; note - due to delegates changing party affiliation, seating as of February 1992 is as follows: Solidarity 25, NPP 7, Merit People's Party 2, other 5, independents 5, vacancy 1 Communists: South African Communist Party, Chris HANI, secretary general, and Joe SLOVO, national chairman Other political or pressure groups: African National Congress (ANC), Nelson MANDELA, president; Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI, president; Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), Clarence MAKWETU, president Member of: BIS, CCC, ECA, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO (suspended), ICC, IDA, IFC, IMF, INTELSAT, ISO, ITU (suspended), LORCS, SACU, UN, UNCTAD, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO (suspended) Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Harry SCHWARZ; Chancery at 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-4400; there are South African Consulates General in Beverly Hills (California), Chicago, Houston, and New York US: Ambassador William L. SWING; Embassy at Thibault House, 225 Pretorius Street, Pretoria; telephone [27] (12) 28-4266, FAX [27] (12) 21-92-78; there are US Consulates General in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg Flag: actually four flags in one - three miniature flags reproduced in the center of the white band of the former flag of the Netherlands, which has three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and blue; the miniature flags are a vertically hanging flag of the old Orange Free State with a horizontal flag of the UK adjoining on the hoist side and a horizontal flag of the old Transvaal Republic adjoining on the other side South Africa Economy Overview: Many of the white one-seventh of the South African population enjoy incomes, material comforts, and health and educational standards equal to those of Western Europe. In contrast, most of the remaining population suffers from the poverty patterns of the Third World, including unemployment, lack of job skills, and barriers to movement into higher-paying fields. Inputs and outputs thus do not move smoothly into the most productive employments, and the effectiveness of the market is further lowered by international constraints on dealings with South Africa. The main strength of the economy lies in its rich mineral resources, which provide two-thirds of exports. Average growth of less than 2% in output in recent years falls far short of the 5% to 6% level needed to absorb some 300,000 new entrants to the labor force annually. Economic developments in the 1990s will be driven partly by the changing relations among the various ethnic groups. exchange rate conversion - $104 billion, per capita $2,600; real growth rate - 0.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15.7% (March 1992) Unemployment rate: 40% (1991); well over 50% in some homeland areas (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $29.4 billion; expenditures $35.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.1 billion (FY93 est.) Exports: $24.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: gold 25-30%, minerals and metals 20-25%, food 5%, chemicals 3% partners: Italy, Japan, US, FRG, UK, other EC members, Hong Kong Imports: $18.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery 32%, transport equipment 15%, chemicals 11%, oil, textiles, scientific instruments, base metals partners: FRG, Japan, UK, US, Italy External debt: $19.0 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for about 40% of GDP Electricity: 46,000,000 kW capacity; 180,000 million kWh produced, 4,100 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemical, fertilizer, foodstuffs Agriculture: accounts for about 5% of GDP and 30% of labor force; diversified agriculture, with emphasis on livestock; products - cattle, poultry, sheep, wool, milk, beef, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; self-sufficient in food Economic aid: NA Currency: rand (plural - rand); 1 rand (R) = 100 cents South Africa Economy Exchange rates: rand (R) per US$1 - 2.7814 (January 1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988), 2.0350 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March South Africa Communications Railroads: 20,638 km route distance total; 35,079 km of 1.067-meter gauge trackage (counts double and multiple tracking as single track); 314 km of 610 mm gauge Highways: 188,309 km total; 54,013 km paved, 134,296 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth Pipelines: crude oil 931 km, petroleum products 1,748 km, natural gas 322 km Ports: Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Richard's Bay, Saldanha, Mosselbaai, Walvis Bay Merchant marine: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 213,708 GRT/201,043 DWT; includes 4 container, 1 vehicle carrier Civil air: 90 major transport aircraft Airports: 901 total, 732 usable; 132 with permanent-surface runways; 5 with runways over 3,659 m; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 224 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the system is the best developed, most modern, and has the highest capacity in Africa; it consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay links, fiber optic cable, and radiocommunication stations; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria; over 4,500,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 286 FM, 67 TV; 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT South Africa Defense Forces Branches: South African Defense Force (SADF; including Army, Navy, Air Force, Medical Services), South African Police (SAP) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 10,051,202; 6,133,484 fit for military service; 420,275 reach military age (18) annually; obligation for service in Citizen Force or Commandos begins at 18; volunteers for service in permanent force must be 17; national service obligation is one year; figures include the so-called homelands not recognized by the US Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, about 3% of GDP (FY92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp SOUTH AFRICA - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Multiple-entry visa valid 1 year if passport remains valid, no charge, requires 1 application form (no photo), proof of onward/return transportation, visa for next destination and yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected area. Malarial suppressants also recommended. Enclose prepaid envelope or postage for return of passport by certified or express mail. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing. For business travel, a company letter is required. For more information contact: Embassy of South Africa, Attn: Consular Office, 3201 New Mexico Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016 or nearest Consulate: (202/966-1650), CA (213/657-9200), IL (312/939- 7929), NY (212/213-4880) or TX (713/850-0150). SOUTH AFRICA - CAUTION February 19, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in South Africa. Clashes with security forces or between political factions have occurred at political gatherings and demonstrations. Right-wing violence is increasing and may pose risks to travelers. Visitors in major cities should take appropriate precautions because of a significant increase in street crime. The Department does not encourage travel to South Africa's "Independent Homelands" because of the difficulty in providing consular assistance. In addition, professional artists, musicians and others visiting South Africa to participate in cultural events should ensure that their performance contracts are executed with care. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that the political situation in South Africa remains unsettled and U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in South Africa. Visitors should exercise particular caution at political gatherings or demonstrations, since some political demonstrations have resulted in clashes with security forces or between political factions. Violence is most common in Natal and the Transvaal, but incidents also occur in the Orange Free State and Cape Province. Right-wing violence has grown as the situation in South Africa has become less favorable to hard-line apartheid supporters. Right-wing groups are believed responsible for the bombing of post offices and integrated schools. The Department of State, however, does not believe that foreign tourists are a specific target of these terrorist bombings. Areas most frequented by tourists, such as game parks and beaches, are not generally affected by the situations described. Visitors to city centers in all major cities, particularly central Johannesburg, should exercise caution due to significant increases in street crime, including muggings of tourists. Thefts from hotel rooms and vehicles are especially common, and visitors should take extra precautions to safeguard their valuables. Travel to the so-called "Independent Homelands" of Bophuthatswana, Venda, Ciskei, and Transkei is not encouraged. Neither the United States nor any other country in the world except South Africa recognizes these areas as independent countries. Therefore, American citizens should be aware of the special difficulties the U.S. Government faces in providing consular assistance in these areas. Homeland officials often deny or severely limit access by U.S. consular officials to U.S. citizens under arrest or otherwise in distress in these areas. Officials in the Homelands have not consistently notified U.S. consular officials when American citizens have been arrested. Due to the lifting of the "cultural ban" on South Africa, many cultural groups have visited the country. These groups should exercise caution in ensuring that the contract between agents/promoters and themselves is properly drawn up and clearly understood. An increasing number of American sportsmen, musicians and other performers have become stranded in South Africa due to difficulties with their agents/promoters. Individuals under performance contracts should carry personal funds while in South Africa, so that they do not become stranded due to breach of contract. Due to the potential for fast-changing political developments, U.S. citizens who live in South Africa or visit for an extended period should register at the American Embassy in Pretoria, Thibault House, 225 Pretorius St., tel. 28-4266; or at the U.S. Consulates General in Johannesburg, 11th Fl. Kine Center, Commissioner and Kruis Sts., tel. 331-1681,; in Cape Town, Broadway Industries Center, Heerengracht, Foresshore, tel. 214-280; or in Durban, Durban Bay House, 29th Fl., 333 Smith St., tel. 304-4737, No. 92-027 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated July 19, 1991, and cautions U.S. citizens of an increase in right-wing violence in South Africa and advises cultural groups and professional entertainers to perform in South Africa only after careful review of their performance contracts. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... SOUTH_AF South Georgia & South Sandwich false marked South Georgia and the South Sand showNameProp South Georgia & South Sandwich most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Geography Total area: 4,066 km2 Land area: 4,066 km2; includes Shag and Clerke Rocks, South Georgia, Bird Island, South Sandwich Islands Comparative area: slightly larger than Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: undetermined Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina Climate: variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year, interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow Terrain: most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100%; largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen Environment: reindeer, introduced early in this century, live on South Georgia; weather conditions generally make it difficult to approach the South Sandwich Islands; the South Sandwich Islands are subject to active volcanism Note: the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands People Population: no permanent population; there is a small military garrison on South Georgia, and the British Antarctic Survey has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Government Long-form name: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (no short-form name) Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: none; Grytviken on South Georgia is the garrison town Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 3 October 1985 Legal system: English common law National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982) Executive branch: British monarch, commissioner Legislative branch: none Judicial branch: none Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Commissioner William Hugh FULLERTON (since 1988; resident at Stanley, Falkland Islands) South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Economy Overview: Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting fin fish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK. Budget: revenues $291,777; expenditures $451,011, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY88 est.) Electricity: 900 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1990) South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Communications Highways: NA Ports: Grytviken on South Georgia Airports: 5 total, 5 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: coastal radio station at Grytviken; no broadcast stations South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text SOUTH_GE Spain false marked )?)@)A)B)C)D)E)F)G)H)I)J)K)L)M)N)O)P)Q)R)S)T) ^)_)`)a)b)c) h)z)j)k)l)m) o)p)q)r)s)t)u)v)w)x) Norway false marked Norway showNameProp Norway most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Norway Geography Total area: 324,220 km2 Land area: 307,860 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 2,515 km total; Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km Coastline: 21,925 km; includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 10 nm Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan Mayen; maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents Sea Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; 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 Natural resources: crude oil, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 27%; other 70%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: air and water pollution; acid rain; note - strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia Norway People Population: 4,294,876 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Norwegian(s); adjective - Norwegian Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic) and racial-cultural minority of 20,000 Lapps Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (state church) 87.8%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980) Languages: Norwegian (official); small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) Labor force: 2,167,000 (September 1990); services 34.7%, commerce 18%, mining and manufacturing 16.6%, banking and financial services 7.5%, transportation and communications 7.2%, construction 7.2%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 6.4% (1989) Organized labor: 66% of labor force (1985) Norway Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Norway Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Oslo Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, OCstfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold Independence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden) Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884 Dependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 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 National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, State Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Storting) with an Upper Chamber (Lagting) and a Lower Chamber (Odelsting) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Hoiesterett) Leaders: Chief of State: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Labor, Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND; Conservative, Kaci Kullmann FIVE; Center Party, Anne Enger LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's, Kjell Magne BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Erick SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist, Kare Andre NILSEN; Progress, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Finnmark List, leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Storting: last held on 11 September 1989 (next to be held 6 September 1993); results - Labor 34.3%, Conservative 22.2%, Progress 13.0%, Socialist Left 10.1%, Christian People's 8.5%, Center Party 6.6%, Finnmark List 0.3%, other 5%; seats - (165 total) Labor 63, Conservative 37, Progress 22, Socialist Left 17, Christian People's 14, Center Party 11, Finnmark List 1 Communists: 15,500 est.; 5,500 Norwegian Communist Party (NKP); 10,000 Workers Communist Party Marxist-Leninist (AKP-ML, pro-Chinese) Member of: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC Norway Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Kjeld VIBE; Chancery at 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6000; there are Norwegian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Miami and New Orleans US: Ambassador Loret Miller RUPPE; Embassy at Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo 2 (mailing address is APO AE 09707); telephone [47] (2) 44-85-50; FAX [47] (2) 43-07-77 Flag: 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) Norway Economy Overview: Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state enterprises and extensively subsidizes agricultural, fishing, and other sectors. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps propel public-sector expenditures to slightly more than 50% of the GDP and results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (54%). A small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Although one of the government's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, this situation is not likely to improve for years to come. The government also hopes to reduce unemployment and strengthen and diversify the economy through tax reform and an expansionary 1992 budget. Forecasters predict that economic growth will rise slightly in 1992 because of public-sector expansion and moderate improvements in private investment and demand. Inflation will remain about 3%, while unemployment continues at record levels of over 5% because of the weakness of the economy outside the oil sector. Oslo, a member of the European Free Trade Area, is continuing to deregulate and harmonize with EC regulations to prepare for the European Economic Area (EEA) - which creates a EC/EFTA market with free movement of capital, goods, services, and labor - which takes effect in 1993. purchasing power equivalent - $72.9 billion, per capita $17,100; real growth rate 4.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1991) Unemployment rate: 5.4% (1991, excluding people in job-training programs) Budget: revenues $47.9 billion; expenditures $52.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $34.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 36.5%, natural gas 7.5%, fish 7%, aluminum 6%, ships 6.2%, pulp and paper partners: EC 66.5%, Nordic countries 19.5%, developing countries 7.8%, US 4.6%, Japan 1.9% (1991) Imports: $25.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery, fuels and lubricants, transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, clothing, ships partners: EC 46.8%, Nordic countries 26.1%, developing countries 12.3%, US 7.8%, Japan 4.7% (1991) External debt: $10.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 4.7% (1991) Electricity: 26,735,000 kW capacity; 121,685 million kWh produced, 28,950 kWh per capita (1991) Norway Economy Industries: petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 2.8% of GDP and 6.4% of labor force; among world's top 10 fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; over half of food needs imported; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989 Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion Currency: Norwegian krone (plural - kroner); 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 re Exchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.1956 (January 1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989), 6.5170 (1988), 6.7375 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Norway Communications Railroads: 4,223 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Norwegian State Railways (NSB) operates 4,219 km (2,450 km electrified and 96 km double track); 4 km other Highways: 79,540 km total; 38,580 km paved; 40,960 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth Inland waterways: 1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximum Pipelines: refined products 53 km Ports: Oslo, Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim Merchant marine: 864 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,978,202 GRT/40,128,177 DWT; includes 12 passenger, 20 short-sea passenger, 118 cargo, 2 passenger-cargo, 19 refrigerated cargo, 16 container, 49 roll-on/roll-off, 22 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 180 oil tanker, 93 chemical tanker, 83 liquefied gas, 28 combination ore/oil, 211 bulk, 10 combination bulk; note - the government has created a captive register, the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by Norwegians; the majority of ships (777) under the Norwegian flag are now registered with the NIS Civil air: 76 major transport aircraft Airports: 103 total, 102 usable; 64 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex services; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 3,102,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 46 AM, 350 private and 143 government FM, 54 (2,100 repeaters) TV; 4 coaxial submarine cables; 3 communications satellite earth stations operating in the EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean), MARISAT, and domestic systems Norway Defense Forces Branches: Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,129,871; 944,290 fit for military service; 33,175 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.8 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NORWAY - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland.) For further information contact Royal Norwegian Embassy, 2720 34th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/333-6000) or nearest Consulate General: CA (415/986-0766 to 7168 and 213/933-7717), MN (612/332-3338), NY (212/421-7333) or TX (713/521-2900). Norway - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Oslo is located near the Royal Palace at Drammensveien 18; telephone (47) (2) 44-85-50. Country Description: Norway is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to three months (the 90 day period begins when entering the Scandinavian area: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland). For further information concerning entry requirements for Norway, travelers can contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy at 2720 34th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 333-6000, or the nearest Norwegian Consulate General in Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, or San Francisco. Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Norway has a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare. Most crimes involve theft of personal property in public areas or burglary. Weapons are rarely used. Persons who appear affluent can become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble- free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Mandatory jail sentences are also routine for any alcohol abuse while driving. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-039 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NORWAY false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Oman Geography Total area: 212,460 km2 Land area: 212,460 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: 1,374 km total; Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km Coastline: 2,092 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: to be defined Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE in far north; there is a proposed treaty with Yemen (which has not yet been formally accepted) to settle the Omani-Yemeni boundary Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Terrain: vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south Natural resources: crude oil, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 95%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and duststorms in interior; sparse natural freshwater resources Note: strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling Strait of Hormuz (17% of world's oil production transits this point going from Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea) Oman People Population: 1,587,581 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 41 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Omani(s); adjective - Omani Ethnic divisions: mostly Arab, with small Balochi, Zanzibari, and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) groups Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%; remainder Sunni Muslim, Shi`a Muslim, some Hindu Languages: Arabic (official); English, Balochi, Urdu, Indian dialects Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 430,000; agriculture 60% (est.); 58% are non-Omani Organized labor: trade unions are illegal Oman Government Long-form name: Sultanate of Oman Type: absolute monarchy; independent, with residual UK influence Capital: Muscat Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Musqat, Musandam, Zufar Independence: 1650, expulsion of the Portuguese Constitution: none Legal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 18 November Executive branch: sultan, Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly Judicial branch: none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court system Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Sa`id Al Sa`id (since 23 July 1970) Suffrage: none Elections: elections scheduled for October 1992 Other political or pressure groups: outlawed Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO), based in Yemen Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Awadh bin Badr AL-SHANFARI; Chancery at 2342 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-1980 through 1982 US: Ambassador Richard W. BOEHM; Embassy at address NA, Muscat (mailing address is P. O. Box 50202 Madinat Qaboos, Muscat); telephone [968] 698-989; FAX [968] 604-316 Flag: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band Oman Economy Overview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry. Petroleum accounts for more than 90% of export earnings, about 80% of government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate of extraction. Although agriculture employs a majority of the population, urban centers depend on imported food. exchange rate conversion - $10.6 billion, per capita $6,925 (1990); real growth rate 0.5% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $4.9 billion; expenditures $4.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $825 million (1990) Exports: $5.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: petroleum, reexports, fish, processed copper, fruits and vegetables partners: Japan 35%, South Korea 21%, Singapore 7%, US 6% Imports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b, 1990) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants partners: UK 20%, UAE 20%, Japan 17%, US 7% External debt: $3.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 10% (1989), including petroleum sector Electricity: 1,120,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 3,800 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper Agriculture: accounts for 6% of GDP and 60% of the labor force (including fishing); less than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); not self-sufficient in food; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 million Currency: Omani rial (plural - rials); 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baiza Exchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year Oman Communications Highways: 26,000 km total; 6,000 km paved, 20,000 km motorable track Pipelines: crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 km Ports: Mina' Qabus, Mina' Raysut Merchant marine: 1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWT Civil air: 19 major transport aircraft Airports: 134 total, 127 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 73 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open-wire, microwave, and radio communications stations; limited coaxial cable 50,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, and 8 domestic Oman Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 359,394; 204,006 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.73 billion, 16% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp OMAN - Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visas for single- entry issued for stay up to 3 weeks. Requires $21 fee, 1 application form, 2 photos and cholera immunization if arriving from infected area. Allow 1 week to 10 days for processing. Entry not granted to passports showing Israeli or Libyan visas. For transit and road travel check Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, 2342 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/387-1980-2). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... Pacific Islands, Trust Territory false marked Pacific Islands, Trust Territory showNameProp Pacific Islands, Trust Territory most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Geography Total area: 458 km2 Land area: 458 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,519 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid Terrain: about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs Natural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products; deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons from June to December; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain Note: important location 850 km southeast of the Philippines; includes World War II battleground of Peleliu and world-famous rock islands Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the People Population: 15,775 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Palauan(s); adjective - Palauan Ethnic divisions: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races Religions: predominantly Christian, including Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints; a third of the population observes the Modekngei religion, indigenous to Palau Languages: English is an official language, though Palauan is also official in 13 of Palau's 16 states, and Tobi and Sonsorolese are official in the 3 other states Literacy: 92% (male 93%, female 91%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Government Long-form name: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (no short-form name); may change to Republic of Palau after independence; note - Belau, the native form of Palau, is sometimes used Type: UN trusteeship administered by the US; constitutional government signed a Compact of Free Association with the US on 10 January 1986, which was never approved in a series of UN-observed plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is terminated with entry into force of the Compact, Palau remains under US administration as the Palau District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Capital: Koror; a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern Babelthuap Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi Independence: still part of the US-administered UN trusteeship (the last polity remaining under the trusteeship; the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas have left); administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of Interior Constitution: 1 January 1981 Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979) Executive branch: US president, US vice president, national president, national vice president Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Delegates Judicial branch: Supreme Court, National Court, and Court of Common Pleas Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); represented by the Assistant Secretary for Territorial Affairs, US Department of the Interior, Stella GUERRA (since 21 July 1989) and J. Victor HOBSON Jr., Director (since 16 December 1990) Head of Government: President Ngiratkel ETPISON (since 2 November 1988), Vice-President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 2 November 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Delegates: last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA President: last held on 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - Ngiratkel ETPISON 26.3%, Roman TMETUCHL 25.9%, Thomas REMENGESAU 19.5%, other 28.3% Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Government Senate: last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total); number of seats by party NA Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer) Diplomatic representation: none US: US Liaison Officer Lloyed W. MOSS; US Liaison Office at Top Side, Neeriyas, Koror (mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Koror, PW 96940); telephone (680) 488-2920; (680) 488-2911 Flag: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Economy Overview: The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourism provides some foreign exchange, although the remote location of Palau and a shortage of suitable facilities has hindered development. The government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. purchasing power equivalent - $31.6 million, per capita $2,260; real growth rate NA% (1986); note - GDP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 20% (1986) Budget: revenues $6.0 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA (1986) Exports: $0.5 million (f.o.b., 1986) commodities: NA partners: US, Japan Imports: $27.2 million (c.i.f., 1986) commodities: NA partners: US External debt: about $100 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 16,000 kW capacity; 22 million kWh produced, 1,540 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing and agriculture Agriculture: subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweet potatoes Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2,560 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92 million Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Communications Highways: 22.3 km paved, some stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads (1991) Ports: Koror Airports: 2 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US and that will not change when the UN trusteeship terminates if the Compact of Free Association with the US goes into effect entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PACIFICI Pacific Ocean false marked Pacific Ocean showNameProp Pacific Ocean most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Pacific Ocean Geography Total area: 165,384,000 km2 Land area: 165,384,000 km2; includes Arafura Sea, Banda Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Makassar Strait, Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies Comparative area: slightly less than 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world Coastline: 135,663 km Disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land mass back to the ocean Terrain: surface in the northern Pacific dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; sea ice occurs in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk during winter and reaches maximum northern extent from Antarctica in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches; the world's greatest depth is 10,924 meters in the Marianas Trench Natural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish Environment: endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source Note: the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific from June to December is a hazard to shipping; surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire Pacific Ocean Economy Overview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides cheap sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's total fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of Australia, New Zealand, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings. Industries: fishing, oil and gas production Pacific Ocean Communications Ports: Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan) Telecommunications: several submarine cables with network focused on Guam and Hawaii entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PACIFIC_ Pakistan false marked Pakistan showNameProp Pakistan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Pakistan Geography Total area: 803,940 km2 Land area: 778,720 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 6,774 km total; Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Coastline: 1,046 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with India; border question (Durand line); water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Indus Climate: mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north Terrain: flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Natural resources: land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited crude oil, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 4%; other 64%; includes irrigated 19% Environment: frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August); deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water logging Note: controls Khyber Pass and Malakand Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent Pakistan People Population: 121,664,539 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 105 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 56 years male, 57 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Pakistani(s); adjective - Pakistani Ethnic divisions: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India and their descendents) Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi`a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3% Languages: Urdu and English (both official); total spoken languages - Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9%; English is lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries, but official policies are promoting its gradual replacement by Urdu Literacy: 35% (male 47%, female 21%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 28,900,000; agriculture 54%, mining and manufacturing 13%, services 33%; extensive export of labor (1987 est.) Organized labor: about 10% of industrial work force Pakistan Government Long-form name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan Type: parliamentary with strong executive, federal republic Capital: Islamabad Administrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh; note - the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK; formerly West Pakistan) Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments, 30 December 1985 Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Pakistan Day (proclamation of the republic), 23 March (1956) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Islamic (Shari`at) Court Leaders: Chief of State: President GHULAM ISHAQ Khan (since 13 December 1988) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mian Nawaz SHARIF (since 6 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Islamic Democratic Alliance (Islami Jamuri Ittehad or IJI) - the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) led by Mohammed Khan JUNEJO is the main party in the IJI; Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO; note - in September 1990 the PPP announced the formation of the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), an electoral alliance including the following four parties - PPP, Solidarity Movement (Tehrik Istiqlal), Movement for the Implementation of Shi`a Jurisprudence (Tehrik-i-Nifaz Fiqh Jafariya or TNFJ), and the PML (Malik faction); Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf HUSSAIN; Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Abdul Wali KHAN; Jamiat-ul-Ulema-i-Islam (JUI), Fazlur RAHMAN; Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Mohammad Akbar Khan BUGTI; Pakistan National Party (PNP), Mir Ghaus Bakhsh BIZENJO; Pakistan Khawa Milli Party (PKMP), leader NA; Assembly of Pakistani Clergy (Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Pakistan or JUP), Maulana Shah Ahmed NOORANI; Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain AHMED Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held on 12 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - Ghulam Ishaq KHAN was elected by Parliament and the four provincial assemblies Pakistan Government Senate: last held March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1994); seats - (87 total) IJI 57, Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, PPP 5, ANP 5, JWP 4, MQM 3, PNP 2, PKMP 1, JUI 1, independent 1 Elections: National Assembly: last held on 24 October 1990 (next to be held by NA October 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (217 total) IJI 107, PDA 45, MQM 15, ANP 6, JUI 2, JWP 2, PNP 2, PKMP 1, independents 14, religious minorities 10, Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, vacant 1 Communists: the Communist party is officially banned but is allowed to operate openly Other political or pressure groups: military remains dominant political force; ulema (clergy), industrialists, and small merchants also influential Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abida HUSSAIN; Chancery at 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-6200; there is a Pakistani Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Nicholas PLATT; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad (mailing address is P. O. Box 1048, PSC 1212, Box 2000, Islamabad or APO AE 09812-2000); telephone [92] (51) 826161 through 79; FAX [92] (51) 822004; there are US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore and a Consulate in Peshawar Flag: green with a vertical white band on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam Pakistan Economy Overview: Pakistan is a poor Third World country faced with the usual problems of rapidly increasing population, sizable government deficits, and heavy dependence on foreign aid. In addition, the economy must support a large military establishment and provide for the needs of 4 million Afghan refugees. A real economic growth rate averaging 5-6% in recent years has enabled the country to cope with these problems. Almost all agriculture and small-scale industry is in private hands. In 1990, Pakistan embarked on a sweeping economic liberalization program to boost foreign and domestic private investment and lower foreign aid dependence. The SHARIF government has denationalized several state-owned firms and has attracted some foreign investment. Pakistan likely will have difficulty raising living standards because of its rapidly expanding population. At the current rate of growth, population would double in 25 years. exchange rate conversion - $45.4 billion, per capita $380; real growth rate 4.8% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.3% (FY91) Unemployment rate: 10% (FY91 est.) Budget: revenues $6.4 billion; expenditures $10 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.6 billion (FY92 est.) Exports: $6.0 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: cotton, textiles, clothing, rice partners: EC 31%, Japan 9%, US 13% (FY90) Imports: $7.9 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation, equipment, vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals partners: EC 21%, US 14%, Japan 13% (FY90) External debt: $20.1 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.7% (FY91); accounts for almost 20% of GNP Electricity: 8,500,000 kW capacity; 35,000 million kWh produced, 300 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing, paper products, shrimp Agriculture: 25% of GNP, over 50% of labor force; world's largest contiguous irrigation system; major crops - cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables; live-stock products - milk, beef, mutton, eggs; self-sufficient in food grain Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; government eradication efforts on poppy cultivation of limited success Pakistan Economy Economic aid: (including Bangladesh only before 1972) US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $9.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.2 billion Currency: Pakistani rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 24.980 (March 1992), 23.801 (1991), 21.707 (1990), 20.541 (1989), 18.003 (1988), 17.399 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Pakistan Communications Railroads: 8,773 km total; 7,718 km broad gauge, 445 km 1-meter gauge, and 610 km less than 1-meter gauge; 1,037 km broad-gauge double track; 286 km electrified; all government owned (1985) Highways: 101,315 km total (1987); 40,155 km paved, 23,000 km gravel, 29,000 km improved earth, and 9,160 km unimproved earth or sand tracks (1985) Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; natural gas 4,044 km; petroleum products 885 km (1987) Ports: Gwadar, Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim Merchant marine: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 334,227 GRT/495,425 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 24 cargo, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 40 major transport aircraft Airports: 112 total, 104 usable; 75 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international communication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite; domestic communications poor; 813,000 telephones (1990); broadcast service good; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT Pakistan Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 27,811,099; 17,064,073 fit for military service; 1,287,041 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, 6% of GNP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp M#M# PAKISTAN - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained before arrival. Tourist visa requires 1 application form, 1 photo and proof of onward/return transportation. Validity depends on visit (minimum 3 months), multiple entries, no charge. Need letter from company for business visa. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by registered mail. AIDS test required for stays over 1 year. For applications and inquiries in Washington area, contact Embassy of Pakistan, 2315 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939- 6200). All other areas apply to Consulate General, 12 East 65th St., New York, N.Y. 10021 (212/879-5800). PAKISTAN - WARNING June 5, 1992 SUMMARY. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Pakistan. Violent incidents are common and are cause for concern. Demonstrations and rallies may be violent or anti-Western in character. Travelers to Sindh, Baluchistan and Northwest Frontier Provinces should exercise particular caution. Travel to the interior of Sindh Province should be avoided. Given the rapidity with which a local situation can change, it is particularly recommended that travelers to Pakistan read the local English newspapers and check with the American Embassy's consular section [or appropriate American Consulate] to learn whether there is any situation to which they should be alert. END SUMMARY. DEMONSTRATIONS: Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur from time to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice, and have occasionally taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid such events whenever possible. Areas which have recently experienced unrest should be avoided until calm is completely restored. TRAVEL IN SINDH PROVINCE: While Karachi has not recently experienced ethnic violence, the potential for it remains. Armed robberies are common, and drivers resisting the theft of their motor vehicle are often shot. U.S. citizens traveling to Hyderabad should exercise extreme caution due to recurring outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence which have been characterized by random bombings, shootings and mass demonstrations. Recent incidents have resulted in several deaths and the unofficial imposition of curfews. There have also been numerous incidents of kidnapping for ransom. In rural areas of Sindh Province, where the security situation is bad, all travel by land should be avoided. While foreigners have not been the target of kidnappers in the major cities, there have been four incidents in rural Sindh in the past year in which foreigners were kidnapped. In one incident, the foreign kidnap victim was killed in a subsequent gun-fight between police and bandits. Due to the law and order situation in the interior of Sindh, the Pakistani government recommends that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province to the city of Karachi as much as possible. If visitors must go to the interior of Sindh Province, the Pakistan government requests that they inform police authorities well in advance of the trip in order to assure that necessary security arrangements can be made. U.S. citizens who must travel to Sindh Province should consult with the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi before planning trips to rural areas of Sindh Province. Travel after dark should be avoided and prudence should be exercised in daytime travel in all districts of rural Sindh. Daytime road travel in Dadu and Larkana districts (the latter is the site of the Moenjodaro archeological site), on the west bank of the Indus River should be avoided at all times. Travelers by road have been the victims of robberies, abductions and shootings in daylight hours. Intercity buses and trains in the Province of Sindh also have been the target of armed robbers. TRAVEL IN BALUCHISTAN PROVINCE: There is limited provincial police presence and influence in Baluchistan Province. Those persons considering a trip through rural areas, particularly those districts bordering Afghanistan, are advised to inform the Baluchistan Provincial Home Secretary prior to their travel. U.S. citizens planning to travel in Baluchistan outside the city of Quetta should exercise prudence, travel only in a group, and travel only during daylight hours. Recent ethnic violence in and around Quetta claimed several lives and resulted in the imposition of a multi-day curfew in the district. This incident developed with little warning. Quetta remains tense, and similar incidents could recur at any time. TRAVEL TO NORTHWEST FRONTIER TRIBAL AREAS: U.S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas. The government of Pakistan maintains a very limited presence in the tribal areas and therefore cannot guarantee the safety of unauthorized travelers. The government of Pakistan requires that foreign nationals obtain a special permit in order to visit the federally administered tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. These areas are Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan. Violence and threats of violence in Peshawar and in Afghan refugee camps are a serious concern. The unsettled Afghan political climate has contributed to the tension between the various Afghan factions. Police protection is minimal in the Smuggler's Bazaar area near the Peshawar suburb of Hayattabad, located on Jamrud Road just east of the Khyber tribal territory. This area has been the site of serious incidents of violence. This bazaar should be avoided. A special permit is also required to visit the provincially administered tribal area of Darra Adam Khel between the cities of Peshawar and Kohat. Persons who do obtain a permit to go to Darra Adam Khel should be advised that it is illegal or extremely difficult to export some of the weapons sold there. Persons traveling to this area without permits or in violation of the terms of the permit are subject to arrest. TRAVEL TO OTHER PARTS OF THE NORTHWEST FRONTIER PROVINCE: Travelers are urged to avoid travel to the Northwest Frontier Province due to occasional bombings, banditry, shootings, and kidnappings. Persons who must travel to this area should avoid traveling after dark due to incidents of highway robbery. U.S. citizens are urged to stay in touch with the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, as the security situation can change with little warning. MOUNTAIN CLIMBING IN THE KARAKORUM MOUNTAIN RANGE: Both India and Pakistan lay claim to an area of the Karakorum mountain range which includes the Siachen Glacier. Because of past military clashes there, the Department of State warns Americans against traveling to or climbing peaks anywhere in the disputed area of the mountains in the East Karakoram range, and especially against venturing on or near the Siachen Glacier. In particular, climbers should avoid the following peaks which lie within the disputed areas claimed by both India and Pakistan: Rimo Peak, Apsarasas-I, II, and III; Term Kangri-I, II and III; Singhi Kangri, Fhainti I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. INDIA/PAKISTAN BORDER: The only official border crossing point for foreigners is at Wagah, Pakistan, Attari, India. Foreigners traveling overland between Pakistan and India by bus, train or private vehicle are permitted to cross any day of the week between 0930 and 1700 hours. Indian visas no longer need to be specifically annotated for the mode of travel used. A Pakistani exit permit is required. INDIA-PAKISTAN TENSIONS: Continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir make the security situation in Pakistan unpredictable. VISAS: All Americans traveling to Pakistan must have a valid Pakistani visa. The Embassy and Consulates are not in a position to assist travelers who arrive without visas. Persons planning to work in Pakistan in any capacity should insure that they have the proper work visa before arriving in Pakistan. It is no longer an easy matter to arrange to change visa status after arrival in Pakistan. REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens resident in or visiting Pakistan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Tel. No. 826 161, or with the nearest U.S. consulate. In Karachi, the address of the U.S. Consulate General is 8 Abdullah Haroon Rd., Tel. No. 568- 5170. In Lahore, the U.S. Consulate General is located at 50 Sharah-E-Bin Badees, (50 Empress Rd.), New Simla Hills, Tel. No.365-530; in Peshawar, the address of the U.S. Consulate is 11 Hospital Road, Tel. No. 79801, 79802, 79803. No. 92-121. This replaces the travel advisory dated November 29, 1991, and adds information on visa requirements for travel to Pakistan. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PAKISTAN Palmyra Atoll false marked Palmyra Atoll showNameProp Palmyra Atoll most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Palmyra Atoll Geography Total area: 11.9 km2 Land area: 11.9 km2 Comparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 14.5 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: equatorial, hot, and very rainy Terrain: low, with maximum elevations of about 2 meters Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 100%; other 0% Environment: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall Note: located 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, almost halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa Palmyra Atoll People Population: uninhabited Palmyra Atoll Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Palmyra Atoll Economy Overview: no economic activity Palmyra Atoll Communications Ports: the main harbor is West Lagoon, which is entered by a channel on the southwest side of the atoll; both the channel and harbor will accommodate vessels drawing 4 meters of water; much of the road and many causeways built during the war are unserviceable and overgrown Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Palmyra Atoll Defense Forces Branches: Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PALMYRA_ Panama false marked Panama showNameProp Panama most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Panama Geography Total area: 78,200 km2 Land area: 75,990 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina Land boundaries: 555 km total; Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km Coastline: 2,490 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 15%; forest and woodland 54%; other 23%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: dense tropical forest in east and northwest Note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean Panama People Population: 2,529,902 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Panamanian(s); adjective - Panamanian Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6% Religions: Roman Catholic over 93%, Protestant 6% Languages: Spanish (official); English as native tongue 14%; many Panamanians bilingual Literacy: 88% (male 88%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 770,472 (1987); government and community services 27.9%; agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.2%; commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16%; manufacturing and mining 10.5%; construction 5.3%; transportation and communications 5.3%; finance, insurance, and real estate 4.2%; Canal Zone 2.4%; shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor Organized labor: 17% of labor force (1986) Panama Government Long-form name: Republic of Panama Type: centralized republic Capital: Panama Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, Veraguas Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821) Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) currently being reorganized Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Guillermo ENDARA (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989); First Vice President Ricardo ARIAS Calderon (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989); Second Vice President Guillermo FORD Boyd (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989) Political parties and leaders: government alliance: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; opposition parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Ricardo ARIAS Calderon; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD, ex-official government party), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Agrarian Labor Party (PALA), Carlos LOPEZ Guevara; Liberal Party (PL), Roderick ESQUIVEL; Popular Action Party (PAPO); Socialist Workers Party (PST, leftist), Jose CAMBRA; Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT, leftist), Graciela DIXON Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 7 May 1989, annulled but later upheld (next to be held NA May 1994); results - anti-NORIEGA coalition believed to have won about 75% of the total votes cast Legislative Assembly: last held on 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (67 total) progovernment parties: PDC 28, MOLIRENA 16, PA 7, PLA 4 Panama Government opposition parties: PRD 10, PALA 1, PL 1; note - the PDC went into opposition after President Guillermo ENDARA ousted the PDC from the coalition government in April 1991 Communists: People's Party (PdP), mainline Communist party, did not obtain the necessary 3% of the total vote in the 1984 election to retain its legal status; about 3,000 members Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National Civic Crusade; National Committee for the Right to Life Member of: AG (associate), CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime FORD; Chancery at 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-1407; the status of the Consulates General and Consulates has not yet been determined US: Ambassador Deane R. HINTON; Embassy at Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5 (mailing address is Box E, APO AA 34002); telephone (507) 27-1777; FAX (507) 27-1964 Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white with a blue five-pointed star in the center (hoist side) and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center Panama Economy Overview: GDP expanded by roughly 9.3% in 1991, following growth of 4.6% in 1990 and a 0.4% contraction in 1989. Delay in coming to terms with the international financial institutions on policies to implement structural reform in Panama generated uncertainty in the private sector and tempered the pace of business expansion in 1991. Public investment was limited as the administration kept the fiscal deficit below 3% of GDP. Unemployment and economic reform are the two major issues the government must face in 1992-93. exchange rate conversion - $5.0 billion, per capita $2,040; real growth rate 9.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 17% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $140 million (1991 est.) Exports: $380 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: bananas 28%, shrimp 14%, sugar 12%, clothing 5%, coffee 4% partners: US 44%, Central America and Caribbean, EC (1991 est.) Imports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: capital goods 13%, crude oil 12%, foodstuffs 10%, consumer goods, chemicals (1990) partners: US 37%, Japan, EC, Central America and Caribbean, Mexico, Venezuela (1989 est.) External debt: $5.4 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 9.4% of GDP Electricity: 1,135,000 kW capacity; 3,397 million kWh produced, 1,372 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: manufacturing and construction activities, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction material, sugar mills Agriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP (1991 est.), 25% of labor force (1989); crops - bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane; livestock; fishing; importer of food grain, vegetables Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $516 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $582 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4 million Currency: balboa (plural - balboas); 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year Panama Communications Railroads: 238 km total; 78 km 1.524-meter gauge, 160 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 8,530 km total; 2,745 km paved, 3,270 km gravel or crushed stone, 2,515 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal Pipelines: crude oil 130 km Ports: Cristobal, Balboa, Puerto de La Bahia de Las Minas Merchant marine: 3,004 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 41,314,623 GRT/73,325,176 DWT; includes 20 passenger, 22 short-sea passenger, 3 passenger-cargo, 1,046 cargo, 205 refrigerated cargo, 175 container, 65 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 111 vehicle carrier, 9 livestock carrier, 4 multifunction large-load carrier, 340 petroleum tanker, 177 chemical tanker, 23 combination ore/oil, 101 liquefied gas, 8 specialized tanker, 659 bulk, 35 combination bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - all but 5 are foreign owned and operated; the top 4 foreign owners are Japan 36%, Greece 8%, Hong Kong 8%, and the US 7%; (China owns at least 128 ships, Vietnam 4, former Yugoslavia 4, Cuba 4, Cyprus 5, and the republics of the former USSR 12) Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 112 total, 102 usable; 39 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic and international facilities well developed; connection into Central American Microwave System; 220,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 23 TV; 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Panama Defense Forces Branches: note - the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) ceased to exist as a military institution shortly after the United States invaded Panama on 20 December 1989; President ENDARA has restructured the forces into a civilian police service under the new name of Panamanian Public Forces (PPF); a Council of Public Security and National Defense under Menalco SOLIS in the office of the president coordinates the activities of the security forces; the Institutional Protection Service under Carlos BARES is attached to the presidency Manpower availability: males 15-49, 661,101; 455,412 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $75.5 million, 1.5% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PANAMA - Passport, tourist card or visa and onward/return ticket required. Tourist card valid 30 days, available from airline serving Panama for $2.50 fee. For longer stays and official/diplomatic travel information contact Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/483-1407). Panama - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama Bay at Balboa Avenue and 38th Street, across from the Balboa Statue. The mailing address is Unit 0945, Apartado 6959 Panama 5, Republic of Panama, or APO AA 34002. The telephone number is (507) 27-17-77. There is also a consular agency on Panama's Atlantic side in Cristobal, Colon Province at the Panama Agencies building, Terminal & Pedro Prestan Streets, Cristobal: telephone (507) 41-2440/2478; office hours Monday through Friday 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 3:00. Country Description: Panama has a developing economy. Outside the Panama City area, many tourist facilities vary in quality. Entry Requirements: Although use of a U.S. passport is recommended, U.S. citizens may enter Panama with proof of birth in the United States, (e.g. a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate), an official picture I.D., (e.g. driver's license) and a tourist card purchased for $5.00 from an airline serving Panama. Naturalized U.S. citizens without U.S. passports are required to present naturalization certificates in addition to a picture id. U.S. citizens with U.S. passports may either purchase a tourist card from the airline or obtain a tourist visa for no fee from a Panamanian embassy or consulate. Further information can be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-1407. Areas of Instability: There have been three hijackings of small passenger planes in 1992; no passengers have been harmed yet in these hijackings. Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue to occur in Panama. In addition, there have been occasional and random bombings in public places. Medical Facilities: Although Panama City has some very good medical facilities, medical facilities outside the capital are limited. Cholera is present in Panama. Travelers who follow proper precautions are not generally at risk, however. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: There is a high incidence of crime in the Panama City and Colon areas. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports from American tourists and business persons who have been victims of crimes ranging from armed robberies to muggings, purse- snatchings, and petty theft. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. While in Panama, it is also helpful to monitor U.S. Southern Command Network (SCN) television or radio stations for current information and advisories. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-082 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... PANAMA Papua New Guinea false marked b*f6*788' Papua New Guinea showNameProp Papua New Guinea most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Papua New Guinea Geography Total area: 461,690 km2 Land area: 451,710 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 820 km; Indonesia 820 km Coastline: 5,152 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil potential Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 71%; other 28% Environment: one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast; some active volcanos; frequent earthquakes Note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia Papua New Guinea People Population: 4,006,509 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 67 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Papua New Guinean(s); adjective - Papua New Guinean Ethnic divisions: predominantly Melanesian and Papuan; some Negrito, Micronesian, and Polynesian Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant sects 10%; indigenous beliefs 34% Languages: 715 indigenous languages; English spoken by 1-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region Literacy: 52% (male 65%, female 38%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA Organized labor: more than 50 trade unions, some with fewer than 20 members Papua New Guinea Government Long-form name: Independent State of Papua New Guinea Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Moresby Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain Independence: 16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration) Constitution: 16 September 1975 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, National Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of Assembly) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Paias WINGTI (since 17 July 1992) Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Rabbie NAMALIU; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18 Member of: ACP, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Margaret TAYLOR; Chancery at 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 745-3680 US: Ambassador Robert W. FARRAND; Embassy at Armit Street, Port Moresby (mailing address is P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553); telephone [675] 211-455 or 594, 654; FAX [675] 213-423 Papua New Guinea Government Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered Papua New Guinea Economy Overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. Robust growth in 1991 was led by the mining sector; the opening of a large new gold mine featured in the advance. exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, per capita $800; real growth rate 9% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (first half 1991) Unemployment rate: 5% (1988) Budget: revenues $1.26 billion; expenditures $1.46 billion, including capital expenditures of $273 million (1992 est.) Exports: $1.14 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: copper ore, gold, coffee, logs, palm oil, cocoa, lobster partners: FRG, Japan, Australia, UK, Spain, US Imports: $1.18 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, food, fuels, chemicals, consumer goods partners: Australia, Singapore, Japan, US, New Zealand, UK External debt: $2.2 billion (April 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 2.4% (1990 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 397,000 kW capacity; 1,510 million kWh produced, 400 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra crushing, oil palm processing, plywood processing, wood chip production, gold, silver, copper, construction, tourism Agriculture: one-third of GDP; livelihood for 85% of population; fertile soils and favorable climate permits cultivating a wide variety of crops; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels; other products - tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork; net importer of food for urban centers Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $40.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $17 million Currency: kina (plural - kina); 1 kina (K) = 100 toea Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 1.0413 (March 1992), 1.0508 (1991), 1.0467 (1990), 1.1685 (1989), 1.1538 (1988), 1.1012 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Papua New Guinea Communications Railroads: none Highways: 19,200 km total; 640 km paved, 10,960 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized-soil surface, 7,600 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,940 km Ports: Anewa Bay, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul Merchant marine: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,102 GRT/16,016 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 combination ore/oil, 1 bulk, 1 container Civil air: about 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 503 total, 460 usable; 18 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 39 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiobroadcast, radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radiocommunication services; submarine cables extend to Australia and Guam; 51,700 telephones (1985); broadcast stations - 31 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV (1987); 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Papua New Guinea Defense Forces Branches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,013,812; 564,081 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $42 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required (for tourists) if arriving via Jackson Airport, Port Moresby for stay up to 30 days, no extensions. AIDS test required for work permit; U.S. test accepted. For longer stays and further information contact Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/745-3680). Papua New Guinea - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Port Moresby city at Armit St. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1492, APO AE 96553; tel (675) 211- 455/594/654. Country Description: Papua New Guinea is a parliamentary democracy. Tourist facilities are somewhat limited. Entry Requirements: Passport and onward/return ticket are required. As of September 1, 1992, foreigners must obtain entry documents before arrival. An AIDS test is required for a work permit. For longer stays and additional information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 745- 3680. Areas of Instability: The Government of Papua New Guinea does not allow travel to Bougainville, the largest island in the North Solomon Province, because of an active armed insurgency. An Indonesian secessionist group remains active along the largely inaccessible Papua New Guinea/Indonesia border. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Port Moresby are generally adequate for emergencies. Most serious endemic diseases are not a problem. Hospitals and pharmacies are small and limited to urban centers and missions. Malaria prophylaxes are often utilized. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. More specific information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: No unusual security problems have been reported in areas most frequented by tourists, including Madang and Rabaul. Organized boat cruises on the Sepik River have a good safety record. Walking tours in the bush require careful planning. Armed robberies and assaults on women have been a problem in Port Moresby and other large urban centers. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-109 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... PAPUA_NE Paracel Islands false marked Paracel Islands showNameProp Paracel Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Paracel Islands Geography Total area: NA Land area: undetermined Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 518 km Maritime claims: undetermined Disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam Climate: tropical Terrain: undetermined Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: subject to typhoons Note: located 400 km east of Vietnam in the South China Sea about one-third of the way between Vietnam and the Philippines Paracel Islands People Population: no permanent inhabitants Paracel Islands Government Long-form name: none Paracel Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity Paracel Islands Communications Ports: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island currently under expansion Airports: 1 on Woody Island Paracel Islands Defense Forces Note: occupied by China entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PARACEL_ Paraguay false marked Paraguay showNameProp Paraguay most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Paraguay Geography Total area: 406,750 km2 Land area: 397,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: 3,920 km total; Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) has not been determined Climate: varies from temperate in east to semiarid in far west Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, limestone, hydropower, timber Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 39%; forest and woodland 35%; other 5%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June) Note: landlocked; buffer between Argentina and Brazil Paraguay People Population: 4,929,446 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 28 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Paraguayan(s); adjective - Paraguayan Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Spanish and Indian) 95%, white and Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 90%; Mennonite and other Protestant denominations Languages: Spanish (official) and Guarani Literacy: 90% (male 92%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,418,000 (1991 est.); agriculture, industry and commerce, services, government (1986) Organized labor: about 2% of labor force Paraguay Government Long-form name: Republic of Paraguay Type: republic Capital: Asuncion Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain) Constitution: 25 August 1967; Constituent Assembly rewrote the Constitution that was promulgated on 20 June 1992 Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Council of State Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Gen. Andres RODRIGUEZ Pedotti (since 15 May 1989) Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Luis Maria ARGANA, acting president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Juan Manuel BENITEZ Florentin; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jose Angel BURRO; Febrerista Revolutionary Party (PRF), Victor BAREIRO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Hugo RICHER Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 and up to age 60 Elections: President: last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held NA February 1993); results - Gen. RODRIGUEZ 75.8%, Domingo LAINO 19.4% Chamber of Senators: last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held by NA May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (36 total) Colorado Party 24, PLRA 10, PLR 1, PRF 1 Chamber of Deputies: last held on 1 May 1989 (next to be held by NA May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) Colorado Party 48, PLRA 19, PRF 2, PDC 1, other 2 Communists: Oscar CREYDT faction and Miguel Angel SOLER faction (both illegal); 3,000 to 4,000 (est.) party members and sympathizers in Paraguay, very few are hard core; party beginning to return from exile is small and deeply divided Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers (CUT); Roman Catholic Church Paraguay Government Member of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre MARTINEZ; Chancery at 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-6960 through 6962; there are Paraguayan Consulates General in New Orleans and New York, and a Consulate in Houston US: Ambassador Jon D. GLASSMAN; Embassy at 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion (mailing address is C. P. 402, Asuncion, or APO AA 34036-0001); telephone [595] (21) 213-715; FAX [595] (21) 213-728 Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles) Paraguay Economy Overview: Agriculture, including forestry, accounts for about 25% of GDP, employs about 45% of the labor force, and provides the bulk of exports. Paraguay has no known significant mineral or petroleum resources but does have a large hydropower potential. Since 1981 economic performance has declined compared with the boom period of 1976-81, when real GDP grew at an average annual rate of nearly 11%. During the period 1982-86 real GDP fell in three of five years, inflation jumped to an annual rate of 32%, and foreign debt rose. Factors responsible for the erratic behavior of the economy were the completion of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam, bad weather for crops, and weak international commodity prices for agricultural exports. In 1987 the economy experienced a minor recovery because of improved weather conditions and stronger international prices for key agricultural exports. The recovery continued through 1990, on the strength of bumper crops in 1988-89. In a major step to increase its economic activity in the region, Paraguay in March 1991 joined the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR), which includes Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. During 1991 the government began to more seriously address its arrearages with international creditors and its domestic fiscal problems. Inflation was cut in third, but the foreign trade deficit widened to more than $1 billion. For the long run, the government must press forward with general market-oriented economic reforms. exchange rate conversion - $7.0 billion, per capita $1,460; real growth rate 3.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 14% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $487 million (1991) Exports: $642 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: cotton, soybean, timber, vegetable oils, coffee, tung oil, meat products partners: EC 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6% Imports: $1.85 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: capital goods 35%, consumer goods 20%, fuels and lubricants 19%, raw materials 16%, foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco 10% partners: Brazil 30%, EC 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7% External debt: $1.7 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 5,578,000 kW capacity; 15,447 million kWh produced, 3,219 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, construction Agriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP and 44% of labor force; cash crops - cotton, sugarcane; other crops - corn, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, cassava, fruits, and vegetables; animal products - beef, pork, eggs, milk; surplus producer of timber; self-sufficient in most foods Paraguay Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; important transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion Currency: guarani (plural - guaranies); 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 1,447.5 (March 1992), 1,325.2 (1991), 1,229.8 (1990), 1,056.2 (1989), 550.00 (fixed rate 1986-February 1989), Fiscal year: calendar year Paraguay Communications Railroads: 970 km total; 440 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 60 km 1.000-meter gauge, 470 km various narrow gauge (privately owned) Highways: 21,960 km total; 1,788 km paved, 474 km gravel, and 19,698 km earth Inland waterways: 3,100 km Ports: Asuncion Merchant marine: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,747 GRT/19,865 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker; note - 1 naval cargo ship is sometimes used commercially Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft Airports: 845 total, 716 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; 0 with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 66 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: principal center in Asuncion; fair intercity microwave net; 78,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 40 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 7 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Paraguay Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,172,813; 853,129 fit for military service; 49,917 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $84 million, 1.4% of GDP (1988 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PARAGUAY - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 90 days (extendable). AIDS test required for resident visas. For additional information consult Embassy of Paraguay, 2400 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/483-6960). Paraguay - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Paraguay is located in Asuncion at 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue. The telephone number is (595-21) 213-715. Country Description: Paraguay is a medium income nation with a developing economy. The quality of facilities for tourism varies. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for entry into the country. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to three months. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Paraguay, travelers can contact the Paraguayan Embassy at 2400 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 483-6960. Medical Facilities: Facilities for medical care are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Street crime such as pickpocketing and muggings is on the rise and some thieves have been known to be armed with guns or knives. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Adoptions: The adoption process in Paraguay is often a lengthy one. Updated information on Paraguayan adoption proceedings and U.S. immigrant visa requirements is available from the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion. In addition, an information packet is available by writing the Office of Citizens Consular Services, CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or by telephoning (202) 647-3414. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-083 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PARAGUAY false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Peru Geography Total area: 1,285,220 km2 Land area: 1,280,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Alaska Land boundaries: 6,940 km total; Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km, Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km Coastline: 2,414 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: three sections of the boundary with Ecuador are in dispute Climate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 21%; forest and woodland 55%; other 21%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, mild volcanic activity; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima Note: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia Peru People Population: 22,767,543 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 59 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Peruvian(s); adjective - Peruvian Ethnic divisions: Indian 45%; mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%; white 15%; black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3% Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic Languages: Spanish and Quechua (both official), Aymara Literacy: 85% (male 92%, female 29%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 6,800,000 (1986); government and other services 44%, agriculture 37%, industry 19% (1988 est.) Organized labor: about 40% of salaried workers (1983 est.) Peru Government Long-form name: Republic of Peru Type: in transition, President FUJIMORI on 5 April 1992 suspended the constitution and dissolved the legislative and judicial branches Capital: Lima Administrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali; note - the 1979 Constitution and legislation enacted from 1987 to 1990 mandate the creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) intended to function eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been constituted from 23 existing departments - Amazonas (from Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate funding from the central government, the regions have yet to assume their responsibilities and at the moment coexist with the departmental structure Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: 28 July 1980 (often referred to as the 1979 Constitution because the Constituent Assembly met in 1979, but the Constitution actually took effect the following year); suspended 5 April 1992 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents (vacant as of 19 May 1992), prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados); note - dissolved on 5 April 1992; being reconstituted Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State: President Alberto FUJIMORI (since 28 July 1990); note - slots for first and second Vice Presidents vacant as of 19 May 1992 Head of Government: Prime Minister Oscar DE LA PUENTE Raygada (since 6 April 1992) Peru Government Political parties and leaders: Change 90 (Cambio 90), Alberto FUJIMORI; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Popular Action Party (AP), Eduardo CALMELL del Solar; Liberty Movement (ML), Luis BUSTAMANTE; American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Luis ALVA Castro, Alan GARCIA; National Front of Workers and Peasants (FNTC), Roger CACERES; United Left (IU), leader NA; Independent Moralizing Front (FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega; Socialist Left (IS), leader NA; note - Democratic Front (FREDEMO) was a loosely organized coalition of the PPC, AP, and ML during the 8 April 1990 elections, but the parties no longer maintain a formal alliance Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 10 June 1990 (next to be held NA April 1995); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 56.53%, Mario VARGAS Llosa 33.92%, other 9.55% Senate: last held on 8 April 1990; dissolved on 5 April 1992; because of suspension of constitutional role, next election not yet scheduled; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (62 total; 60 elected, 2 ex-presidents who are senators for life) FREDEMO 20, APRA 16, Change 90 14, IU 6, IS 3, FNTC 1; note - as a result of the dissolution of FREDEMO and defections and expulsions from the various parties, the seats have been reallocated: APRA 17, Change 90 13, AP 8, IU 6, PPC 5, ML 4, IS 3, FNTC 1, independents 4, other 1 (January 1992) Chamber of Deputies: last held 8 April 1990 dissolved on 5 April 1992; because of suspension of constitutional role, next election not yet scheduled; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (180 total) FREDEMO 62, APRA 53, Change 90 32, IU 16, IS 4, FNTC 3, other 10; note - as a result of the dissolution of FREDEMO and defections and expulsions from the various parties, the seats have been reallocated: APRA 53, AP 25, Change 90 25, PPC 23, IU 16, ML 7, FIM 3, IS 4, FNTC 3, independents 15, other 4, and 2 currently nonvoting deputies Communists: Peruvian Communist Party-Unity (PCP-U), 2,000; other minor Communist parties Other political or pressure groups: leftist guerrilla groups: Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN; Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY Member of: AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador vacant; Chancery at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 833-9860 through 9869); Peruvian Consulates General are located in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US: Ambassador Anthony C. E. QUAINTON; Embassy at the corner of Avenida Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Avenida Espana, Lima (mailing address is P. O. Box 1991, Lima 1, or APO AA 34031); telephone [51] (14) 33-8000; FAX [51] (14) 316682 Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath Peru Economy Overview: The Peruvian economy is becoming increasingly market oriented, with a large dose of government ownership remaining in mining, energy, and banking. In the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per capita output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity, but the slide halted late in the year, and output rose 2.4% in 1991. After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September 1991, and, although it faces $14 billion in arrears on its external debt, is working to pay some $1.8 billion of these to the IMF and World Bank by 1993. exchange rate conversion - $20.6 billion, per capita $920; real growth rate 2.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 139% (1991) Unemployment rate: 15.0%; underemployment 65% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $250 million (1991 est.) Exports: $3.3 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: copper, fishmeal, zinc, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton partners: EC 28%, US 22%, Japan 13%, Latin America 12%, former USSR 2% Imports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery, transport equipment, iron and steel semimanufactures, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 32%, Latin America 22%, EC 17%, Switzerland 6%, Japan 3% External debt: $19.4 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.0% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 24% of GDP Electricity: 4,896,000 kW capacity; 15,851 million kWh produced, 709 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabrication Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP, about 35% of labor force; commercial crops - coffee, cotton, sugarcane; other crops - rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains, coca; animal products - poultry, red meats, dairy, wool; not self-sufficient in grain or vegetable oil; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990) Peru Economy Illicit drugs: world's largest coca leaf producer with about 121,000 hectares under cultivation; source of supply for most of the world's coca paste and cocaine base; at least 85% of coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of cocaine base is shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into cocaine for the international drug market Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $577 million Currency: (S/.) nuevo sol (plural - nuevos soles); 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: nuevo sol (S/. per US$1 - 0.960 (March 1992), 0.772 (1991), 0.187 (1990), 2.666 (1989), 0.129 (1988), 0.017 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Peru Communications Railroads: 1,801 km total; 1,501 km 1.435-meter gauge, 300 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 69,942 km total; 7,459 km paved, 13,538 km improved, 48,945 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km Lago Titicaca Pipelines: crude oil 800 km, natural gas and natural gas liquids 64 km Ports: Callao, Ilo, Iquitos, Matarani, Talara Merchant marine: 26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 286,313 GRT/461,233 DWT; includes 14 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 petroleum tanker, 7 bulk; note - in addition, 8 naval tankers and 1 naval cargo are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 44 major transport aircraft Airports: 221 total, 201 usable; 36 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 23 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fairly adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave system; 544,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 273 AM, no FM, 140 TV, 144 shortwave; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 12 domestic Peru Defense Forces Branches: Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del Peru), National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,863,227; 3,964,930 fit for military service; 236,484 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $430 million, 2.4% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PERU - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 90 days, extendable after arrival. Tourists may need onward/return ticket. For official/diplomatic passport and other travel, visa required and must be obtained in advance. Business visa requires company letter stating purpose of trip and $27 fee. For further information contact Embassy of Peru, 1700 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/833-9860-9) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/651-0296 and 415/362-5185), FL (305/374-1407), IL (312/853-6173), NJ (201/278- 2221), NY (212/644-2850), PR (809/763-0679) or TX (713/781-5000). PERU - TRAVEL WARNING October 27, 1992 Warning: U.S. citizens are warned against all travel to Peru until further notice because of increased terrorist violence. The Department of State has authorized the voluntary departure of all U.S. government dependents and non- essential official personnel from the country. Additional information can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on Peru. No. 92-004 PERU - CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET October 27, 1992 Warning: U.S. citizens are warned against all travel to Peru until further notice because of increased terrorist violence. The Department of State has authorized the voluntary departure of all U.S. government dependents and non- essential official personnel from the country. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Avenidas Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Espana. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Peru is located in Lima at Grimaldo del Solar 346, Miraflores, tel: (51-14) 44-3621. There is also a Consular Agency in Cuzco at Avenida Tullumayo 125 at tel: (51-84) Country Description: Peru has a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside major cities and tourist areas may not be adequate. Entry Requirements: A passport is required in order to enter Peru. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Peru, travelers can contact the Peruvian Embassy at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 833-9860, or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Newark, New York, Houston, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care does not meet U.S. standards. Cholera is present in Peru. However, visitors who follow proper precautions about food and drink are not generally at risk. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For further information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Street crime such as pickpocketing and mugging is very common. Robbery in or near hotels and residences, often with weapons, occurs. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Terrorist Activities: A July upsurge in terrorist violence in Peru significantly increased danger to travelers. This was the third major upsurge of urban violence in 1992; outbreaks of violence are expected to recur in the coming months. Many parts of the country are designated as "emergency zones" (i.e. areas governed by martial law). These zones are extremely dangerous due to terrorist and criminal activities. Two insurgent organizations, Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) continue to carry out bombings and other terrorist attacks against a large number of targets in Peru, principally Peruvian government installations and banks, but also U.S. government buildings, U.S. commercial interests and embassies of other countries. The city of Lima is located in the Lima Department, a designated "emergency zone." Bombings, terrorist incidents and violent crime are common in the city of Lima and there is a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. A recent bombing campaign in Lima, which killed 20 Peruvians and injured more than 150 bystanders, included areas where U.S. citizens are regularly present. The U.S. Embassy has a standing security alert notice to the official and non-official community to avoid high concentration commercial areas at night. Many of the most frequently used tourist hotels are located in such areas. U.S. citizens who despite this warning travel to Peru must be extremely alert to any suspicious activity and cautious in their movements. U.S. citizens who travel to designated "emergency zones" outside Lima are subjecting themselves to extraordinary risk. These zones are extremely dangerous regions where both terrorism and violent crime are common. Overland travel to or through the "emergency zones" outside the capital city of Lima is particularly dangerous. Emergency Zones: The following areas have been designated as "emergency zones" by the Peruvian government: Apurimac Department, Ayacucho Department, Huanacavelica Department, Huanuco Department, Junin Department, Lima Department (except the city of Lima), Pasco Department, San Martin Department, Ucayali Department (except for air travel to the city of Pucallpa), the La Convencion and Calco provinces within the Cuzco Department, and the Ucayali and Alto Amazonas provinces within the Loreto Department. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Adoptions: Peruvian adoptions take an average of 90 days to complete and there are cases which have taken much longer. Corruption surrounding the adoption process is widespread and judicial strikes and delays are common. Recent judicial changes coupled with a growing concern on the part of the Peruvian government regarding allegations of abuses has caused increasing uncertainty for adopting parents. Adopting parents should also know that foreigners carrying cash are identifiable targets for thieves. Due to the dangerous conditions existing in the "emergency zones", no prospective adopting parent should travel to an "emergency zone" in search of a child for adoption or to obtain documentation. Registration: U.S. citizens in Peru are strongly advised to register immediately with and seek the latest information from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy located at Grimaldo del Solar 346, Miraflores District of Lima, tel: 44-3121 and 44-3621. No. 92-084 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... Philippines false marked 7nP2Q@R' Philippines showNameProp Philippines most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Philippines Geography Total area: 300,000 km2 Land area: 298,170 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Arizona Land boundaries: none Coastline: 36,289 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth Disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claims Malaysian state of Sabah Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October) Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands Natural resources: timber, crude oil, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops 11%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 40%; other 19%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; subject to landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunami; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution Philippines People Population: 67,114,060 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 53 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Filipino(s); adjective - Philippine Ethnic divisions: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3% Languages: Pilipino (based on Tagalog) and English; both official Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 24,120,000; agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services 18.5%, government 10%, other 9.5% (1989) Organized labor: 3,945 registered unions; total membership 5.7 million (includes 2.8 million members of the National Congress of Farmers Organizations) Philippines Government Long-form name: Republic of the Philippines Type: republic Capital: Manila Administrative divisions: 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur Independence: 4 July 1946 (from US) Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987 Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June (1898) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Kongreso) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Corazon C. AQUINO (since 25 February 1986); Vice President Salvador H. LAUREL (since 25 February 1986) Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Philippine Democrats (LDP), Neptali GONZALES and Jose (Peping) COJUANGCO; Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Fidel Valdes RAMOS; Liberal Party, Jovito SALONGA; New Society Movement (KBL), Amelda MARCOS Suffrage: universal at age 15 Elections: President: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998);results - Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of votes, a narrow plurality Philippines Government Senate: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - LDP 66%, NPC 20%, Lakas-NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats - (24 total) LDP 24, NPC 5, Lakas-NUCD 2, Liberal 1 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - LDP 43.5%; Lakas-NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL 3%;seats - (200 total) LDP 87, Lakas-NUCD 51, NPC 47, Liberal 10, KBL 5 Communists: the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) controls about 15,500-16,500 full-time insurgents and is not recognized as a legal party; a second Communist party, Philippine Communist Party (PKP), has quasi-legal status Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Emmanuel PELAEZ; Chancery at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 483-1414; there are Philippine Consulates General in Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle US: Ambassador Frank G. WISNER II; Embassy at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila (mailing address is APO AP 96440); telephone [63] (2) 521-7116; FAX [63] (2) 522-4361; there is a US Consulate in Cebu Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star Philippines Economy Overview: Following the recession of 1984-85, the Philippine economy grew on the average of 5.0% per year during 1986-89. It slowed again during the period 1990-91. The agricultural sector together with forestry and fishing, plays an important role in the economy, employing about 45% of the work force and providing almost 30% of GDP. The Philippines is the world's largest exporter of coconuts and coconut products. Manufacturing contributes about 35% of GDP. Major industries include food processing, chemicals, and textiles. exchange rate conversion - $47 billion, per capita $720; real growth rate 0.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17.6% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.0% (1991 est.) Budget: $8.4 billion; expenditures $9.36 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $8.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: electrical equipment 19%, textiles 16%, minerals and ores 11%, farm products 10%, coconut 10%, chemicals 5%, fish 5%, forest products 4% partners: US 36%, EC 19%, Japan 18%, ESCAP 9%, ASEAN 7% Imports: $12.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: raw materials 53%, capital goods 17%, petroleum products 17% partners: US 25%, Japan 17%, ESCAP 13%, EC 11%, ASEAN 10%, Middle East 10% External debt: $28.9 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate - 5% (1991 est.); accounts for 35% of GNP Electricity: 7,500,000 kW capacity; 31,000 million kWh produced, 470 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing Agriculture: accounts for about one-third of GNP and 45% of labor force; major crops - rice, coconut, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapple, mango; animal products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 2 million metric tons annually Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growers are producing more and better quality cannabis despite government eradication efforts Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1975-89), $123 million Currency: Philippine peso (plural - pesos); 1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavos Philippines Economy Exchange rates: Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 25.810 (March 1992), 27.479 (1991), 24.311 (1990), 21.737 (1989), 21.095 (1988), 20.568 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Philippines Communications Railroads: 378 km operable on Luzon, 34% government owned (1982) Highways: 156,000 km total (1984); 29,000 km paved; 77,000 km gravel, crushed-stone, or stabilized-soil surface; 50,000 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vessels Pipelines: petroleum products 357 km Ports: Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, Legaspi, Manila, Subic Bay Merchant marine: 552 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,150,425 GRT/13,624,527 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 11 short-sea passenger, 13 passenger-cargo, 155 cargo, 22 refrigerated cargo, 23 vehicle carrier, 8 livestock carrier, 13 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 8 container, 35 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 2 combination ore/oil, 247 bulk, 7 combination bulk; note - many Philippine flag ships are foreign owned and are on the register for the purpose of long-term bare-boat charter back to their original owners who are principally in Japan and Germany Civil air: 53 major transport aircraft Airports: 278 total, 244 usable; 72 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 9 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 53 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate; 872,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 267 AM (including 6 US), 55 FM, 33 TV (including 4 US); submarine cables extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 11 domestic Philippines Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 16,719,421; 11,816,366 fit for military service; 698,683 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $915 million, 1.9% of GNP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PHILIPPINES - Passport and onward/return ticket required. For entry by Manila International Airport, visa not required for transit/tourist stay up to 21 days. Visa required for longer stay, maximum of 59 days, 1 application form, 1 photo, no charge. Company letter needed for business visa. AIDS test required for permanent residency; U.S. test accepted. For entry at military bases and other types of visas, check Embassy of the Philippines, 1617 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/483-1533) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/387-5321 and 415/433-6666), HI (808/595-6316), IL (312/332-6458), NY (212/764- 1330), TX (713/524-0234) or WA (206/441-1640). Philippines - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Manila is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard - telephone: (63-2) 521-7116. The U.S. Consulate is located in Cebu on the 3rd Floor, PCI Bank, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug - telephone: (63-32) 311-261. Country Description: The Philippines is a developing democratic republic. Tourist facilities are available within the population centers and main tourist sites. Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required for entry through the international airports in Manila or Cebu. A visa is not required for transit/tourist stays of up to 21 days. Further information concerning specific requirements is available through the Embassy of the Philippines, 1671 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 - telephone: (202) 483-1533, or the consulates general in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Chicago, New York, Houston, or Seattle. Areas of Instability: In Northern Luzon, the presence of NPA guerillas and armed bandits makes travel in the provinces of Abra, Aurora, Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao and Mountain Province (including Sagada and Bontoc) potentially dangerous. NPA units are also active in Southern Luzon and travel is potentially dangerous in Quezon province, and the Bicol region, except Catanduanes. In the Visayas regions, travel in rural areas of Panay Island is not safe. In urban and tourist areas (including Boracay), continuing criminal activities are a threat after dark. Ongoing criminal and insurgent activity make travel to Samar Island and the interior mountainous regions of Negros Island dangerous at any time. In the Mindanao Regions, continuing crime and insurgency problems make travel to and within the Autonomous regions of Muslim Mindanao (Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces), as well as the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Basilan, and Surigao del Sur, dangerous at any time. Two U.S. citizen missionary teachers were kidnapped and held for ten days while touring in Sulu Province in March 1992, and an American religious worker was kidnapped on Basilan Island in October 1992. Security Threats: There are continuing security threats to U.S. citizens in the Philippines. However, short-term tourists and business visitors to the Philippines, especially those who remain in major urban areas or tourist sites, face substantially less risk from politically-motivated terrorism than do long-term residents or U.S. officials. Those who are considered to be at greatest risk include U.S. government employees, active duty and retired military personnel; and resident Americans associated with organizations identified with the U.S. have been murdered by elements of the NPA. An American businessman, a long-time resident in the Philippines, was kidnapped in January 1992 and held for two months until released through police action. Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in major cities, but is limited in more remote areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful whenever insurance claims are made. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Crime is of serious concern in the Philippines. Homicides, kidnapping, other crimes of violence, con-games, pickpocketing and credit card theft are common. Foreign tourists are often victims of petty crimes. Travel by public conveyance as well as private vehicles may be risky. Travel off the national highways and paved roads, especially at night, is particularly dangerous. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Volcano Eruptions: The June 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo deposited large amounts of volcanic ash in a wide area around the volcano (located sixty miles northwest of Manila). The principal danger now comes from "lahars", or mudflows, which can inundate low-lying areas and wash away bridges. These conditions will persist for several years, especially during the rainy season (May to November). Registration: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines can register with the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consulate in Cebu and obtain updated data on travel and security in the area. Information for Americans contemplating road travel within the Philippines is also available at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. A recorded message of the U.S. Embassy's latest travel information may be heard by telephoning (63-2) 521- 9261. No. 92-110 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... PHILIPPI Pitcairn Islands false marked Pitcairn Islands showNameProp Pitcairn Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Pitcairn Islands Geography Total area: 47 km2 Land area: 47 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 51 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March) Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs Natural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons (especially November to March) Note: located in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Peru and New Zealand Pitcairn Islands People Population: 52 (July 1992), growth rate 0.0% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Pitcairn Islander(s); adjective - Pitcairn Islander Ethnic divisions: descendants of Bounty mutineers Religions: Seventh-Day Adventist 100% Languages: English (official); also a Tahitian/English dialect Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing Organized labor: NA Pitcairn Islands Government Long-form name: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Adamstown Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964 Legal system: local island by-laws National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June), 10 June 1989 Executive branch: British monarch, governor, island magistrate Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council Judicial branch: Island Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Governor and UK High Commissioner to New Zealand David Joseph MOSS (since NA 1990) Head of Government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Brian YOUNG (since NA 1985) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 with three years residency Elections: Island Council: last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: SPC Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor Pitcairn Islands Economy Overview: The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $430,440; expenditures $429,983, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY87 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: fruits, vegetables, curios partners: NA Imports: $NA commodities: fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 110 kW capacity; 0.30 million kWh produced, 5,360 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: postage stamp sales, handicrafts Agriculture: based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown; must import grain products Economic aid: none Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6866 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Pitcairn Islands Communications Railroads: none Highways: 6.4 km dirt roads Ports: Bounty Bay Airports: none Telecommunications: 24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; diesel generator provides electricity Pitcairn Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PITCAIRN Poland false marked Poland showNameProp Poland most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Poland Geography Total area: 312,680 km2 Land area: 304,510 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Mexico Land boundaries: 3,321 km total; Belarus 605 km, Czechoslovakia 1,309 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 428 km Coastline: 491 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Terrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border Natural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt Land use: arable land 46%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 28%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: plain crossed by a few north flowing, meandering streams; severe air and water pollution in south Note: historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain Poland People Population: 38,385,617 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman(1992) Nationality: noun - Pole(s); adjective - Polish Ethnic divisions: Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belorussian 0.5% (1990 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Russian Orthodox, Protestant, and other 5% Languages: Polish Literacy: 98% (male 99%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1978) Labor force: 17,104,000; industry and construction 36.1%; agriculture 27.3%; trade, transport, and communications 14.8%; government and other 21.8% (1989) Organized labor: trade union pluralism Poland Government Long-form name: Republic of Poland Type: democratic state Capital: Warsaw Administrative divisions: 49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biaa Podlaska, Biaystok, Bielsko, Bydgoszcz, Chem, Ciechanow, Czestochowa, Elblag, Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin, Koszalin, Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, odz, omza, Lublin, Nowy Sacz, Olsztyn, Opole, Ostroteka, Pia, Piotrkow, Pock, Poznan, Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow, Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Supsk, Suwaki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg, Tarnow, Torun, Wabrzych, Warszawa, Wocawek, Wrocaw, Zamosc, Zielona Gora Independence: 11 November 1918, independent republic proclaimed Constitution: Communist-imposed Constitution of 22 July 1952; developing a democratic Constitution Legal system: mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1794) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or Diet (Sejm) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Hanna SUCHOCKA (since 10 July 1992) Political parties and leaders: Solidarity Bloc: Democratic Union (UD), Tadeusz MAZOWIECKI; Christian-National Union (ZCHN), Wieslaw CHRZANOWSKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; Liberal-Democratic Congress, Donald TUSK; Peasant Alliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity Trade Union (NSZZ), Marian KRZAKLEWSKI; Solidarity Labor (SP), Ryszard BUGAJ; Christian-Democratic Party (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Democratic-Social Movement (RDS), Zbigniew BUJAK; Kracow Coalition in Solidarity with the President, Mieczyslaw GIL; Solidarity 80, Marian JURCZYK Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI; Beer Lovers' Party (PPPP), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats (CHD), Andrzej OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Western Union (KPN Front), Damian JAKUBOWSKI; RealPolitik (UPR), Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD), Antoni MACKIEWICZ Communist origin or linked: Social Democracy (SDRP, or SLD), Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz; Polish Peasants' Party (PSL), Waldermar PAWLAK; Party X, Stanislaw Tyminski Suffrage: universal at age 18 Poland Government Elections: President: first round held 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%, Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3% Senate: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995); results - Solidarity Bloc: UD 21%, NSZZ 11%, ZCHN 9%, PC 9%, Liberal-Democratic Congress 6%, PL 7%, PCHD 3%, other local candidates 11% Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 4%, CHD 1%, MN 1%, local candidates 5% Communist origin or linked: PSL 8%, SLD 4%; seats - (100 total) Solidarity Bloc: UD 21, NSZZ 11, ZCHN 9, Liberal-Democratic Congress 6, PL 7, PCHD 3, other local candidates 11; Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 4, CHD 1, MN 1 local candidates 5 Communist origin or linked: PSL 8, SLD 4 Sejm: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995); results - Solidarity Bloc: UD 12.31%, ZCHN 8.73%, PL 8.71%, Liberal-Democratic Congress 7.48%, PL 5.46%, NSZZ 5.05%, SP 2.05%, PCHD 1.11% Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 7.50%, PPPP 3.27%, CHD 2.36%, UPR 2.25%, MN 1.70% Communist origin or linked: SLD 11.98%, PSL 8.67%; seats - (460 total) Solidarity Bloc: UD 62, ZCHN 9, PC 44, Liberal-Democratic Congress 37, PL 28, NSZZ 27, SP 4, PCHD 4, RDS 1, Krackow Coalition in Solidarity with the President 1, Piast Agreement 1, Bydgoszcz Peasant List 1, Solidarity 80 1 Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 46, PPPP 16, MN 7, CHD 5, Western Union 4, UPR 3, Autonomous Silesia 2, SD 1, Orthodox Election Committee 1, Committee of Women Against Hardships 1, Podhale Union 1, Wielkopolska Group 1, Wielkopolska and Lubuski Inhabitants 1 Communist origin or linked: SLD 60, PSL 48, Party X 3 Communists: 70,000 members in the Communist successor parties (1990) Other political or pressure groups: powerful Roman Catholic Church; Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), a nationalist group; Solidarity (trade union); All Poland Trade Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist program; Clubs of Catholic Intellectuals (KIKs) Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, CSCE, ECE, FAO, GATT, Hexagonale, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Kazimierz DZIEWANOWSKI; Chancery at 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-3800 through 3802; there are Polish Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York Poland Government US: Ambassador Thomas W. SIMONS, Jr.; Embassy at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsaw (mailing address is American Embassy Warsaw, Box 5010, or APO AE 09213-5010); telephone [48] (2) 628-8298; FAX [48] (2) 628-9326; there is a US Consulate General in Krakow and a Consulate in Poznan Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white Poland Economy Overview: Poland is undergoing a difficult transition from a Soviet-style economy - with state ownership and control of productive assets - to a market economy. On January 1, 1990, the new Solidarity-led government implemented shock therapy by slashing subsidies, decontrolling prices, tightening the money supply, stabilizing the foreign exchange rate, lowering import barriers, and restraining state sector wages. As a result, consumer goods shortages and lines disappeared, and inflation fell from 640% in 1989 to 60% in 1991. Western governments, which hold two-thirds of Poland's $48 billion external debt, pledged in 1991 to forgive half of Poland's official debt by 1994, and the private sector grew, accounting for 22% of industrial production and 40% of nonagricultural output by 1991. Production fell in state enterprises, however, and the unemployment rate climbed steadily from virtually nothing in 1989 to 11.4% in December 1991. Poland fell out of compliance with its IMF program by mid-1991, and talks with commercial creditors stalled. The increase in unemployment and the decline in living standards led to popular discontent and a change in government in January 1991 and again in December. The new government has promised selective industrial intervention, some relaxation in monetary policy, and an improved social safety net, but will be constrained by the decline in output and the growing budget deficit. purchasing power equivalent - $162.7 billion, per capita $4,300; real growth rate -5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.4% (end December 1991) Budget: revenues $19.5 billion; expenditures $22.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $12.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery 23%, metals 17%, chemicals 13%, fuels 11%, food 10% (1991 est.) partners: FRG 25.1%, former USSR 15.3%, UK 7.1%, Switzerland 4.7% (1990) Imports: $12.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery 35%, fuels 20%, chemicals 13%, food 11%, light industry 7% (1991 est.) partners: FRG 20.1%, former USSR 19.8%, Italy 7.5%, Switzerland 6.4% (1990) External debt: $48.5 billion (January 1992); note - Poland's Western government creditors promised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's official debt - currently $33 billion - immediately and to forgive another 20% by 1994, if Poland adheres to its IMF program Industrial production: growth rate -14% (State sector 1991 est.) Electricity: 31,530,000 kW capacity; 136,300 million kWh produced, 3,610 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles Poland Economy Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 27% of labor force; 75% of output from private farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remains low by European standards; leading European producer of rye, rapeseed, and potatoes; wide variety of other crops and livestock; major exporter of pork products; normally self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: illicit producers of opium for domestic consumption and amphetamines for the international market; emerging as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: donor - bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries, $2.2 billion (1954-89); note - the G-24 has pledged $8 billion in grants and credit guarantees to Poland Currency: Zoty (plural - Zotych); 1 Zoty (Z) = 100 groszy Exchange rates: Zotych (z) per US$1 - 13,443 (March 1992), 10,576 (1991), 9,500 (1990), 1,439.18 (1989), 430.55 (1988), 265.08 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Poland Communications Railroads: 27,041 km total; 24,287 km 1.435-meter gauge, 397 km 1.520-meter gauge, 2,357 km narrow gauge; 8,987 km double track; 11,016 km electrified; government owned (1989) Highways: 299,887 km total; 130,000 km improved hard surface (concrete, asphalt, stone block); 24,000 km unimproved hard surface (crushed stone, gravel); 100,000 km earth; 45,887 km other urban roads (1985) Inland waterways: 3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1989) Pipelines: natural gas 4,500 km, crude oil 1,986 km, petroleum products 360 km (1987) Ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, Swinoujscie; principal inland ports are Gliwice on Kana Gliwice, Wrocaw on the Oder, and Warsaw on the Vistula Merchant marine: 222 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,851,016 GRT/4,019,531 DWT; includes 5 short-sea passenger, 79 cargo, 4 refrigerated cargo, 14 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 12 container, 1 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 102 bulk, 1 passenger; Poland owns 1 ship of 6,333 DWT operating under Liberian registry Civil air: 48 major transport aircraft Airports: 160 total, 160 usable; 85 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 35 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 65 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; cable, open wire and microwave; phone density is 10.5 phones per 100 residents (October 1990); 3.1 million subscribers; exchanges are 86% automatic (February 1990); broadcast stations - 27 AM, 27 FM, 40 (5 Soviet repeaters) TV; 9.6 million TVs; 1 satellite earth station using INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, INMARSAT and Intersputnik Poland Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 9,785,823; 7,696,425 fit for military service; 294,191 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 19.2 trillion zotych, NA% of GDP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp POLAND - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 90 days. Visitors must register at hotel or with local authorities within 48 hours after arrival. AIDS test required for student visas; U.S. test accepted. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Poland (Consular Division), 2224 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-4517 or 2501) or nearest Consulate General: Chicago, IL, 1530 Lakeshore Dr., 60610 (312/337-88166), Los Angeles, CA 3460 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200, 90010 (213/365-7900) or New York, N.Y., 233 Madison Ave., 10016 (212/889-8360). Poland - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31; telephone (48) (2) 628-3041. There are also Consulates in Krakow, located at Ulica Stolarska 9, telephone (48) (12) 229764, and in Poznan, located at Ulica Chopina 4, telephone (48) (61) 529586. Country Description: Poland is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound political and economic changes. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Visitors must register at a hotel or with local authorities within 48 hours of arrival. An AIDS test is required for student visas; U.S. test results are accepted. Further information concerning entry requirements for Poland, may be obtained through the Embassy of the Republic of Poland at 2640 16th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20009, tel: (202) 234-3800 or the nearest Polish Consulate General in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Poland is limited. Some medicines are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Crime rates in Poland vary. Warsaw has a high rate of crime, while Krakow and Poznan enjoy relatively low crime rates. However, reported incidents of crime against foreign visitors and local residents have increased in major cities throughout the country. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets appear to be operating in the train stations, trains, trams, and buses of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, and other major cities. In Warsaw, car thefts and break-ins, street crime, and residential burglaries are increasingly prevalent. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-040 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text POLAND Portugal false marked Portugal showNameProp Portugal most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Portugal Geography Total area: 92,080 km2 Land area: 91,640 km2; includes Azores and Madeira Islands Comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana Land boundaries: 1,214 km; Spain 1,214 km Coastline: 1,793 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Indonesia Climate: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Terrain: mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in south Natural resources: fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marble Land use: arable land 32%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 40%; other 16%; includes irrigated 7% Environment: Azores subject to severe earthquakes Note: Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar Portugal People Population: 10,448,509 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Portuguese (singular and plural); adjective - Portuguese Ethnic divisions: homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000 Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2% Languages: Portuguese Literacy: 85% (male 89%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,605,700; services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988) Organized labor: about 55% of the labor force; the Communist-dominated General Confederation of Portuguese Workers - Intersindical (CGTP-IN) represents more than half of the unionized labor force; its main competition, the General Workers Union (UGT), is organized by the Socialists and Social Democrats and represents less than half of unionized labor Portugal Government Long-form name: Portuguese Republic Type: republic Capital: Lisbon Administrative divisions: 18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu Independence: 1140; independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910 Constitution: 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989 Legal system: civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June Executive branch: president, Council of State, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica) Leaders: Chief of State: President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Anibal CAVACO Silva; Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), Jorge SAMPAIO; Party of Democratic Renewal (PRD), Herminio MARTINHO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Alvaro CUNHAL; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Andriano MORREIRA (interim); National Solidarity Party, Manuel SERGIO; Center Democratic Party; United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - Dr. Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, Carlos CARVALHAS 13%, Carlos MARQUES 3% Assembly of the Republic: last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - PSD 50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, Center Democrats 4.4%, National Solidarity Party 1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230 total) PSD 135, PS 72, CDU 17, Center Democrats 5, National Solidarity Party 1 Communists: Portuguese Communist Party claims membership of 200,753 (December 1983) Portugal Government Member of: AfDB, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Joao Eduardo M. PEREIRA BASTOS; Chancery at 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-8610; there are Portuguese Consulates General in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Los Angeles, Newark (New Jersey), New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Providence (Rhode Island) US: Ambassador Everett E. BRIGGS; Embassy at Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon (mailing address is PSC 83, APO AE 09726); telephone [351] (1) 726-6600 or 6659, 8670, 8880; FAX [351] (1) 726-9109; there is a US Consulate in Oporto and Ponta Delgada (Azores) Flag: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line Portugal Economy Overview: Although Portugal has experienced strong growth since joining the EC in 1986 - at least 4% each year through 1990 - it remains one of the poorest members. To prepare for the European single market, the government is restructuring and modernizing the economy and in 1989 embarked on a major privatization program. The global slowdown and tight monetary policies to counter inflation caused growth to slow in 1991, but it is likely to recover in 1992. purchasing power equivalent - $87.3 billion, per capita $8,400; real growth rate 2.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.0% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $27.0 billion; expenditures $33.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.7 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $16.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timber and timber products, resin, machinery, appliances partners: EC 74%, other developed countries 13.2%, US 4.8% Imports: $25.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum, textiles partners: EC 69.1%, other developed countries 11.4% less developed countries 15.1%, US 3.9% External debt: $15.0 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP Electricity: 6,729,000 kW capacity; 16,000 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 6.1% of GDP and about 20% of labor force; small, inefficient farms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy products Illicit drugs: increasingly import gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.2 billion Currency: Portuguese escudo (plural - escudos); 1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavos Portugal Economy Exchange rates: Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 143.09 (March 1992), 144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990), 157.46 (1989), 143.95 (1988), 140.88 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Portugal Communications Railroads: 3,613 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates 2,858 km 1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km double track), 755 km 1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge) electrified, double track, privately owned Highways: 73,661 km total; 61,599 km surfaced (bituminous, gravel, and crushed stone), including 140 km of limited-access divided highway; 7,962 km improved earth; 4,100 km unimproved earth (motorable tracks) Inland waterways: 820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by shallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacity Pipelines: crude oil 11 km; petroleum products 58 km Ports: Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores), Setubal, Sines Merchant marine: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 738,774 GRT/1,300,787 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 20 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 container, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 8 bulk, 2 vehicle carrier; note - Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira (MAR) for Portuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewing benefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently is known to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likely that a majority of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to this subregister in a few years Civil air: 43 major transport aircraft Airports: 65 total, 62 usable; 36 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57 AM, 66 (22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT, domestic satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link to Azores Portugal Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal Guard, Public Security Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,666,450; 2,166,341 fit for military service; 88,826 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 2.8% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp PORTUGAL - (Includes travel to the Azores and Madeira Islands.) Passport required. Visa not required for visit up to 60 days (extendable). For travel with pets and other information consult nearest Consulate: DC (202/332-3007), CA (415/346-3400), MA (617/536- 8740 and 508/997-6151), NJ (201/622-7300), NY (212/246-4580) or RI (401/272-2003). Portugal - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Portugal is located on Avenida das Forcas Armadas in Lisbon; telephone (351) (1) 726-6600, 726- 6659, 726-8670, or 726-8880. A consulate is located in the Azores, at Ponta Delgada on the island of San Miguel, on Avenida D. Henrique, telephone (351) (96) 22216/7/8/9. Country Description: Portugal is a moderately developed and stable democracy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist stays up to sixty days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Portugal, travelers can contact the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 328-8610, or the nearest Portuguese consulate. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Portugal has a low but increasing rate of violent crime. travelers, especially those who appear to be affluent, may become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. Auto break-ins and car thefts are common. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-041 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PORTUGAL Puerto Rico false marked Puerto Rico showNameProp Puerto Rico most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Puerto Rico Geography Total area: 9,104 km2 Land area: 8,959 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: 501 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast Natural resources: some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore crude oil Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 9%; meadows and pastures 41%; forest and woodland 20%; other 22% Environment: many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north Note: important location between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands group along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean Puerto Rico People Population: 3,776,654 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Puerto Rican(s); adjective - Puerto Rican Ethnic divisions: almost entirely Hispanic Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15% Languages: Spanish (official); English is widely understood Literacy: 89% (male 90%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 1,068,000; government 28%, manufacturing 15%, trade 14%, agriculture 3%, other 40% (1990) Organized labor: 115,000 members in 4 unions; the largest is the General Confederation of Puerto Rican Workers with 35,000 members (1983) Puerto Rico Government Long-form name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Type: commonwealth associated with the US Capital: San Juan Administrative divisions: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Independence: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952 Legal system: based on Spanish civil code National holiday: Constitution Day, 25 July (1952) Executive branch: US president, US vice president, governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989) Head of Government: Governor Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon (since 2 January 1989) Political parties and leaders: National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Freddy VALENTIN; Popular Democratic Party (PPD), Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon; New Progressive Party (PNP), Carlos ROMERO Barcelo; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP), Juan MARI Bras and Carlos GALLISA; Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), Ruben BERRIOS Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s) unknown; Puerto Rican Renewal Party (PRP, breakaway group from PNP), leader (vacant); Puerto Rico Democratic Party, Richard MACHADO Suffrage: universal at age 18; citizens of Puerto Rico are also US citizens, but do not vote in US presidential elections Elections: Governor: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon (PPD) 48.7%, Baltasar CORRADA Del Rio (PNP) 45.8%, Ruben BERRIOS Martinez (PIP) 5.5% Senate: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) PPD 18, PNP 8, PIP 1 US House of Representatives: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) seats by party NA; note - Puerto Rico elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives, Jaime B. FUSTER House of Representatives: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) PPD 36, PNP 15, PIP 2 Puerto Rico Government Other political or pressure groups: all have engaged in terrorist activities - Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN), Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution, Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros), Armed Forces of Popular Resistance Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, ICFTU, IOC, WCL, WFTU, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Flag: five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag Puerto Rico Economy Overview: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. Important new industries include pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, and processed foods. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island. The economy has largely recovered from the disruptions caused by Hurricane Hugo in September 1989. The tourism infrastructure has been especially hard hit. purchasing power equivalent - $21.6 billion, per capita $6,600; real growth rate 2.2% (FY90) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (October 1990-91) Unemployment rate: 15.5% (October 1991) Budget: revenues $5.8 billion; expenditures $5.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $258 million (FY89) Exports: NA commodities: pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment, instruments partners: US 87% (FY90) Imports: NA commodities: chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products partners: US 68% (FY90) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (FY90) Electricity: 4,149,000 kW capacity; 14,844 million kWh produced, 4,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, instruments; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 3% of labor force; crops - sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle, chickens; imports a large share of food needs Economic aid: none Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Puerto Rico Communications Railroads: 96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; no passenger railroads Highways: 13,762 km paved (1982) Ports: San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Arecibo Airports: 30 total; 24 usable; 19 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 900,000 or 99% of total households have TV; 1,067,787 telephones (1988); broadcast stations - 50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV (1990) Puerto Rico Defense Forces Branches: paramilitary National Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 830,133; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text PUERTO_R tures of $258 millio Morocco false marked Morocco showNameProp Morocco most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Morocco Geography Total area: 446,550 km2 Land area: 446,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 2,002 km; Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km Coastline: 1,835 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UN is attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently 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 Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior Terrain: mostly mountains with rich coastal plains Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt Land use: arable land 18%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 28%; forest and woodland 12%; other 41%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; desertification Note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar Morocco People Population: 26,708,587 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Moroccan(s); adjective - Moroccan Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99.1%, non-Moroccan 0.7%, Jewish 0.2% Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2% Languages: Arabic (official); several Berber dialects; French is often the language of business, government, and diplomacy Literacy: 50% (male 61%, female 38%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 7,400,000; agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985) Organized labor: about 5% of the labor force, mainly in the Union of Moroccan Workers (UMT) and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) Morocco Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Morocco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Rabat Administrative divisions: 37 provinces and 5 municipalities* (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Fes*, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache, Marrakech, Marrakech*, Meknes, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France) Constitution: 10 March 1972 Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court National holiday: National Day (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne), 3 March (1961) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Azzedine LARAKI (since 30 September 1986) Political parties and leaders: Morocco has 15 political parties; the major ones are Istiqlal, M'Hamed BOUCETTA; Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP); Popular Movement (MP), Secretariat General; National Assembly of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS); Constitutional Union (UC), Maati BOUABID Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: Chamber of Representatives: last held on 14 September 1984 (were scheduled for September 1990, but postponed until NA 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (306 total, 206 elected) CU 83, RNI 61, MP 47, Istiqlal 41, USFP 36, PND 24, other 14 Communists: about 2,000 Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS (observer), NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Morocco Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed BELKHAYAT; Chancery at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-7979; there is a Moroccan Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Frederick VREELAND; Embassy at 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat (mailing address is P. O. Box 120, Rabat, or PSC 74, APO AE 09718; telephone [212] (7) 76-22-65; FAX [212] (7) 76-56-61; there is a US Consulate General in Casablanca Flag: 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 Morocco Economy Overview: The economy had recovered moderately in 1990 because of: the resolution of a trade dispute with India over phosphoric acid sales, a rebound in textile sales to the EC, lower prices for food imports, a sharp increase in worker remittances, increased Arab donor aid, and generous debt rescheduling agreements. Economic performance in 1991 was mixed. A record harvest helped real GDP advance by 4.2%, although nonagricultural output grew by less than 1%. Inflation accelerated slightly as easier financial policies triggered rapid credit and monetary growth. Despite recovery of domestic demand, import volume growth slowed while export volume was adversely affected by phosphate marketing difficulties. In January 1992, Morocco reached a new 12-month standby arrangement for $129 million with the IMF. In February 1992, the Paris Club rescheduled $1.4 billion of Morocco's commercial debt. This is thought to be Morocco's last rescheduling. By 1993 the Moroccan authorities hope to be in a position to meet all debt service obligations without additional rescheduling. Servicing this large debt, high unemployment, and Morocco's vulnerability to external economic forces remain severe long-term problems. exchange rate conversion - $27.3 billion, per capita $1,060; real growth rate 4.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.1% (1991 ) Unemployment rate: 16% (1991) Budget: revenues $7.5 billion; expenditures $7.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.9 billion (1992) Exports: $4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17% partners: EC 58%, India 7%, Japan 5%, USSR 3%, US 2% Imports: $6.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9% partners: EC 53%, US 11%, Canada 4%, Iraq 3%, USSR 3%, Japan 2% External debt: $20 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1989 est.); accounts for an estimated 20% of GDP Electricity: 2,270,000 kW capacity; 8,170 million kWh produced, 310 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism Agriculture: 50% of employment and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olives; fishing catch of 491,000 metric tons in 1987 Morocco Economy 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; occasional transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe. Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5 billion; $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standby agreement worth $13 million; World Bank, $450 million (1991) Currency: Moroccan dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.889 (March 1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Morocco Communications Railroads: 1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 km electrified) Highways: 59,198 km total; 27,740 km paved, 31,458 km gravel, crushed stone, improved earth, and unimproved earth Pipelines: crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 km Ports: Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla Merchant marine: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 315,249 GRT/487,479 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 2 container, 12 refrigerated cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 3 petroleum tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 3 short-sea passenger Civil air: 28 major transport aircraft Airports: 75 total, 67 usable; 26 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system composed of wire lines, cables, and radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 20 AM, 7 FM, 26 TV and 26 additional rebroadcast sites; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave to Algeria; microwave network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco Morocco Defense Forces Branches: Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 6,604,712; 4,196,449 fit for military service; 293,204 reach military age (18) annually; limited conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 4.2% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MOROCCO - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months, extendable. For additional information consult Embassy of Morocco, 1601 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/462-7979 to 7982) or Consulate General in New York (212/758-2625). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MOROCCO Mozambique false marked Mozambique showNameProp Mozambique most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mozambique Geography Total area: 801,590 km2 Land area: 784,090 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,571 km total; 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical to subtropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west Natural resources: coal, titanium Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 56%; forest and woodland 20%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: severe drought and floods occur in south; desertification Mozambique People Population: 15,469,150 (July 1992), growth rate 4.1% (1992); note - 1.5 million Mozambican refugees; 900,000 in Malawi (1991 est.) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 12 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 46 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mozambican(s); adjective - Mozambican Ethnic divisions: majority from indigenous tribal groups; Europeans about 10,000, Euro-Africans 35,000, Indians 15,000 Religions: indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10% Languages: Portuguese (official); many indigenous dialects Literacy: 33% (male 45%, female 21%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA, but 90% engaged in agriculture Organized labor: 225,000 workers belong to a single union, the Mozambique Workers' Organization (OTM) Mozambique Government Long-form name: Republic of Mozambique Type: republic 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) Constitution: 30 November 1990 Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica) Judicial branch: People's Courts at all levels Leaders: Chief of State: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mario da Graca MACHUNGO (since 17 July 1986) Political parties and leaders: Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) - formerly a Marxist organization with close ties to the USSR - was the only legal party before 30 November 1990 when the new Constitution went into effect establishing a multiparty system; note - the government plans multiparty elections as early as 1993; 14 parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party of Mozambique (PALMO), the Mozambique National Union (UNAMO), and the Mozambique National Movement (MONAMO) have already emerged Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and Assembly elections Communists: about 200,000 FRELIMO members; note - FRELIMO no longer considers itself a Communist party Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Hipolito PATRICIO; Chancery at Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 293-7146 US: Ambassador Townsend B. FRIEDMAN, Jr.; Embassy at Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193 Maputo (mailing address is P. O. Box 783, Maputo); telephone [258] (1) 49-27-97, 49-01-67, 49-03-50; FAX [258] (1) 49-01-14 Mozambique Government Flag: 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 Mozambique Economy Overview: One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and transportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, and investment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because of internal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growing foreign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economic reform policy, has resulted in successive years of economic growth since 1985. Agricultural output, nevertheless, is at about only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20-40% of capacity. The economy depends heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat. The continuation of civil strife through 1991 has dimmed chances of foreign investment, and growth was a mere 1%. Living standards, already abysmally low, dropped by 3-4% in both 1990 and 1991. exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, per capita $120; real growth rate 1.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 50% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $369 million; expenditures $860 million, including capital expenditures of $432 million (1989 est.) Exports: $117 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: shrimp 48%, cashews 21%, sugar 10%, copra 3%, citrus 3% partners: US, Western Europe, GDR, Japan Imports: $870 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.), including aid commodities: food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum partners: US, Western Europe, USSR External debt: $4.9 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989 est.) Electricity: 2,270,000 kW capacity; 1,745 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 80% of the labor force, 50% of GDP, and about 90% of exports; cash crops - cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops - cassava, corn, rice, tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890 million Currency: metical (plural - meticais); 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 2,358 (1 May 1992), 1,811.18 (1991), 929.00 (1990), 800.00 (1989), 528.60 (1988), 289.44 (1987) Mozambique Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Mozambique Communications Railroads: 3,288 km total; 3,140 km 1.067-meter gauge; 148 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge; Malawi-Nacala, Malawi-Beira, and Zimbabwe-Maputo lines are subject to closure because of insurgency Highways: 26,498 km total; 4,593 km paved; 829 km gravel, crushed stone, stabilized soil; 21,076 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: about 3,750 km of navigable routes Pipelines: crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 km Ports: Maputo, Beira, Nacala Merchant marine: 5 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 7,806 GRT/12,873 DWT Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 195 total, 137 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay; broadcast stations - 29 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic Indian Ocean INTELSAT Mozambique Defense Forces Branches: Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards, Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,490,554; 2,004,913 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $107 million, 6-7% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MOZAMBIQUE - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Entry visa valid 30 days from date of issuance, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, immunization for yellow fever and cholera, $15 fee and letter (from company or individual) giving detailed itinerary. Visitors must exchange $25 at point of entry and declare all foreign currency. Visitors must carry passport at all times during stay. Apply Embassy of the PeopleUs Republic of Mozambique, Suite 570, 1990 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/293-7146). MOZAMBIQUE - WARNING July 21, 1992 The Department of State warns American travelers that the guerrilla war against the Mozambique Government by the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) is active throughout the country. Random and continuous attacks on civilian and economic targets make road and rail travel outside of provincial capitals hazardous. The defense perimeter around the capital city of Maputo is limited and weak, rarely extending beyond 15 miles, and is mostly ineffective at night. Travel at night outside major cities is extremely hazardous and should be avoided. Travel on the national highways between Swaziland and Maputo or South Africa is not safe. Attacks on these highways are commonplace. There are food shortages in rural areas and many district capitals. Travelers should be prepared to pay most bills in dollars or travelers checks. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique. Currency should not be converted except at locations authorized by the Mozambican government. Property crime has increased dramatically in urban centers. There is a high level of automobile vandalism and theft, especially in Maputo, and in some cases, at gunpoint. There have also been reports of an increase in violent crimes in urban areas. City streets are heavily patrolled by police and soldiers. Soldiers normally carry automatic weapons, and their authority should not be challenged. U.S. citizens who visit or live in Mozambique should register upon arrival at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo. The address is Avenue Kenneth Kaunda 193, telephone number 49-27-97. The afterhours telephone number in case of emergencies is 49-00-71. The U.S. Embassy is the best source of current information. No. 92-147 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated December 5, 1991, without change. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MOZAMBIQ Namibia false marked Namibia showNameProp Namibia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Namibia Geography Total area: 824,290 km2 Land area: 823,290 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Alaska Land boundaries: 3,935 km total; Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 966 km, Zambia 233 km Coastline: 1,489 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; disputed island with Botswana in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay and 12 offshore islands administered by South Africa; Namibia and South Africa have agreed to jointly administer the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to be covered by joint administration arrangements have not been established at this time, and Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty over the entire area; recent dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Sidudu Island in the Linyanti River Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and iron ore Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 64%; forest and woodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: inhospitable with very limited natural water resources; desertification Note: Walvis Bay area is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia Namibia People Population: 1,574,927 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 66 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 58 years male, 63 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Namibian(s); adjective - Namibian Ethnic divisions: black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4%; about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% from the Kavangos tribe Religions: predominantly Christian Languages: English is official language; Afrikaans is common language of most of population and about 60% of white population, German 32%, English 7%; several indigenous languages Literacy: 38% (male 45%, female 31%) age 15 and over can read and write (1960) Labor force: 500,000; agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government 7%, mining 6% (1981 est.) Organized labor: 20 trade unions representing about 90,000 workers Namibia Government Long-form name: Republic of Namibia Type: republic Capital: Windhoek Administrative divisions: the former administrative structure of 26 districts has been abolished and 14 temporary regions are still being determined; note - the 26 districts were Bethanien, Boesmanland, Caprivi Oos, Damaraland, Gobabis, Grootfontein, Hereroland Oos, Hereroland Wes, Kaokoland, Karasburg, Karibib, Kavango, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Maltahohe, Mariental, Namaland, Okahandja, Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Outjo, Owambo, Rehoboth, Swakopmund, Tsumeb, Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral; House of Review (upper house, to be established with elections in late 1992 by planned new regional authorities); National Assembly (lower house elected by universal suffrage) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), Dirk MUDGE; United Democratic Front (UDF), Justus GAROEB; Action Christian National (ACN), Kosie PRETORIUS; National Patriotic Front (NPF), Moses KATJIUONGUA; Federal Convention of Namibia (FCN), Hans DIERGAARDT; Namibia National Front (NNF), Vekuii RUKORO Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 16 February 1990 (next to be held March 1995); results - Sam NUJOMA was elected president by the Constituent Assembly (now the National Assembly) National Assembly: last held on 7-11 November 1989 (next to be held by November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 41, DTA 21, UDF 4, ACN 3, NNF 1, FCN 1, NPF 1 Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACP, AfDB, CECA (associate), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, ITU, NAM, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, WCL, WFTU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH; Chancery at 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (mailing address is PO Box 34738, Washington, DC 20043); telephone (202) 986-0540 Namibia Government US: Ambassador Genta Hawkins HOLMES; Embassy at Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek (mailing address is P. O. Box 9890, Windhoek 9000, Namibia); telephone [264] (61) 221-601, 222-675, 222-680; FAX [264] (61) 229-792 Flag: 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 Namibia Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract and process 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. Alluvial diamond deposits are among the richest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten, and it has substantial resources of coal. More than half the population depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. exchange rate conversion - $2 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate 5.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17% (1991 - Windhoek) Unemployment rate: over 25% (1991) Budget: revenues $864 million; expenditures $1,112 million, including capital expenditures of $144 million (FY 92) Exports: $1,021 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: uranium, diamonds, zinc, copper, cattle, processed fish, karakul skins partners: Switzerland, South Africa, FRG, Japan Imports: $894 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment partners: South Africa, FRG, US, Switzerland External debt: about $250 million; under a 1971 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, Namibia may not be liable for debt incurred during its colonial period Industrial production: growth rate - 6% (1990 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP, including mining Electricity: 490,000 kW capacity; 1,290 million kWh produced, 850 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc, diamond, uranium) Agriculture: mostly subsistence farming; livestock raising major source of cash income; crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled, 1988 catch reaching only 384,000 metric tons; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $47.2 million Currency: South African rand (plural - rand); 1 South African rand (R) = 100 cents Exchange rates: South African rand (R) per US$1 - 2.8809 (March 1992), 2.7653 (1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988), 2.0350 (1987), 2.2685 (1986) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Namibia Communications Railroads: 2,341 km 1.067-meter gauge, single track Highways: 54,500 km; 4,079 km paved, 2,540 km gravel, 47,881 km earth roads and tracks Ports: Luderitz; primary maritime outlet is Walvis Bay (South Africa) Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 137 total, 112 usable; 21 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 63 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good urban, fair rural services; radio relay connects major towns, wires extend to other population centers; 62,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 40 FM, 3 TV Namibia Defense Forces Branches: National Defense Force (Army), Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 320,277; 189,997 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 3.4% of GDP (FY 92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NAMIBIA - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay up to 90 days. Consult Embassy of Namibia, 1605 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/986-0540) for further information on entry requirements. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NAMIBIA Nauru false marked Nauru showNameProp Nauru most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Nauru Geography Total area: 21 km2 Land area: 21 km2 Comparative area: about one-tenth the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 30 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February) Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center Natural resources: phosphates Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: only 53 km south of Equator Note: located 500 km north-northeast of Papua New Guinea, 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 Nauru People Population: 9,460 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 41 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nauruan(s); adjective - Nauruan Ethnic divisions: Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8% Religions: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic) Languages: Nauruan, a distinct Pacific Island language (official); English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Nauru Government Long-form name: Republic of Nauru Type: republic Capital: no capital city as such; 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 UN trusteeship under Australia, New Zealand, and UK); formerly Pleasant Island Constitution: 29 January 1968 Legal system: own Acts of Parliament and British common law National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 20 Elections: President: last held 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results - Bernard DOWIYOGO elected by Parliament Parliament: last held on 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18 Member of: C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTERPOL, ITU, SPC, SPF, UPU Diplomatic representation: Ambassador-designate Theodore Conrad MOSES resident in Melbourne (Australia); there is a Nauruan Consulate in Agana (Guam) US: the US Ambassador to Australia is accredited to Nauru Flag: 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 Nauru 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 - $10,000 annually. 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. exchange rate conversion - over $90 million, per capita $10,000; real growth rate NA% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 0% Budget: revenues $69.7 million; expenditures $51.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY86 est.) Exports: $93 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: phosphates partners: Australia, NZ Imports: $73 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery partners: Australia, UK, NZ, Japan External debt: $33.3 million Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 14,000 kW capacity; 50 million kWh produced, 5,430 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: phosphate mining, financial services, coconuts Agriculture: negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food and water Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 million Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2834 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Nauru Communications Railroads: 3.9 km; used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing facilities on the southwest coast Highways: about 27 km total; 21 km paved, 6 km improved earth Ports: Nauru Merchant marine: 1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,426 GRT/5,750 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft, one on order Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate local and international radio communications provided via Australian facilities; 1,600 telephones; 4,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Nauru Defense Forces Branches: no regular armed forces; Directorate of the Nauru Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: $NA - no formal defense structure entryText false sharedText textHeightProp x x NAURU - Passport and visa required. Passengers must have onward/return ticket. For specific information contact Consulate of the Republic of Nauru in Guam, First Floor, ADA Professional Bldg., Marine Drive, Agana, Guam 96910. Nauru - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or other diplomatic post in Nauru. Assistance for U.S. citizens is available at the U.S. Consulate General at 553 St. Kilda Road, P.O. Box 6722 Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia - Telephone: (61-3) 526-5900. Country Description: Nauru is a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system of government. Its economy is based on the export of phosphates. Tourist facilities are available on a limited basis. Yaren, the capital, has an international airport. Taxis and rental cars are available, and bus service runs throughout the island. Entry Requirements: Passports, visas, and onward/return tickets are required. Further specific information is available through the Consulate of the Republic of Nauru, first floor, ADA Professional Building, Marine Drive, in Agana, Guam. The telephone number is (671) 649-8300, with the mailing address P.O. Box A.M., Agana, Guam, 96910. Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in the Republic of Nauru are adequate for routine medical problems. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment has proved to be useful to travelers. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control, telephone number (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of Nauru is low. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne can obtain up-to-date information on travel and security in Nauru. No. 92-106 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NAURU Navassa Island false marked Navassa Island showNameProp Navassa Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Navassa Island Geography Total area: 5.2 km2 Land area: 5.2 km2 Comparative area: about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Haiti Climate: marine, tropical Terrain: raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 meters high) Natural resources: guano Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90% Environment: mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus Note: strategic location between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea; 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo, Cuba Navassa Island People Population: uninhabited; transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island Navassa Island Government Long-form name: none (territory of the US) Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast Guard Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Navassa Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Navassa Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Navassa Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NAVASSA_ Nepal false marked /v2:3 Nepal showNameProp Nepal most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Nepal Geography Total area: 140,800 km2 Land area: 136,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Arkansas Land boundaries: 2,926 km total; China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south Terrain: Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty; small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore Land use: arable land 17%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 33%; other 37%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India Nepal People Population: 20,086,455 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 90 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nepalese (singular and plural); adjective - Nepalese Ethnic divisions: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, as well as many smaller groups Religions: only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu (about 90% of population) and Buddhist groups (about 5% of population); Muslims 3%, other 2% (1981) Languages: Nepali (official); 20 languages divided into numerous dialects Literacy: 26% (male 38%, female 13%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 8,500,000 (1991 est.); agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2%; severe lack of skilled labor Organized labor: Teachers' Union and many other nonofficially recognized unions Nepal Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Nepal Type: parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991 Capital: Kathmandu Administrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti Independence: 1768, unified by Prithyi Narayan Shah Constitution: 9 November 1990 Legal system: based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or National Council and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat) Leaders: Chief of State: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24 February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, son of the King (born 21 June 1971) Head of Government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 29 May 1991) Political parties and leaders: ruling party: Nepali Congress Party (NCP), Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Ganesh Man SINGH, Krishna Prasad BHATTARAI center: the NDP has two factions: National Democratic Party/Chand (NDP/Chand), Lokinra Bahadur CHAND, and National Democratic Party/Thapa (NDP/Thapa), Surya Bahadur THAPA - the two factions announced a merger in late 1991; Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, G. N. Naryan SINGH Communist: Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Man Mohan ADIKHARY; United People's Front (UPF), N. K. PRASAI, Lila Mani POKHAREL; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, leader NA; Rohit Party, N. M. BIJUKCHHE; Democratic Party, leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 12 May 1991 (next to be held May 1996); results - NCP 38%, CPN/UML 28%, NDP/Chand 6%, UPF 5%, NDP/Thapa 5%, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 4%, Rohit 2%, CPN (Democratic) 1%, independents 4%, other 7%; seats - (205 total) NCP 110, CPN/UML 69, UPF 9, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 6, NDP/Chand 3, Rohit 2, CPN (Democratic) 2, NDP/Thapa 1, independents 3; note - the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gives Nepal a multiparty democracy system for the first time in 32 years Nepal Government Communists: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Other political or pressure groups: numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical Nepalese antimonarchist groups Member of: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Yog Prasad UPADHYAYA; Chancery at 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 667-4550; there is a Nepalese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Julia Chang BLOCH; Embassy at Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu; telephone [977] (1) 411179 or 412718, 411604, 411613, 413890; FAX [977] (1) 419963 Flag: red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun Nepal Economy Overview: Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 90% of the population and accounting for 60% of GDP. Industrial activity is limited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets has expanded recently and accounted for 87% of foreign exchange earnings in FY89. Apart from agricultural land and forests, the only other exploitable natural resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural production in the late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual population growth of 2.6%. Forty percent or more of the population is undernourished partly because of poor distribution. Since May 1991, the government has been encouraging privatization and foreign investment. It has introduced policies to eliminate many business licenses and registration requirements in order to simplify domestic and foreign investment procedures. Economic prospects for the 1990s remain poor because the economy starts from such a low base. exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, per capita $165; real growth rate 3.5% (FY91) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15.0% (December 1991) Unemployment rate: 5%; underemployment estimated at 25-40% (1987) Budget: revenues $294.0 million; expenditures $624.0 million, including capital expenditures of $396 (FY92 est.) Exports: $180 million (f.o.b., FY91) but does not include unrecorded border trade with India commodities: clothing, carpets, leather goods, grain partners: US, India, Germany, UK Imports: $545 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10% partners: India, Singapore, Japan, Germany External debt: $2.5 billion (April 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (FY91 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 280,000 kW capacity; 540 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet, cement, and brick production; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP and 90% of work force; farm products - rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient in food, particularly in drought years Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug markets Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2,230 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286 million Nepal Economy Currency: Nepalese rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 42.7 (January 1992), 37.255 (1991), 29.370 (1990), 27.189 (1989), 23.289 (1988), 21.819 (1987) Fiscal year: 16 July - 15 July Nepal Communications Railroads: 52 km (1990), all 0.762-meter narrow gauge; all in Terai close to Indian border; 10 km from Raxaul to Birganj is government owned Highways: 7,080 km total (1990); 2,898 km paved, 1,660 km gravel or crushed stone; also 2,522 km of seasonally motorable tracks Civil air: 5 major and 11 minor transport aircraft Airports: 37 total, 37 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication and broadcast service; international radio communication service is poor; 50,000 telephones (1990); broadcast stations - 88 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Nepal Defense Forces Branches: Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,798,984; 2,488,749 fit for military service; 225,873 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 2% of GDP (FY92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NEPAL - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa for stay up to 15 days issued at Kathmandu Airport upon arrival, extendable to 3 months, requires $20 fee (postal money order), 1 application form and photo. For other types of travel obtain visa in advance. For additional information contact Royal Nepalese Embassy, 2131 Leroy Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/667-4550) or Consulate General in New York (212/370-4188). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NEPAL Netherlands false marked Netherlands showNameProp Netherlands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Netherlands Geography Total area: 37,330 km2 Land area: 33,920 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey Land boundaries: 1,027 km total; Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km Coastline: 451 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters Terrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, crude oil, fertile soil Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 32%; forest and woodland 9%; other 32%; includes irrigated 16% Environment: 27% of the land area is below sea level and protected from the North Sea by dikes Note: located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, Schelde) Netherlands People Population: 15,112,064 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women); adjective - Dutch Ethnic divisions: Dutch 96%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 4% (1988) Religions: Roman Catholic 36%, Protestant 27%, other 6%, unaffiliated 31% (1988) Languages: Dutch Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1979 est.) Labor force: 5,300,000; services 50.1%, manufacturing and construction 28.2%, government 15.9%, agriculture 5.8% (1986) Organized labor: 29% of labor force Netherlands Government Long-form name: Kingdom of the Netherlands Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government Administrative divisions: 12 provinces (provincien, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland Independence: 1579 (from Spain) Constitution: 17 February 1983 Dependent areas: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles Legal system: civil law system incorporating French penal theory; judicial review in the Supreme Court of legislation of lower order rather than Acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, vice prime minister, Cabinet, Cabinet of Ministers Legislative branch: bicameral legislature (Staten Generaal) consists of an upper chamber or First Chamber (Eerste Kamer) and a lower chamber or Second Chamber (Tweede Kamer) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (De Hoge Raad) Leaders: Chief of State: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER, Prince of Orange, son of Queen Beatrix (born 27 April 1967) Head of Government: Prime Minister Ruud (Rudolph) F. M. LUBBERS (since 4 November 1982); Vice Prime Minister Wim KOK (since 2 November 1989) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Willem van VELZEN; Labor (PvdA), Wim KOK; Liberal (VVD), Joris VOORHOEVE; Democrats '66 (D'66), Hans van MIERIO; a host of minor parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: First Chamber: last held on 9 June l991 (next to be held 9 June 1995); results - elected by the country's 12 provincial councils; seats - (75 total) percent of seats by party NA Second Chamber: last held on 6 September 1989 (next to be held by September 1993); results - CDA 35.3%, PvdA 31. 9%, VVD 14.6%, D'66 7.9%, other 10.3%; seats - (150 total) CDA 54, PvdA 49, VVD 22, D'66 12, other 13 Communists: about 6,000 Netherlands Government Other political or pressure groups: large multinational firms; Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement (comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises; and IKV - Interchurch Peace Council Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMS, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Johan Hendrick MEESMAN; Chancery at 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-5300; there are Dutch Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador C. Howard WILKINS, Jr.; Embassy at Lange Voorhout 102, The Hague (mailing address PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715); telephone [31] (70) 310-9209; FAX [31] (70) 361-4688; there is a US Consulate General in Amsterdam Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer Netherlands Economy Overview: This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing industry. An unemployment rate of 6.2% and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most serious economic problems. purchasing power equivalent - $249.6 billion, per capita $16,600; real growth rate 2.2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.2% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $98.7 billion; expenditures $110.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $131.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: agricultural products, processed foods and tobacco, natural gas, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing partners: EC 74.9% (FRG 28.3%, Belgium-Luxembourg 14.2%, France 10.7%, UK 10.2%), US 4.7% (1988) Imports: $125.9 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: raw materials and semifinished products, consumer goods, transportation equipment, crude oil, food products partners: EC 63.8% (FRG 26.5%, Belgium-Luxembourg 23.1%, UK 8.1%), US 7.9% (1988) External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate 1.7% (1991 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 22,216,000 kW capacity; 63,570 million kWh produced, 4,300 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, fishing, construction, microelectronics Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; animal production predominates; crops - grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; shortages of grain, fats, and oils Illicit drugs: European producer of illicit amphetamines and other synethic drugs Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $19.4 billion Currency: Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (plural - guilders, gulden, or florins); 1 Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (f.) = 100 cents Netherlands Economy Exchange rates: Netherlands guilders, gulden, or florins (f.) per US$1 - 1.7753 (January 1992), 1.8697 (1991), 1.8209 (1990), 2.1207 (1989), 1.9766 (1988), 2.0257 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Netherlands Communications Railroads: 3,037 km track (includes 1,871 km electrified and 1,800 km double track); 2,871 km 1.435-meter standard gauge operated by Netherlands Railways (NS); 166 km privately owned Highways: 108,360 km total; 92,525 km paved (including 2,185 km of limited access, divided highways); 15,835 km gravel, crushed stone Inland waterways: 6,340 km, of which 35% is usable by craft of 1,000 metric ton capacity or larger Pipelines: crude oil 418 km; petroleum products 965 km; natural gas 10,230 km Ports: maritime - Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Den Helder, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Ijmuiden, Rotterdam, Scheveningen, Terneuzen, Vlissingen; inland - 29 ports Merchant marine: 345 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,630,962 GRT/3,687,598 DWT; includes 3 short-sea passenger, 191 cargo, 30 refrigerated cargo, 24 container, 12 roll-on/roll-off, 2 livestock carrier, 10 multifunction large-load carrier, 22 oil tanker, 27 chemical tanker, 10 liquefied gas, 2 specialized tanker, 9 bulk, 3 combination bulk; note - many Dutch-owned ships are also registered on the captive Netherlands Antilles register Civil air: 98 major transport aircraft Airports: 28 total, 28 usable; 19 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 11 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed, well maintained, and integrated; extensive redundant system of multiconductor cables, supplemented by radio relay links; 9,418,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 (3 relays) AM, 12 (39 repeaters) FM, 8 (7 repeaters) TV; 5 submarine cables; 1 communication satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean antenna) and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system Netherlands Defense Forces Branches: Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Constabulary Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,144,477; 3,649,746 fit for military service; 111,952 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.2 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NETHERLANDS - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business visit up to 90 days. Tourists may be asked to show onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for stay. For further information contact Embassy of the Netherlands, 4200 Linnean Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/244-5300) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/380-3440), IL (312/856-0110), NY (212/246- 1429) or TX (713/622-8000). Netherlands - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands is located in The Hague at Lange Voorhout 102; telephone (31) (70) 310-9209. There is also a Consulate General in Amsterdam at Museumplein 19; telephone (31) (20) 664- 5661. Country Description: The Netherlands is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. For further information concerning entry requirements for the Netherlands, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Netherlands at 4200 Linnean Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 328-4800, or the nearest Dutch Consulate General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The Netherlands has a low crime rate. Nevertheless, as in any country, crime does occur in city centers. Visitors to Amsterdam can become targets of pickpockets, bag snatchers, and thefts from autos in and around the central train station and in the adult entertainment district. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: The Netherlands enforces strict penalties for drug possession and trafficking, when significant quantities or hard drugs are involved. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or at the Consulate in Amsterdam can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-038 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... NETHERLA Netherlands Antilles false marked Netherlands Antilles showNameProp Netherlands Antilles most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Netherlands Antilles Geography Total area: 960 km2 Land area: 960 km2; includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin) Comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 364 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds Terrain: generally hilly, volcanic interiors Natural resources: phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only) Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 92% Environment: Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October Note: consists of two island groups - Curacao and Bonaire are located off the coast of Venezuela, and Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius lie 800 km to the north Netherlands Antilles People Population: 184,325 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -9 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Netherlands Antillean(s); adjective - Netherlands Antillean Ethnic divisions: mixed African 85%; remainder Carib Indian, European, Latin, and Oriental Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic; Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: Dutch (official); Papiamento, a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect predominates; English widely spoken; Spanish Literacy: 94% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 89,000; government 65%, industry and commerce 28% (1983) Organized labor: 60-70% of labor force Netherlands Antilles Government Long-form name: none Digraph: political parties are indigenous to each island *** Type: part of the Dutch realm - full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954 Capital: Willemstad Administrative divisions: none (part of the Dutch realm) Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm) Constitution: 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Executive branch: Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: legislature (Staten) Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Jaime SALEH (since October 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS (since 17 May 1988, previously served from September 1984 to November 1985) Political parties and leaders: political parties are indigenous to each island Bonaire: Patriotic Union of Bonaire (UPB), Rudy ELLIS; Democratic Party of Bonaire (PDB), Franklin CRESTIAN Curacao: National People's Party (PNP), Maria LIBERIA-PETERS; New Antilles Movement (MAN), Domenico Felip Don MARTINA; Workers' Liberation Front (FOL), Wilson (Papa) GODETT; Socialist Independent (SI), George HUECK and Nelson MONTE; Democratic Party of Curacao (DP), Augustin DIAZ; Nos Patria, Chin BEHILIA Saba: Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM Saba), Will JOHNSON; Saba Democratic Labor Movement, Vernon HASSELL; Saba Unity Party, Carmen SIMMONDS Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius (DP-St.E), K. Van PUTTEN; Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM); St. Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Ralph BERKEL Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten (DP-St.M), Claude WATHEY; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten (SPA), Vance JAMES Suffrage: universal at age 18 Netherlands Antilles Government Elections: Staten: last held on 16 March 1990 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (22 total) PNP 7, FOL-SI 3, UPB 3, MAN 2, DP-St. M 2, DP 1, SPM 1, WIPM 1, DP-St. E 1, Nos Patria 1; note - the government of Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS is a coalition of several parties Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WCL, WMO, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: as an autonomous part of the Netherlands, Netherlands Antillean interests in the US are represented by the Netherlands US: Consul General Sharon P. WILKINSON; Consulate General at Sint Anna Boulevard 19, Willemstad, Curacao (mailing address P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao); telephone [599] (9) 613066; FAX [599] (9) 616489 Flag: white with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band also centered; five white five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten Netherlands Antilles Economy Overview: Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of the economy. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Unlike many Latin American countries, the Netherlands Antilles has avoided large international debt. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US being the major supplier. exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion, per capita $7,600; real growth rate 1.5% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 21% (1991) Budget: revenues $454 million; expenditures $525 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1989 est.) Exports: $1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: petroleum products 98% partners: US 40%, Italy 6%, The Bahamas 5% Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: crude petroleum 64%, food, manufactures partners: Venezuela 42%, US 18%, Netherlands 6% External debt: $701.2 million (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 125,000 kW capacity; 365 million kWh produced, 1,985 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism (Curacao and Sint Maarten), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao) Agriculture: hampered by poor soils and scarcity of water; chief products - aloes, sorghum, peanuts, fresh vegetables, tropical fruit; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $513 million Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (plural - guilders, gulden, or florins); 1 Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (NAf.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders, gulden, or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.79 (fixed rate since 1989; 1.80 fixed rate 1971-88) Fiscal year: calendar year Netherlands Antilles Communications Highways: 950 km total; 300 km paved, 650 km gravel and earth Ports: Willemstad, Philipsburg, Kralendijk Merchant marine: 80 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 607,010 GRT/695,864 DWT; includes 4 passenger, 27 cargo, 13 refrigerated cargo, 7 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 11 multifunction large-load carrier, 4 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 1 bulk, 1 oil tanker; note - all but a few are foreign owned, mostly in the Netherlands Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 7 total, 6 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: generally adequate facilities; extensive interisland radio relay links; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 2 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Netherlands Antilles Defense Forces Branches: Royal Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49 49,082; 27,656 fit for military service; 1,673 reach military age (20) annually Note: defense is responsibility of the Netherlands entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NETHERLAND ANTILLES - (Islands include Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Statia, St. Martin [St. Maarten]). Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship required. Visa not required for stay up to 14 days, extendable to 90 days after arrival. Tourists may be asked to show onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for stay. Departure tax $10 when leaving Bonaire and Curacao, $4 in Statia, $10 in St. Martin. For further information consult Embassy of the Netherlands (202/244-5300), or nearest Consulate General: CA (212/380-3440), IL ( 314/856-1429), NY (212/246-1429) or TX (713/622-8000). Netherlands Antilles & Aruba - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Consulate Location: The U.S. Consulate General serving the islands of the Netherlands Antilles (which include Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius-- also known as Statia, and St. Maarten--Dutch side) and Aruba is located at J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao; telephone (599) (9) 613-066. Country Description: The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are autonomous parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport or proof of U.S. citizenship is required. For a stay of up to 14 days, extendible to 90 days after arrival, a visa is not required. Tourists may be asked to show onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can consult the Embassy of the Netherlands, 4200 Linnean Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 244-5300, or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good, but may be limited in more remote areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-080 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NETHERA New Caledonia false marked New Caledonia showNameProp New Caledonia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp New Caledonia Geography Total area: 19,060 km2 Land area: 18,760 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: none Coastline: 2,254 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 14%; forest and woodland 51%; other 35% Environment: typhoons most frequent from November to March Note: located 1,750 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean New Caledonia People Population: 174,805 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - New Caledonian(s); adjective - New Caledonian Ethnic divisions: Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3.0% Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10% Languages: French; 28 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects Literacy: 91% (male 91%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1976) Labor force: 50,469; foreign workers for plantations and mines from Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia (1980 est.) Organized labor: NA New Caledonia Government Long-form name: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies Type: overseas territory of France since 1956 Capital: Noumea Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and Sud Independence: none (overseas territory of France); note - a referendum on independence will be held in 1998, with a review of the issue in 1992 Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French President, high commissioner, Consultative Committee (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: High Commissioner and President of the Council of Government Alain CHRISTNACHT (since 15 January 1991) Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: Territorial Assembly: last held 11 June 1989 (next to be held 1993); results - RPCR 44.5%, FLNKS 28.5%, FN 7%, CD 5%, UO 4%, other 11%; seats - (54 total) RPCR 27, FLNKS 19, FN 3, other 5; note - election boycotted by FULK French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPCR 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - RPR 83.5%, FN 13.5%, other 3%; seats - (2 total) RPCR 2 Member of: FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO Diplomatic representation: as an overseas territory of France, New Caledonian interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used New Caledonia Economy Overview: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In recent years the economy has suffered because of depressed international demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a negligible amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 25% of imports. exchange rate conversion - $1.0 billion, per capita $6,000 (1991 est.); real growth rate 2.4% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.1% (1989) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1989) Budget: revenues $224.0 million; expenditures $211.0 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1985) Exports: $671 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nickel metal 87%, nickel ore partners: France 52.3%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.4% Imports: $764 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: foods, fuels, minerals, machines, electrical equipment partners: France 44.0%, US 10%, Australia 9% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 400,000 kW capacity; 2,200 million kWh produced, 12,790 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: nickel mining Agriculture: large areas devoted to cattle grazing; coffee, corn, wheat, vegetables; 60% self-sufficient in beef Illicit drugs: illicit cannabis cultivation is becoming a principal source of income for some families Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4,185 million Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (plural - francs); 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais duPacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 97.81 (January 1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30 (1988), 109.27 (1987); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: calendar year New Caledonia Communications Highways: 6,340 km total; only about 10% paved (1987) Ports: Noumea, Nepoui, Poro, Thio Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 29 total, 27 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 32,578 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station New Caledonia Defense Forces Branches: Gendarmerie, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 46,388; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NEW CALEDONIA - (See French Polynesia.) Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NEW_CALE New Zealand false marked 0h>,?:@' New Zealand showNameProp New Zealand most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp New Zealand Geography Total area: 268,680 km2 Land area: 268,670 km2; includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands Comparative area: about the size of Colorado Land boundaries: none Coastline: 15,134 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency) Climate: temperate with sharp regional contrasts Terrain: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains Natural resources: natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 53%; forest and woodland 38%; other 7%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe New Zealand People Population: 3,347,369 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - New Zealander(s); adjective - New Zealand Ethnic divisions: European 88%, Maori 8.9%, Pacific Islander 2.9%, other 0.2% Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 9% (1986) Languages: English (official), Maori Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 1,603,500 (June 1991); services 67.4%, manufacturing 19.8%, primary production 9.3% (1987) Organized labor: 681,000 members; 43% of labor force (1986) New Zealand Government Long-form name: none; abbreviated NZ Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Wellington Administrative divisions: 93 counties, 9 districts*, and 3 town districts**; Akaroa, Amuri, Ashburton, Bay of Islands, Bruce, Buller, Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Clifton, Clutha, Cook, Dannevirke, Egmont, Eketahuna, Ellesmere, Eltham, Eyre, Featherston, Franklin, Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Grey, Hauraki Plains, Hawera*, Hawke's Bay, Heathcote, Hikurangi**, Hobson, Hokianga, Horowhenua, Hurunui, Hutt, Inangahua, Inglewood, Kaikoura, Kairanga, Kiwitea, Lake, Mackenzie, Malvern, Manaia**, Manawatu, Mangonui, Maniototo, Marlborough, Masterton, Matamata, Mount Herbert, Ohinemuri, Opotiki, Oroua, Otamatea, Otorohanga*, Oxford, Pahiatua, Paparua, Patea, Piako, Pohangina, Raglan, Rangiora*, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua*, Runanga, Saint Kilda, Silverpeaks, Southland, Stewart Island, Stratford, Strathallan, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel*, Tuapeka, Vincent, Waiapu, Waiheke, Waihemo, Waikato, Waikohu, Waimairi, Waimarino, Waimate, Waimate West, Waimea, Waipa, Waipawa*, Waipukurau*, Wairarapa South, Wairewa, Wairoa, Waitaki, Waitomo*, Waitotara, Wallace, Wanganui, Waverley**, Westland, Whakatane*, Whangarei, Whangaroa, Woodville Independence: 26 September 1907 (from UK) Constitution: no formal, written constitution; consists of various documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments; Constitution Act 1986 was to have come into force 1 January 1987, but has not been enacted Dependent areas: Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau Legal system: based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for Maoris; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty), 6 February (1840) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (commonly called Parliament) Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Catherine TIZARD (since 12 December 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister James BOLGER (since 29 October 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Donald McKINNON (since 2 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: National Party (NP; government), James BOLGER; New Zealand Labor Party (NZLP; opposition), Michael MOORE; NewLabor Party (NLP), Jim ANDERTON; Democratic Party, Dick RYAN; New Zealand Liberal Party, Hanmish MACINTYRE and Gilbert MYLES; Green Party, no official leader; Mana Motuhake, Martin RATA; Socialist Unity Party (SUP; pro-Soviet), Kenneth DOUGLAS; note - the New Labor, Democratic, and Mana Motuhake parties formed a coalition in September 1991; the Green Party joined the coalition in May 1992 New Zealand Government Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 27 October 1990 (next to be held October 1993); results - NP 49%, NZLP 35%, Green Party 7%, NLP 5%; seats - (97 total) NP 67, NZLP 29, NLP 1 Member of: ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, C, CCC, CP, COCOM, (cooperating country), EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador - Denis Bazely Gordon McLEAN; Chancery at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-4800; there are New Zealand Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York US: Ambassador Della M. NEWMAN; Embassy at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (mailing address is P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001); telephone [64] (4) 722-068; FAX [64] (4) 723-537; there is a US Consulate General in Auckland Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation New Zealand Economy Overview: Since 1984 the government has been reorienting an agrarian economy dependent on a guaranteed British market to an open free market economy that can compete on the global scene. The government has hoped that dynamic growth would boost real incomes, reduce inflationary pressures, and permit the expansion of welfare benefits. The results have been mixed: inflation is down from double-digit levels, but growth has been sluggish and unemployment, always a highly sensitive issue, has exceeded 10% since May 1991. In 1988, GDP fell by 1%, in 1989 grew by a moderate 2.4%, and was flat in 1990-91. purchasing power equivalent - $46.2 billion, per capita $14,000; real growth rate - 0.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.0% (1991) Unemployment rate: 10.7% (September 1991) Budget: revenues $17.6 billion; expenditures $18.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91 est.) Exports: $9.4 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fruit, fish, cheese, manufactures, chemicals, forestry products partners: EC 18.3%, Japan 17.9%, Australia 17.5%, US 13.5%, China 3.6%, South Korea 3.1% Imports: $8.4 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: petroleum, consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial equipment partners: Australia 19.7%, Japan 16.9%, EC 16.9%, US 15.3%, Taiwan 3.0% External debt: $17.4 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 1.9% (1990); accounts for about 20% of GDP Electricity: 7,800,000 kW capacity; 28,000 million kWh produced, 8,500 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP and 10% of the work force; livestock predominates - wool, meat, dairy products all export earners; crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, and vegetables; surplus producer of farm products; fish catch reached a record 503,000 metric tons in 1988 Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $526 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June New Zealand Communications Railroads: 4,716 km total; all 1.067-meter gauge; 274 km double track; 113 km electrified; over 99% government owned Highways: 92,648 km total; 49,547 km paved, 43,101 km gravel or crushed stone Inland waterways: 1,609 km; of little importance to transportation Pipelines: natural gas 1,000 km; petroleum products 160 km; condensate 150 km Ports: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga Merchant marine: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 182,206 GRT/246,446 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 1 railcar carrier, 4 oil tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 bulk Civil air: about 40 major transport aircraft Airports: 118 total, 118 usable; 34 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international and domestic systems; 2,110,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 64 AM, 2 FM, 14 TV; submarine cables extend to Australia and Fiji; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations New Zealand Defense Forces Branches: New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 874,703; 739,923 fit for military service; 30,297 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $792 million, 2% of GDP (FY92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NEW ZEALAND - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months, must have onward/return ticket and visa for next destination. Proof of sufficient funds may also be required, either 1000 NZ dols (approx. 500 U.S. dols.) or with prearranged accommodations, 400 NZ dols/person/day. For additional information contact Embassy of New Zealand, 37 Observatory Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-4800) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/477-8241). New Zealand - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is located at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington - telephone: (64-4) 472- 2068. The U.S. Consulate General in Auckland is located on the 4th floor, Yorkshire General Building, Corner of Shortland and O'Connell Streets, - telephone: (64-9) 303-2724. The U.S. Consular Agent in Christchurch may be reached c/o Price Waterhouse Center, 119 Armagh Street, tel. (64-3) 379-0040. Country Description: New Zealand is a highly developed stable parliamentary democracy which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has a modern economy and tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays of up to three months, and visitors must have onward/return tickets and a visa for the next destination. Proof of sufficient funds may also be required with prearranged accommodations. Specific information is available through the Embassy of New Zealand, 37 Observatory Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 - telephone: (202) 328-4800 or the Consulate General of New Zealand in Los Angeles - telephone: (213) 477-8241. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Crime in New Zealand is comparatively low but has increased in recent years. Foreign visitors, including those from the U.S., are seldom victims of crime. The most prevalent incident is occasional theft or attempted theft. However, there have been several recent murders of foreign women tourists. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-107 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... NEW_ZEAL Nicaragua false marked Nicaragua showNameProp Nicaragua most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Nicaragua Geography Total area: 129,494 km2 Land area: 120,254 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New York State Land boundaries: 1,231 km total; Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km Coastline: 910 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 25 nm security zone (status of claim uncertain) Continental shelf: not specified Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; unresolved maritime boundary in Golfo de Fonseca Climate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Terrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes Natural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest and woodland 35%; other 12%; including irrigated 1% Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasional severe hurricanes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution Nicaragua People Population: 3,878,150 (July 1992), growth rate 2.8% (1992) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 57 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 66 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nicaraguan(s); adjective - Nicaraguan Ethnic divisions: mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5% Languages: Spanish (official); English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast Literacy: 57% (male 57%, female 57%) age 15 and over can read and write (1971) Labor force: 1,086,000; service 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986) Organized labor: 35% of labor force Nicaragua Government Long-form name: Republic of Nicaragua Type: republic Capital: Managua Administrative divisions: 9 administrative regions encompassing 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAN), Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAS) Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: January 1987 Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) and municipal courts Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President Virgilio GODOY (since 25 April 1990) Political parties and leaders: ruling coalition: National Opposition Union (UNO) is a 14-party alliance - National Conservative Party (PNC), Silviano MATAMOROS; Conservative Popular Alliance Party (PAPC), Myriam ARGUELLO; National Conservative Action Party (PANC), Hernaldo ZUNIGA; National Democratic Confidence Party (PDCN), Augustin JARQUIN; Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO; Neo-Liberal Party (PALI), Andres ZUNIGA; Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Jose Ernesto SOMARRIBA; National Action Party (PAN), Eduardo RIVAS; Nicaraguan Socialist Party (PSN), Gustavo TABLADA; Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN; Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Guillermo POTOY; Central American Integrationist Party (PIAC), Alejandro PEREZ opposition parties: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS; Democratic Conservative Party of Nicaragua (PCDN), Jose BRENES; Liberal Party of National Unity (PLUIN), Eduardo CORONADO; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Francisco SAMPER; Social Christian Party (PSC), Erick RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Social Conservative Party (PSOC), Fernando AGUERRO; Popular Action Movement - Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Mauricio DIAZ Suffrage: universal at age 16 Nicaragua Government Elections: President: last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5% National Assembly: last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results - UNO 53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 51, FSLN 39, PSC 1, MUR 1 Communists: 15,000-20,000 Other political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST), Farm Workers Association (ATC), Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD), National Union of Employees (UNE), National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN), Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN), Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO), and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS), Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A), Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I), and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ernesto PALAZIO; Chancery at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-6570 US: Ambassador Harry W. SHLAUDEMAN; Embassy at Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua (mailing address is APO AA 34021); telephone [505] (2) 666010 or 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through 34; FAX [505] (2) 666046 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band Nicaragua Economy Overview: Government control of the economy historically has been extensive, although the CHAMORRO government has pledged to greatly reduce intervention. Four private banks have been licensed, and the government has liberalized foreign trade and abolished price controls on most goods. Over 50% of the agricultural and industrial firms remain state owned. Sandinista economic policies and the war had produced a severe economic crisis. The foundation of the economy continues to be the export of agricultural commodities, largely coffee and cotton. Farm production fell by roughly 7% in 1989 and 4% in 1990, and remained about even in 1991. The agricultural sector employs 44% of the work force and accounts for 15% of GDP and 80% of export earnings. Industry, which employs 13% of the work force and contributes about 25% to GDP, showed a drop of 7% in 1989, fell slightly in 1990, and remained flat in 1991; output still is below pre-1979 levels. External debt is one of the highest in the world on a per capita basis. In 1991 the inflation rate was 766%, down sharply from the 13,490% of 1990. exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, per capita $425; real growth rate -1.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 766% (1991) Unemployment rate: 13%; underemployment 50% (1991) Budget: revenues $347 million; expenditures $499 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1991) Exports: $342 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: coffee, cotton, sugar, bananas, seafood, meat, chemicals partners: OECD 75%, USSR and Eastern Europe 15%, other 10% Imports: $738 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, food, chemicals, machinery, clothing partners: Latin America 30%, US 25%, EC 20%, USSR and Eastern Europe 10%, other 15% (1990 est.) External debt: $10 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate NA; accounts for about 25% of GDP Electricity: 423,000 kW capacity; 1,409 million kWh produced, 376 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 44% of work force; cash crops - coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans; variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy; normally self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,381 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.5 billion Currency: cordoba (plural - cordobas); 1 cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos Nicaragua Economy Exchange rates: cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 25,000,000 (March 1992), 21,354,000 (1991), 15,655 (1989), 270 (1988), 102.60 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Nicaragua Communications Railroads: 373 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge, government owned; majority of system not operating; 3 km 1.435-meter gauge line at Puerto Cabezas (does not connect with mainline) Highways: 25,930 km total; 4,000 km paved, 2,170 km gravel or crushed stone, 5,425 km earth or graded earth, 14,335 km unimproved; Pan-American highway 368.5 km Inland waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes Pipelines: crude oil 56 km Ports: Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,161 GRT/2,500 DWT Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft Airports: 228 total, 155 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into Central American Microwave System; 60,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 45 AM, no FM, 7 TV, 3 shortwave; earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Nicaragua Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 878,066; 541,090 fit for military service; 42,997 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $70 million, 3.8% of GDP (1991 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NICARAGUA - Passport must be valid 6 months beyond duration of stay, onward/return ticket and sufficient funds ($200 minimum) required. Check further information with Embassy of Nicaragua, 1627 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/939-6531 to 34). NIGER - Passport and visa required. Visa valid between 6 and 24 months (from date of issuance), depending on type/category of travelers. Requires 3 application forms, 3 photos, yellow fever and cholera vaccinations, proof of onward/return transportation and letter of invitation. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Niger, 2204 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/483-4224). Nicaragua - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua is located at Kilometer 4 1/2 Carretera Sur in Managua; telephone (505-2) 666010. Country Description: Nicaragua has a developing economy. Its tourist industry is not highly developed. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport, an onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds ($200 minimum) to enter Nicaragua. Passports must be valid six months beyond duration of stay. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Nicaragua at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, tel (202) 387-4371. Areas of Instability: Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue in Managua and to a greater extent in the northern parts of the country. Incidents involving armed bandits operating in the country have increased. Travel by road between Nicaragua and Honduras, even on main roads, is potentially dangerous. Due to land mines in certain rural areas, it can be hazardous to venture off main roads. Travelers have experienced harassment at border crossings, especially when crossing the Gulf of Fonseca by ferry between Potosi, Nicaragua, and La Union, El Salvador. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Crime is on the increase in Nicaragua. Many thefts occur on crowded buses. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Most hotels and restaurants do not accept either credit cards or travelers' checks, but travelers' checks may be exchanged for local currency at authorized exchange facilities (Casas De Cambio). U.S. dollars are not always available. The three largest hotels in Managua exchange currency and accept payment by certain credit cards or travelers checks. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy during their visit may obtain current information on travel and security. No. 92-081 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... NICARAGU Niger false marked Niger showNameProp Niger most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Niger Geography Total area: 1,267,000 km2 Land area: 1,266,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 5,697 km total; Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north Natural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 2%; other 88%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recurrent drought and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural activities; overgrazing; soil erosion Note: landlocked Niger People Population: 8,052,945 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 58 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 23 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 42 years male, 45 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nigerien(s); adjective - Nigerien Ethnic divisions: Hausa 56%; Djerma 22%; Fula 8.5%; Tuareg 8%; Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%; Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%; about 4,000 French expatriates Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians Languages: French (official); Hausa, Djerma Literacy: 28% (male 40%, female 17%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,500,000 wage earners (1982); agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%; 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: negligible Niger Government Long-form name: Republic of Niger Type: as of November 1991, transition government appointed by national reform conference; scheduled to turn over power to democratically elected government in January 1993 Capital: Niamey Administrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: December 1989 constitution revised November 1991 by National Democratic Reform Conference Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958) Executive branch: president (ceremonial), prime minister (interim), Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Brig. Gen. Ali SAIBOU (since 14 November 1987); ceremonial post since national conference (1991) Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Amadou CHEIFFOU (since November 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Tanda MAMADOU; Niger Progressive Party - African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Harou KOUKA; Union of Popular Forces for Democracy and Progress (UDFP-SAWABA), Djibo BAKARY; Niger Democratic Union (UDN-SAWABA), Mamoudou PASCAL; Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Andre SALIFOU; Niger Social Democrat Party (PSDN-ALHERI), Mallam Adji WAZIRI; Niger Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-TARAYA), Issoufou MAHAMADOU; Democratic and Social Convention (CDS-RAHAMA), Mahamane OUSMANE; Union for Democracy and Progress (UDP), Bello TCHIOUSSO; Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS-AMANA), Akoli DAOUEL; Masses Union for Democratic Action (UMAD-AIKI), Belko GARBA; Worker's Liberation Party (PLT), Idi Ango OUMAROU; Convention for Social Rehabilitation (CRS), Abdoul Karim SEYNI; Popular Movement for Democracy in Niger (MPDN), Abdou SANDA; Popular Front for National Liberation (FPLN), Diallo SABO; Republican Party for Freedom and Progress in Niger (PRLPN), Alka ALMOU; other parties forming Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: President: President Ali SAIBOU has been in office since December 1989, but the presidency is now a largely ceremonial position Niger Government National Assembly: last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - MNSD was the only party; seats - (150 total) MNSD 150 (indirectly elected); note - Niger held a national conference from July to November 1991 to decide upon a transitional government and an agenda for multiparty elections Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Chancery at 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4224 through 4227 US: Ambassador Jennifer C. WARD; Embassy at Avenue des Ambassades, Niamey (mailing address is B. P. 11201, Niamey); telephone [227] 72-26-61 through 64 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band Niger Economy Overview: About 90% of the population is engaged in farming and stock raising, activities that generate almost half the national income. The economy also depends heavily on exploitation of large uranium deposits. Uranium production grew rapidly in the mid-1970s, but tapered off in the early 1980s when world prices declined. France is a major customer, while Germany, Japan, and Spain also make regular purchases. The depressed demand for uranium has contributed to an overall sluggishness in the economy, a severe trade imbalance, and a mounting external debt. exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $300; real growth rate -3.4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $220 million; expenditures $446 million, including capital expenditures of $190 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $320 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: uranium 75%, livestock products, cowpeas, onions partners: France 65%, Nigeria 11%, Ivory Coast, Italy Imports: $439 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: petroleum products, primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, cereals, foodstuffs partners: France 32%, Ivory Coast 11%, Germany 5%, Italy 4%, Nigeria 4% External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1989); accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: 105,000 kW capacity; 230 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium production began in 1971 Agriculture: accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops - cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought years Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,165 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Niger Economy Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Niger Communications Highways: 39,970 km total; 3,170 km bituminous, 10,330 km gravel and laterite, 3,470 km earthen, 23,000 km tracks Inland waterways: Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through March Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 29 total, 27 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links concentrated in southwestern area; 14,260 telephones; broadcast stations - 15 AM, 5 FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 3 domestic, with 1 planned Niger Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican National Guard, National police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,724,293; 928,177 fit for military service; 83,528 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $27 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NIGER - WARNING August 11, 1992 SUMMARY: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid non- essential travel to the desert areas of northern Niger. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in Niamey because of the volatile political situation and increasing crime. U.S. citizens are also advised that women in several Nigerian cities have been assaulted for not wearing the traditional, Nigerian floor-length wrap. End Summary. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the desert areas of northern Niger because of continued bandit activity, including armed attacks against government posts and armed robberies of travelers. Several persons, including at least one foreigner, have been killed. If travel must be undertaken, extreme caution should be exercised when traveling north of the central city of Tahoua, including the districts of Tchin-Tabaradene, Arlit, and Agadez. In addition, U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas bordering Mali and Algeria. Travelers to Niger should also be aware that the government of Niger has closed the border to tourists wishing to enter Niger overland from Algeria. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Political conditions have led to sporadic public disorder, resulting in increased risks to personal safety. U.S. citizens in Niamey should avoid political rallies and demonstrations. In addition, street crime, particularly armed robberies, has increased substantially in Niamey. Thieves and pickpockets are especially active in tourist areas. Robberies may occur anywhere, day or night, in the city. Consequently, the streets of Niamey are considered unsafe for walking at any time, and travelers are urged to use vehicles for door-to-door transportation. There have been incidents recently of groups of men assaulting women who are, or appear to be, African, for wearing garments other than the traditional ankle-length wraps known as Pagnes. Although U.S. citizens are not specific targets, one U. S. citizen was among those assaulted. U. S. citizens are advised to take appropriate precautions. U.S. citizens traveling to Niger are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Niamey upon arrival to receive updated information and to register their presence. The Embassy telephone numbers are 72-26-61, 62, 63, or 64. No. 92-156 This replaces the previous travel advisory, dated March 19, 1992, to advise U.S. citizens of assaults on women for not wearing traditional Nigerian clothing and of an increase in crime. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... NIGER Nigeria false marked Nigeria showNameProp Nigeria most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Nigeria Geography Total area: 923,770 km2 Land area: 910,770 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,047 km total; Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km Coastline: 853 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 30 nm Disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission created with Cameroon to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries - has not yet convened Climate: varies - equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Natural resources: crude oil, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas Land use: arable land 31%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 15%; other 28%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities; desertification; soil degradation, rapid deforestation Nigeria People Population: 126,274,589 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992); note - a new population figure of 88.5 million is in the process of being incorporated into revised Census Bureau figures (April 1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 110 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 50 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nigerian(s); adjective - Nigerian Ethnic divisions: more than 250 tribal groups; Hausa and Fulani of the north, Yoruba of the southwest, and Ibos of the southeast make up 65% of the population; about 27,000 non-Africans Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: English (official); Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani, and several other languages also widely used Literacy: 51% (male 62%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 42,844,000; agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15%; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 3,520,000 wage earners belong to 42 recognized trade unions, which come under a single national labor federation - the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) Nigeria Government Long-form name: Federal Republic of Nigeria Type: military government since 31 December 1983 Capital: Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in Abuja Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK) Constitution: 1 October 1979, amended 9 February 1984, revised 1989 Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960) Executive branch: president of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, Armed Forces Ruling Council, National Council of State, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Assembly was dissolved after the military coup of 31 December 1983 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Ibrahim BABANGIDA (since 27 August 1985) Political parties and leaders: two political parties established by the government in 1989 - Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: first presidential elections since the 31 December 1983 coup scheduled for late 1992 National Assembly: first elections since it was dissolved after the 31 December 1983 coup scheduled for 4 July 1992 Communists: the pro-Communist underground consists of a small fraction of the Nigerian left; leftist leaders are prominent in the country's central labor organization but have little influence on the government Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE; Chancery at 2201 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 822-1500; there is a Nigerian Consulate General in New York Nigeria Government US: Ambassador Lannon WALKER; Embassy at 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos (mailing address is P. O. Box 554, Lagos); telephone [234] (1) 610097; FAX [234] (1) 610257; there is a US Consulate General in Kaduna; note - the US Government has requested Nigerian Government permission to open an Embassy Branch Office in Abuja; the US Embassy will remain in Lagos until a later date, when the Branch Office in Abuja will become the Embassy and the Embassy in Lagos will become a Consulate General Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green Nigeria Economy Overview: Although Nigeria is Africa's leading oil-producing country, it remains poor with a $250 per capita GDP. In 1991 massive government spending, much of it to help ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule, ballooned the budget deficit and caused inflation and interest rates to rise. The lack of fiscal discipline forced the IMF to declare Nigeria not in compliance with an 18-month standby facility started in January 1991. Lagos has set ambitious targets for expanding oil production capacity and is offering foreign companies more attractive investment incentives. Government efforts to reduce Nigeria's dependence on oil exports and to sustain noninflationary growth, however, have fallen short because of inadequate new investment funds and endemic corruption. Living standards continue to deteriorate from the higher level of the early 1980s oil boom. exchange rate conversion - $30 billion, per capita $250; real growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $10 billion; expenditures $10 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $13.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: oil 95%, cocoa, rubber partners: EC 51%, US 32% Imports: $6.9 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: consumer goods, capital equipment, chemicals, raw materials partners: EC, US External debt: $32 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.2% (1990); accounts for 8.5% of GDP Electricity: 4,740,000 kW capacity; 11,280 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steel Agriculture: accounts for 32% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficient small-scale farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food and now an importer; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensively exploited Illicit drugs: illicit heroin and some cocaine trafficking; marijuana cultivation for domestic consumption and export; major transit country for heroin en route from southeast and southwest Asia via Africa to Western Europe and the US; growing transit route for cocaine from South America via West Africa to Western Europe and the US Nigeria Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.0 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billion Currency: naira (plural - naira); 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 10.226 (February 1992), 9.909 (1991), 8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989), 4.5370 (1988), 4.0160 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Nigeria Communications Railroads: 3,505 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 107,990 km total 30,019 km paved (mostly bituminous-surface treatment); 25,411 km laterite, gravel, crushed stone, improved earth; 52,560 km unimproved Inland waterways: 8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; natural gas 500 km; petroleum products 3,000 km Ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, Sapele Merchant marine: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 418,046 GRT/664,949 DWT; includes 17 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 7 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 bulk Civil air: 57 major transport aircraft Airports: 76 total, 64 usable; 33 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 15 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress; radio relay and cable routes; broadcast stations - 35 AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxial submarine cable Nigeria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 28,778,532; 16,451,582 fit for military service; 1,256,440 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 1% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NIGERIA - Passport and visa required. Visa, no charge, valid for one entry within 12 months, requires 1 photo, yellow fever and cholera vaccinations, and for tourism a letter of invitation is required. Business visa requires letter from counterpart in Nigeria and letter of introduction from U.S. company. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/822-1500 or 1522) or nearest Consulate General: San Francisco (415/552-0334), Atlanta (404/577-4800) or New York (212/715- 7200). NIGERIA - CAUTION October 19, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that there are serious security deficiencies at the International Airport in Lagos. The Department further advises that there exists the possibility of civil unrest in parts of Nigeria; spontaneous civil disturbances have occurred and could recur. In addition, there is an increasing number of sophisticated, fraudulent commercial schemes originating in Nigeria. Such schemes may lead to physical danger and frequently involve the offer of illegal entry into Nigeria without a visa. District offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce can provide more information. Street crime continues to be a problem, and health hazards are ever-present. End Summary. U.S. travelers are advised that FAA specialists conducted a survey in late September 1992 and determined that the International Airport in Lagos did not meet the minimum security standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The FAA has issued a public notice to this effect. Most U.S. citizens who travel through Nigeria do so without incident. However, a major new development in the past year is the commercial scam or sting that targets foreigners, including a significant number of U.S. citizens. These scams are usually both fraudulent and illegal, and could involve U.S. citizens in illegal activity, resulting in extortion or bodily harm. The ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business deals is extremely limited, and police may not always inform the U.S. Embassy of an American citizen in distress. These scams generally involve either outright money transfers or lucrative sales or contracts purporting to involve large sums of money and promises of large commissions for upfront payments. Alleged contracts frequently invoke the authority of a ministry or office of the Nigerian government, and may even cite the support of a Nigerian government official by name. The U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Embassy in Lagos or the U.S. Consulate General in Kaduna can provide business travelers with further details. U.S. citizens and all other foreigners are required to have visas. Frequently, the perpetrators of fraudulent commercial schemes will attempt to entice the foreign traveler to enter Nigeria without a visa. Furthermore, U.S. citizens cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their visa, that they entered legally. Street crime in Nigeria can also be a problem. Airports are specifically targeted by criminals. Pickpockets or persons posing as officials may offer assistance and then disappear with the travelers' passports and/or baggage. To avoid this problem many travelers arrange to be met upon arrival by travel agents, family members or friends. Travel to the region of Wukari (local government area of Taraba state) near the Benue state border (approximately 150 miles southeast of the city of Jos) requires that caution be exercised. There are reports of numerous deaths resulting from violent clashes between local groups over long- standing land disputes. Travelers have been stopped and attacked at random. Information on current conditions in that region may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at Lagos, the Consulate General at Kaduna and/or local Nigerian government authorities. U.S. citizens living in Nigeria should be aware of the high incidence of residential break-ins. Roadblocks occur at frequent intervals and individuals stopped at roadblocks have reported requests for unlawful payments or other types of intimidation or harassment. A variety of diseases pose a serious health threat. The public is not always informed in a timely manner about outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. Malaria, including cerebral malaria, and hepatitis are endemic. Nigeria, like many other countries, has experienced civil unrest and violence from time to time. The causes and locations vary. Outbreaks of such violence occurred most recently in the Lagos area, parts of Kaduna state, and a few other locations. There has been labor unrest in various parts of the country and flare-ups in various local markets. Although U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted and were not involved in these disturbances, they and their vehicles could be inadvertently caught up in a demonstration or riot. Elections for state offices took place in December 1991; presidential elections are scheduled for December 5, 1992. As this electoral process could see heightened tensions, travelers may check with the U.S. Embassy in Lagos or the Consulate General in Kaduna regarding dates, locations and any specific guidance that may be relevant. Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges, or official-looking buildings. Permission may be obtained from the host government's security personnel. Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria; travelers checks or currency in sufficient amount to cover the period of a planned visit are usually necessary. Interbank transfers are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. U.S. citizens may register upon arrival in Nigeria with either the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, 2 Eleke Crescent, telephone 610097; fax 635397 or the U.S. Consulate General in Kaduna, 2 Maska Road, telephone 201070. No. 92-172 This replaces the travel advisory issued June 24, 1992, and advises travelers that the FAA has reported serious security deficiencies at the Lagos Airport. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NIGERIA false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Niue Geography Total area: 260 km2 Land area: 260 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land 61%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 19%; other 12% Environment: subject to typhoons Note: one of world's largest coral islands; located about 460 km east of Tonga Niue People Population: 1,751 (July 1992), growth rate - 6.4% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Niuean(s); adjective - Niuean Ethnic divisions: Polynesian, with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society 75%, Mormon 10%, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist 5% Languages: Polynesian tongue closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 14 Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.); most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board Organized labor: NA Niue Government Long-form name: none Type: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs Capital: Alofi Administrative divisions: none Independence: became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974 Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act) Legal system: English common law National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty), 6 February (1840) Executive branch: British monarch, premier, Cabinet Legislative branch: Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand, High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand Representative John SPRINGFORD (since 1974) Head of Government: Premier Sir Robert R. REX (since October 1974) Political parties and leaders: Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIAN Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 8 April 1990 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) NIP 1, independents 5 Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Flag: 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 one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross Niue Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. 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 migration of Niueans to New Zealand. exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million, per capita $1,000; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.6% (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $5.5 million; expenditures $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY85 est.) Exports: $175,274 (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia Imports: $3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,500 kW capacity; 3 million kWh produced, 1,490 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourist, handicrafts Agriculture: copra, coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Niue Communications Highways: 123 km all-weather roads, 106 km access and plantation roads Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway of 1,650 m Telecommunications: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383 telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV Niue Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NIUE - Passport, onward/return ticket and confirmed hotel accommodations required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. Visitors must have confirmed accommodations and onward/return transportation. For additional information consult Embassy of New Zealand (202/328-4800). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Norfolk Island false marked Norfolk Island showNameProp Norfolk Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Norfolk Island Geography Total area: 34.6 km2 Land area: 34.6 km2 Comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 0%; other 75% Environment: subject to typhoons (especially May to July) Note: located 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean Norfolk Island People Population: 2,620 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Norfolk Islander(s); adjective - Norfolk Islander(s) Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutiny; more recently, Australian and New Zealand settlers Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986) Languages: English (official) and Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Norfolk Island Government Long-form name: Territory of Norfolk Island Type: territory of Australia Capital: Kingston (administrative center), Burnt Pine (commercial center) Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1957 Legal system: wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979; Supreme Court National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator H. B. MACDONALD (since NA 1989), who is appointed by the Governor General of Australia Head of Government: Assembly President and Chief Minister John Terence BROWN (since NA) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: 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 Norfolk Island Economy Overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. exchange rate conversion - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (FY89) Exports: $1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia Palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe Imports: $15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 7,000 kW capacity; 8 million kWh produced, 3,160 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit, cattle, poultry Economic aid: none Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Norfolk Island Communications Highways: 80 km of roads, including 53 km paved; remainder are earth formed or coral surfaced Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m (Australian owned) Telecommunications: 1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones (1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV Norfolk Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia entryText false sharedText textHeightProp NORFOLK ISLAND - Passport and visa required. Visa issued upon arrival for visit of up to 30 days, extendable, requires confirmed accommodations and onward/return ticket. Also obtain Australian transit visa in advance for travel to Norfolk Island. For both visas consult Australian Embassy (202/797-3000). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NORFOLK_ Northern Mariana Islands false marked Northern Mariana Islands showNameProp Northern Mariana Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Northern Mariana Islands Geography Total area: 477 km2 Land area: 477 km2; comprises 16 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,482 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to July, rainy season July to October Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters (Mt. Tagpochu on Saipan) Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: active volcanos on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons during the rainy season Note: strategic location 5,635 km west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines Northern Mariana Islands People Population: 47,168 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: undetermined Ethnic divisions: Chamorro majority; Carolinians and other Micronesians; Spanish, German, Japanese admixtures Religions: Christian with a Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found Languages: English, but Chamorro and Carolinian are also spoken in the home and taught in school Literacy: 96% (male 97%, female 96%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 12,788 local; 18,799 foreign workers (1990 est.) Organized labor: NA Northern Mariana Islands Government Long-form name: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Type: commonwealth in political union with the US and administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: Saipan Administrative divisions: none Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US) Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978) Executive branch: US President; governor, lieutenant governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Commonwealth Court and the Federal District Court Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989) Head of Government: Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); Lieutenant Governor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990) Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Alonzo IGISOMAR; Democratic Party, Felicidad OGUMORO Suffrage: universal at age 18; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Elections: Governor: last held in November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governor Senate: last held on November 1991 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republications 6, Democrats 3 House of Representatives: last held in November 1991 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) Republicans 5, Democrats 10 US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official ``resident representative'' located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA) Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC Diplomatic representation: none Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center Northern Mariana Islands Economy Overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitles the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. Another major source of income is the tourist industry, which employs about 10% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale in nature - mostly handicrafts and fish processing. purchasing power equivalent - $165 million, per capita $3,498; real growth rate NA% (1982); note - GNP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $112.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (February 1990) Exports: $153.9 million (1989) commodities: manufactured goods, garments, vegetables, beef, pork partners: NA Imports: $313.7 million, a 43% increase over previous year (1989) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 25,000 kW capacity; 35 million kWh produced, 740 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts Agriculture: coffee, coconuts, fruits, tobacco, cattle Economic aid: none Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Northern Mariana Islands Communications Highways: 381.5 km total (134.5 km first-grade primary, 55 km secondary, 192 km local) (1991) Ports: Saipan, Rota, Tinian Airports: 6 total, 4 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Northern Mariana Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text NORTHERN onomic aid: none Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Northern Mariana Islands Communications Highways: 381.5 km total (134.5 km first-grade primary, 55 km secondary, 192 km local) (1991) Ports: Saipan, R Maldives false marked Maldives showNameProp Maldives most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Maldives Geography Total area: 300 km2 Land area: 300 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 644 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm (defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with India) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August) Terrain: flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 meters Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 3%; other 84% Environment: 1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls Note: archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean Maldives People Population: 234,371 (July 1992), growth rate 3.7% (1992) Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Maldivian(s); adjective - Maldivian Ethnic divisions: Maldivians are a generally homogenous admixture of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Austrolasian, and African Religions: Sunni Muslim Languages: Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic); English spoken by most government officials Literacy: 92% (male 92%, female 92%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985) Labor force: 66,000 (est.); 25% engaged in fishing industry Organized labor: none Maldives Government Long-form name: Republic of Maldives Type: republic Capital: Male Administrative divisions: 19 district (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Waavu Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK) Constitution: 4 June 1964 Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978) Political parties and leaders: no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for the past eight centuries Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected Citizens' Council: last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected) Member of: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission in New York US: the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there; US Consular Agency, Midhath Hilmy, Male; telephone 2581 Flag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag Maldives Economy Overview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture is limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10% of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an important source of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism has become one of the most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industry accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to have increased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90. exchange rate conversion - $174 million, per capita $770 (1988); real growth rate 10.1% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.7% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $67 million; expenditures $82 million, including capital expenditures of $45 million (1990 est.) Exports: $52.0 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish 57%, clothing 25% partners: US, UK, Sri Lanka Imports: $128.9 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: consumer goods 54%, intermediate and capital goods 33%, petroleum products 13% partners: Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India External debt: $70 million (December 1989) Industrial production: growth rate -5.0% (1988); accounts for 6% of GDP Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for almost 30% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more important than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; most staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.) Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 million Currency: rufiyaa (plural - rufiyaa); 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laaris Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.234 (January 1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988), 9.2230 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Maldives Communications Highways: Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city Ports: Male, Gan Merchant marine: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 37,293 GRT/56,246 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 container, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Maldives Defense Forces Branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 52,195; 29,162 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.8 million, NA% of GDP (1984 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MALDIVES - Passport required. Tourist visa issued upon arrival, no charge. Visitors must have proof of onward/return transportation and sufficient funds (minimum of $10 per person per day of stay). Check with Embassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka for further information. The Embassy is located at 25 Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4, Sri Lanka. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MALDIVES false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mali Geography Total area: 1,240,000 km2 Land area: 1,220,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 7,243 km; Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Ivory Coast 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium; bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 7%; other 66%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertification Note: landlocked Mali People Population: 8,641,178 (July 1992), growth rate 2.5% (1992) Birth rate: 52 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 21 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 110 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 43 years male, 47 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malian(s); adjective - Malian Ethnic divisions: Mande (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole) 50%, Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 5%, other 10% Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1% Languages: French (official); Bambara spoken by about 80% of the population; numerous African languages Literacy: 32% (male 41%, female 24%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,666,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981); 50% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: National Union of Malian Workers (UNTM) is umbrella organization for over 13 national unions Mali Government Long-form name: Republic of Mali Type: republic; an interim government appointed by the national reform conference has organized a series of democratic elections and is scheduled to hand over power to an elected government on 26 March 1992 Capital: Bamako Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France; formerly French Sudan) Constitution: 2 June 1974, effective 19 June 1979; amended September 1981 and March 1985; new constitution presented during national reform conference in August 1991; a constitutional referendum is scheduled for 16 January 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960) Executive branch: Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25 members, predominantly civilian Legislative branch: Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Lt. Col. Amadou Toumani TOURE Head of Government: Prime Minister Soumana SAKO (since 2 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: formerly the only party, the Democratic Union of Malian People (UDPM), was disbanded after the coup of 26 March 1991, and the new regime legalized the formation of political parties on 5 April 1991; new political parties are Union of Democratic Forces (UFD), Demba DIALLO; Union for Democracy and Development (UDD), Moussa Bala COULIBALY; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally (US-RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; African Party for Solidarity and Justice (ADEMA), Alpha Oumar KONARE; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Democratic Party for Justice (PDJ), Abdul BA; Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almany SYLLA; Party for the Unity of Malian People (PUPM), Nock AGATTIA; Hisboulah al Islamiya, Hamidou DRAMERA; Union of Progressive Forces (UFP), Yacouba SIDIBE; National Congress of Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Assembly for Justice and Progress, Kady DRAME; Sudanese Progressive Party (PPS), Sekene Mody SISSOKO; numerous small parties formed in 1991; 46 total parties Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held on 9 June 1985 (next to be held March 1992); results - Gen. Moussa TRAORE was reelected without opposition Mali Government National Assembly: last held on 26 June 1988 (next to be held NA 1992); results - UDPM was the only party; seats - (82 total) UDPM 82; note - following the military coup of 26 March 1991, President TRAORE was deposed and the UDPM was disbanded; the 25-member CTSP has instituted a multiparty system, and presidential elections are to be held on 26 March 1992 and legislative elections on 9 February 1992 (new National Assembly to have 116 seats) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed Alhousseyni TOURE; Chancery at 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-2249 or 939-8950 US: Ambassador Herbert D. GELBER; Embassy at Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamako (mailing address is B. P. 34, Bamako); telephone [223] 225470; FAX [233] 22-80-59 Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Mali Economy Overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population live as nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, per capita $265; real growth rate 2.2% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -1.6% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capital expenditures of $178 (1989 est.) Exports: $285 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skins partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe Imports: $513 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cereals partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe External debt: $2.2 billion (1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 19.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms; cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops - millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, and goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Mali Communications Railroads: 642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes Highways: about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth, 10,360 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 1,815 km navigable Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 35 total, 27 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radio relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay in progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT Mali Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, National Police, Surete Nationale Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,701,050; 966,293 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MALI - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Tourist/business visa for stay up to 1 week, may be extended after arrival, requires $17 fee (cash or money order), 2 application forms, 2 photos, proof of onward/return transportation and yellow fever immunization. For business travel, must have company letter stating purpose of trip. Send SASE for return of passport if applying by mail. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Mali, 2130 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (332-2249). MALI - WARNING June 16, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling to Mali to defer travel to the 6th, 7th, and 8th regions; these regions known respectively as Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal regions. Travel should also be deferred to areas north of the Niger river in the 5th region, as well as to the areas near the Mauritania border in the 2nd (Koulikoro) and 4th (Segou) regions. This advisory does not affect travel to the towns of Mopti, Segou or Koulikoro. Incidents in these areas involve banditry, vehicle theft and insurgent attacks, and have occurred along major travel routes, near the principal cities and in smaller towns. Victims have included foreigners, who are targets of opportunity. U.S. citizens traveling to Mali are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy upon arrival to register their presence and to receive updated security information. The Embassy is located near the Bamako train station at the intersection of Rue Rochester NY and Mohamed V, telephone number 22-56-63. No. 92-127 This replaces the previous travel advisory, dated March 12, 1992, expanding the areas of Mali where travel should be deferred due to more widespread banditry. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... Malta false marked Malta showNameProp Malta most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Malta Geography Total area: 320 km2 Land area: 320 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 140 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs Natural resources: limestone, salt Land use: arable land 38%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 59%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce - increasing reliance on desalination Note: strategic location in central Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily, 290 km north of Libya Malta People Population: 359,231 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Maltese (singular and plural); adjective - Maltese Ethnic divisions: mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English Religions: Roman Catholic 98% Languages: Maltese and English (official) Literacy: 84% (male 86%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985) Labor force: 127,200; government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%, training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990) Organized labor: about 40% of labor force Malta Government Long-form name: Republic of Malta Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Valletta Administrative divisions: none (administration directly from Valletta) Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK) Constitution: 26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives Judicial branch: Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987) Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after adjustment) Member of: C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET; Chancery at 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-3611 or 3612; there is a Maltese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Sally J. NOVETZKE; Embassy at 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta (mailing address is P. O. Box 535, Valletta); telephone [356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654; FAX same as phone numbers Flag: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red Malta Economy Overview: Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services. Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy. Manufacturing accounts for about 27% of GDP, with the electronics and textile industries major contributors. In 1990 inflation was held to a low 3.0%. Per capita GDP at $7,000 places Malta in the middle-income range of the world's nations. exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, per capita $7,000 (1991 est.); real growth rate 5.5% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: 3.8% (1990) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $380 million (1992 plan) Exports: $l.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: clothing, textiles, footwear, ships partners: Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11% Imports: $2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4% External debt: $90 million, medium and long term (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDP Electricity: 328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 2,990 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing, textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP; overall, 20% self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs; generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, pork products; seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic foodstuffs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48 million Currency: Maltese lira (plural - liri); 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3257 (March 1992), 0.3004 (1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988), 0.3451 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Malta Communications Highways: 1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35 km improved and unimproved earth Ports: Valletta, Marsaxlokk Merchant marine: 658 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,003,001 GRT/15,332,287 DWT; includes 3 passenger, 13 short-sea passenger, 241 cargo, 14 container, 2 passenger-cargo, 16 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 1 barge carrier, 15 refrigerated cargo, 11 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil, 2 specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 124 petroleum tanker, 176 bulk, 23 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships, former republics of the USSR own 52 ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Yugoslavia owns 9, Romania owns 4 Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones; excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarine cable and radio relay between islands; international service by 1 submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Malta Defense Forces Branches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 95,661; 76,267 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MALTA - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months (extendable - extension must be applied for prior to expiration of original visa) . For additional information consult Embassy of Malta, 2017 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/462-3611/2) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/685-6365 and 415/468-4321), MA (617/742- 1913), MI (313/525-9777), MO (816/833-0033), MN (612/228-0935), NY (212/725-2345), PA (412/262-8460) or TX (713/497-2100). Malta - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Malta is located on the third floor of Development House, St. Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta. The Consular Section may be reached at (356) 240424/425, 243216/217/653, or 223654. Country Description: Malta is a developed Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a cultural and political stepping-stone between Europe and north Africa. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: Visas are not required for tourist stays of up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 462-3611, or the nearest Maltese consulate in Boston, Detroit, Houston, Kansas city, Missouri, New York, Pittsburgh, St. Paul, or San Francisco. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Malta has a low rate of violent crime. Incidents of pickpocketing and purse-snatching are relatively rare. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-035 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MALTA Man, Isle of false marked Man, Isle of showNameProp Man, Isle of most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Man, Isle of Geography Total area: 588 km2 Land area: 588 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 113 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley Natural resources: lead, iron ore Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; extensive arable land and forests Environment: strong westerly winds prevail Note: located in Irish Sea equidistant from England, Scotland, and Ireland Man, Isle of People Population: 64,068 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 11 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Manxman, Manxwoman; adjective - Manx Ethnic divisions: native Manx of Norse-Celtic descent; British Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends Languages: English, Manx Gaelic Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education ages 5 to 16 Labor force: 25,864 (1981) Organized labor: 22 labor unions patterned along British lines Man, Isle of Government Long-form name: none Type: British crown dependency Capital: Douglas Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency) Independence: none (British crown dependency) Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act Legal system: English law and local statute National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July Executive branch: British monarch, lieutenant governor, prime minister, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and a lower house or House of Keys Judicial branch: High Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990) Head of Government: President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990) Political parties and leaders: there is no party system and members sit as independents Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Keys: last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24 Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency) Flag: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used ria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used Man, Isle of Economy Overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturing about 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK. exchange rate conversion - $490 million, per capita $7,573; real growth rate NA% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1988) Budget: revenues $130.4 million; expenditures $114.4 million, including capital expenditures of $18.1 million (FY85 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meat partners: UK Imports: $NA commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,930 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: an important offshore financial center; financial services, light manufacturing, tourism Agriculture: cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry Economic aid: NA Currency: Manx pound (plural - pounds); 1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0. 6102 (1987); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Man, Isle of Communications Railroads: 36 km electric track, 24 km steam track Highways: 640 km motorable roads Ports: Douglas, Ramsey, Peel Merchant marine: 79 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,436,196 GRT/2,479,432 DWT; includes 12 cargo, 7 container, 10 roll-on/roll-off, 30 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 5 liquefied gas, 11 bulk; note - a captive register of the United Kingdom, although not all ships on the register are British owned Airports: 1 total; 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV Man, Isle of Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MAN__ISL Marshall Islands false marked Marshall Islands showNameProp Marshall Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Marshall Islands Geography Total area: 181.3 km2 Land area: 181.3 km2; includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 370.4 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims US territory of Wake Island Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 60%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 40% Environment: occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands Note: located 3,825 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea; Bikini and Eniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range Marshall Islands People Population: 50,004 (July 1992), growth rate 3.9% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 52 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Marshallese (singular and plural); adjective - Marshallese Ethnic divisions: almost entirely Micronesian Religions: predominantly Christian, mostly Protestant Languages: English universally spoken and is the official language; two major Marshallese dialects from Malayo-Polynesian family; Japanese Literacy: 93% (male 100%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 4,800 (1986) Organized labor: none Marshall Islands Government Long-form name: Republic of the Marshall Islands Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 Capital: Majuro Administrative divisions: none Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship; formerly the Marshall Islands District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Constitution: 1 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Nitijela (parliament) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Amata KABUA (since 1979) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional) leader Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President Amata KABUA was reelected Parliament: last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) Member of: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL; Chancery at 2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-5414 US: Ambassador William BODDE, Jr.; Embassy at NA address (mailing address is P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379); telephone (011) 692-4011; FAX (011) 692-4012 Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes Marshall Islands Economy Overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 1987 the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallese budget of $55 million. exchange rate conversion - $63 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $55 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA (1987 est.) Exports: $2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicrafts partners: NA Imports: $29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, building materials partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore banking (embryonic) Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, copra; pigs, chickens Economic aid: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Marshall Islands Communications Highways: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks Ports: Majuro Merchant marine: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,347,312 GRT/4,630,172 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 container, 9 petroleum tanker, 18 bulk carrier, 2 combination ore/oil; note - a flag of convenience registry Airports: 17 total, 16 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein Marshall Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MARSHALL ISLANDS, REPUBLIC OF THE - Proof of U.S. citizenship, sufficient funds for stay and onward/return ticket required for stay up to 30 days. Entry permit not needed to bring in sea-going vessel. Obtain necessary forms from airline or shipping agent serving Marshall Islands. Departure fee $10 (those over age 60 exempt). Health certificate required if arriving from infected areas. AIDS test may be required for visits over 30 days; U.S. test accepted. Check information with Representative Office, Suite 1004, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202/234-5414) or office in Honolulu (808/942-4422). Marshall Islands - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Majuro, c/o P.O. Box 1379 - telephone: (011) 692-4011. Country Description: The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a parliamentary democracy, constitutionally in free association with the United States. It has a developing agrarian economy. Tourist facilities are not widely available. Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship, sufficient funds for the intended stay, and an onward/return ticket are required for a stay of up to 30 days. Further specific information is available through the Office of the Representative for the Marshall Islands, Suite 1004, 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 - telephone: (202) 234-5414. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands are adequate for routine medical problems, but may be limited in availability and quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always available outside the United States. In some cases supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of the Marshall Islands is low. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-103 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MARSHALL Martinique false marked Martinique showNameProp Martinique most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Martinique Geography Total area: 1,100 km2 Land area: 1,060 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 290 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 30%; forest and woodland 26%; other 26%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an average of one major natural disaster every five years Note: located 625 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea Martinique People Population: 371,803 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Martiniquais (singular and plural); adjective - Martiniquais Ethnic divisions: African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5% Languages: French, Creole patois Literacy: 93% (male 92%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982) Labor force: 100,000; service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%, agriculture 13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3% Organized labor: 11% of labor force Martinique Government Long-form name: Department of Martinique Type: overseas department of France Capital: Fort-de-France Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French legal system National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President of the General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held in October 1988 (next to be held by March 1991); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by party NA Regional Assembly: last held on 16 March 1986 (next to be held by March 1992); results - UDF/RPR coalition 49.8%, PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 41.3%, other 8.9%; seats - (41 total) PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 21, UDF/RPR coalition 20 French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1 French National Assembly: last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1 Communists: 1,000 (est.) Other political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc Pulvar; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants Member of: FZ, WCL Diplomatic representation: as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are represented in the US by France Martinique Government US: Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON; Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France (mailing address is B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206); telephone [596] 63-13-03 Flag: the flag of France is used Martinique Economy Overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 12% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. In 1986 per capita GDP was relatively high at $6,000. During 1986 the unemployment rate was 30% and was particularly severe among younger workers. exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $6,000; real growth rate NA% (1986) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1989) Unemployment rate: 30% (1986) Budget: revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.) Exports: $196 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987) Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,703 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism Agriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principal crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, and sugarcane for rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetables Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Martinique Communications Highways: 1,680 km total; 1,300 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth Ports: Fort-de-France Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways less than 2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interisland radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Martinique Defense Forces Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 95,235; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MARTINIQ Mauritania false marked 0t98:F;' Mauritania showNameProp Mauritania most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mauritania Geography Total area: 1,030,700 km2 Land area: 1,030,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico Land boundaries: 5,074 km; Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km Coastline: 754 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with Senegal Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 38%; forest and woodland 5%; other 56%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; desertification; only perennial river is the Senegal Mauritania People Population: 2,059,187 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 89 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 44 years male, 50 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mauritanian(s); adjective - Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim, nearly 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official); Hasaniya Arabic, Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: 34% (male 47%, female 21%) age 10 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980); agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10%; 53% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 30,000 members claimed by single union, Mauritanian Workers' Union Mauritania Government Long-form name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania Type: republic; military first seized power in bloodless coup 10 July 1978; a palace coup that took place on 12 December 1984 brought President Taya to power; he was elected in 1992 Capital: Nouakchott Administrative divisions: 12 regions(regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza; note - there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) Constitution: currently 12 July 1991; 20 May 1961 Constitution abrogated after coup of 10 July 1978; provisional constitution published 17 December 1980 but abandoned in 1981; constitutional charter published 27 February 1985 after Taya came to power; latest constitution approved after general referendum 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Executive branch: president Legislative branch: National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) and Senate Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984) Political parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), coalition of seven opposition factions, three leaders: Mohameden Ould BABAH, Diop Mamadou AMADOU, and Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR; Assembly for Democracy (RDU), Mohamed Ould SIDI BABA; Rally for Democracy and Unity (RDUN), Mohamed Ould Sidi BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Progressive Popular Alliance (APP), Taleb Ould Jiddou Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Moulaye El Hassan Ould JEYID; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN or PAGN), Khattry Ould Taleb JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADI; Union for Planning and Construction (UPC), Mohamed Ould EYAHA; Democratic Justice Party (PJD), Mohamed Abdallahi Ould EL BANE; Party for Liberty, Equality, and Justice (PLEJ), Ba Mamadou ALASSANE; Labor and National Unity Party (PTUN), Ali Bouna Ould OUENINA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held January 1992 (next to be held NA) results: President Col. Maabuya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA elected Senate: last held 3 and 10 April 1992 (next to be held April 1998) Mauritania Government National Assembly: last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held NA 1997) Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed Fall OULD AININA; Chancery at 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-5700 US: Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN; Embassy at address NA, Nouakchott (mailing address is B. P. 222, Nouakchott); telephone [222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63; FAX [222] (2) 515-92 Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam Mauritania Economy Overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, the droughts, the endemic conflict with Senegal, rising energy costs, and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. But the reform process suffered a major setback following the Gulf war of early 1991. Because of Mauritania's support of Saddam Husayn, bilateral aid from its two top donors, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, was suspended, and multilateral aid was reduced. exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, per capita $535; real growth rate 3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $280 million; expenditures $346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.) Exports: $436 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum; unrecorded but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal partners: EC 43%, Japan 27%, USSR 11%, Ivory Coast 3% Imports: $389 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: EC 60%, Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3% External debt: $1.9 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 20% of GDP Electricity: 190,000 kW capacity; 135 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fishing, fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Agriculture: accounts for 29% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops - dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large food deficit in years of drought Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277 million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 million Mauritania Economy Currency: ouguiya (plural - ouguiya); 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiya (UM) per US$1 - 79.300 (January 1992), 81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988), 73.878 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Mauritania Communications Railroads: 690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by government mining company Highways: 7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 28 total, 28 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor radio relay links, and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned Mauritania Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 436,897; 213,307 fit for military service; conscription law not implemented Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MAURITANIA - WARNING June 25, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Mauritania. U.S. citizens are urged to defer overland travel between Mauritania and all neighboring countries, except for travel to Senegal via the Rosso ferry and travel on the road to Kayes, Mali from Kankossa, Mauritania. With the resumption of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and Senegal, it is now possible to travel by air between Nouakchott, Mauritania and Dakar, Senegal. Surface border crossings are permitted only at Rosso. Mauritania and Senegal intend to establish embassies in each other's capitals in the near future. Until they do, U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Mauritania from Senegal should obtain a Mauritanian visa prior to arriving in Senegal. Border with Mali: Overland travel to Mali and along the Mali-Mauritanian border should be deferred, except for travel to Kayes, Mali from Kankossa in south-central Mauritania. Travel between Mali and Mauritania in other regions is dangerous. There has been a series of violent incidents related to the insurgency in Mali. In addition, it is not possible to get a Malian visa in Mauritania. Border with Western Sahara: The land border between Mauritania and Western Sahara remains closed due to the continuing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario movement. Although a ceasefire is presently in place, several violations have occurred and the area cannot be considered safe. Within Mauritania, political tensions have eased following the January 24 presidential elections and subsequent incidents of civil disorder. U.S. citizens traveling to Mauritania are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy to register their presence and receive an update on the current situation. The Embassy telephone number is 52660. No. 92-134 This replaces the travel advisory dated April 17, 1992, to reflect the opening of the border with Senegal and the resumption of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and Senegal. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MAURITAN Mauritius false marked Mauritius showNameProp Mauritius most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mauritius Geography Total area: 1,860 km2 Land area: 1,850 km2; includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Climate: tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land 54%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 31%; other 7%; includes irrigated 9% Environment: subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs Note: located 900 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean Mauritius People Population: 1,092,130 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mauritian(s); adjective - Mauritian Ethnic divisions: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2% Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%) 28.3%, Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1% Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori Literacy: 82.8 % (male 88.7%, female 77.1%) age 13 and over can read and write (1985 UNESCO estimate) Labor force: 335,000; government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%, other 22%; 43% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 35% of labor force in more than 270 unions Mauritius Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Louis Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) Constitution: 12 March 1968 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Veerasamy RINGADOO (since 17 January 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990) Political parties and leaders: government coalition: Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH; Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Paul BERENGER; Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOO opposition: Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN; Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), G. DUVAL Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3 Communists: may be 2,000 sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING; Chancery at Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491 or 1492 Mauritius Government US: Ambassador Penne Percy KORTH; Embassy at 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis; telephone [230] 208-9763 through 208-9767; FAX [230] 208-9534 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green Mauritius Economy Overview: The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in FY91 was impressive, with 6% real growth and low unemployment. exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 6.1% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13.2% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $557 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (FY90) Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15% Imports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EC, US, South Africa, Japan External debt: $869 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (FY87); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 235,000 kW capacity; 425 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net food importer, especially rice and fish Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54 million Currency: Mauritian rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 15.198 (January 1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988), 12.878 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Mauritius Communications Highways: 1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth Ports: Port Louis Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 94,710 GRT/150,345 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 3 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 5 total, 4 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system with good service utilizing primarily radio relay; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Mauritius Defense Forces Branches: paramilitary Special Mobile Force, Special Support Unit, National Police Force, National Coast Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 307,237; 157,246 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MAURITIU Mayotte false marked Mayotte showNameProp Mayotte most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mayotte Geography Total area: 375 km2 Land area: 375 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to cyclones during rainy season Note: part of Comoro Archipelago; located in the Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar Mayotte People Population: 86,628 (July 1992), growth rate 3.8% (1992) Birth rate: 50 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 84 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 59 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mahorais (singular and plural); adjective - Mahoran Religions: Muslim 99%; remainder Christian, mostly Roman Catholic Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA Mayotte Government Long-form name: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Mamoutzou Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner, Representative of the French Government Jean-Paul COSTE (since NA 1991); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since NA 1976) Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RMPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union of the Center (UDC) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 9, RPR 6, other 2 French Senate: last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDC 1 Member of: FZ Diplomatic representation: as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used Mayotte Economy Overview: Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island is heavily dependent on French financial assistance. exchange rate conversion - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985) Exports: $4.0 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: ylang-ylang, vanilla partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9% Imports: $21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour partners: France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: NA kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita Industries: newly created lobster and shrimp industry Agriculture: most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla, ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $402 million Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Mayotte Communications Highways: 42 km total; 18 km bituminous Ports: Dzaoudzi Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio communications for links to Comoros and international communications; 450 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV Mayotte Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MAYOTTE ISLAND - (See France.) Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MAYOTTE Mexico false marked Mexico showNameProp Mexico most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mexico Geography Total area: 1,972,550 km2 Land area: 1,923,040 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: 4,538 km; Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: natural prolongation of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims Clipperton Island (French possession) Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert Natural resources: crude oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 39%; forest and woodland 24%; other 24%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast and destructive earthquakes in the center and south; natural water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; deforestation; erosion widespread; desertification; serious air pollution in Mexico City and urban centers along US-Mexico border Note: strategic location on southern border of US Mexico People Population: 92,380,721 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mexican(s); adjective - Mexican Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6% Languages: Spanish; various Mayan dialects Literacy: 87% (male 90%, female 85%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.) Labor force: 26,100,000 (1988); services 31.4%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 26%, commerce 13.9%, manufacturing 12.8%, construction 9.5%, transportation 4.8%, mining and quarrying 1.3%, electricity 0.3% (1986) Organized labor: 35% of labor force Mexico Government Long-form name: United Mexican States Type: federal republic operating under a centralized government Capital: Mexico Administrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain) Constitution: 5 February 1917 Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988) Political parties and leaders: (recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Genaro BORREGO Estrada; National Action Party (PAN), Luis ALVAREZ; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Carlos Enrique CANTU Rosas Suffrage: universal and compulsory (but not enforced) at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results - Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%, Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note - several of the smaller parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National Democratic Front (FDN) Senate: last held on 18 August 1988 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (64 total) number of seats by party; PRI 61, PRD 2, PAN 1 Chamber of Deputies: last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - PRI 53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats - (500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41, PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12 Mexico Government Other political or pressure groups: Roman Catholic Church, Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN), Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO), National Peasant Confederation (CNC), UNE (no expansion), Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT), Mexican Democratic Party (PDM), Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC), Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM), Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX), National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA), Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations (COECE) Member of: AG (observer), CARICOM (observer) CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gustavo PETRICIOLI Iturbide; Chancery at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 728-1600; there are Mexican Consulates General in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Antonio, San Diego, and Consulates in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo, McAllen (Texas), Miami, Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Presidio (Texas), Sacramento, St. Louis, St. Paul (Minneapolis), Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, San Jose, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Seattle US: Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE, Jr.; Embassy at Paseo de la Reforma 305, 06500 Mexico, D.F. (mailing address is P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087); telephone [52] (5) 211-0042; FAX [52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373; there are US Consulates General in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana, and Consulates in Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, and Nuevo Laredo Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band Mexico Economy Overview: Mexico's economy is a mixture of state-owned industrial plants (notably oil), private manufacturing and services, and both large-scale and traditional agriculture. In the 1980s, Mexico experienced severe economic difficulties: the nation accumulated large external debts as world petroleum prices fell; rapid population growth outstripped the domestic food supply; and inflation, unemployment, and pressures to emigrate became more acute. Growth in national output, however, is recovering, rising from 1.4% in 1988 to 4% in 1990 and again in 1991. The US is Mexico's major trading partner, accounting for two-thirds of its exports and imports. After petroleum, border assembly plants and tourism are the largest earners of foreign exchange. The government, in consultation with international economic agencies, is implementing programs to stabilize the economy and foster growth. In 1991 the government began negotiations with the US and Canada on a free trade agreement. exchange rate conversion - $289 billion, per capita $3,200; real growth rate 4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18.8% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 14-17% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $41.0 billion; expenditures $47.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.3 billion (1990) Exports: $27.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: crude oil, oil products, coffee, shrimp, engines, motor vehicles, cotton, consumer electronics partners: US 68%, EC 14%, Japan 6% (1990 est.) Imports: $36.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: grain, metal manufactures, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment partners: US 69%, EC 13%, Japan 6% (1990) External debt: $98.4 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP Electricity: 26,150,000 kW capacity; 114,277 million kWh produced, 1,270 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, transportation equipment, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; fish catch of 1.4 million metric tons among top 20 nations (1987) Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of active government eradication program; major supplier to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America Mexico Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $110 million Currency: Mexican peso (plural - pesos); 1 Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 3,068.5 (January 1992), 3,018.4 (1991) 2,940.9 (January 1991), 2,812.6 (1990), 2,461.3 (1989), 2,273.1 (1988), 1,378.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Mexico Communications Railroads: 24,500 km total; breakdown NA Highways: 212,000 km total; 65,000 km paved, 30,000 km semipaved or cobblestone, 62,000 km rural roads (improved earth) or roads under construction, 55,000 km unimproved earth roads Inland waterways: 2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canals Pipelines: crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 km Ports: Acapulco, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Veracruz Merchant marine: 58 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 875,239 GRT/1,301,355 DWT; includes 4 short-sea passenger, 3 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 30 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 1 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 4 container Civil air: 186 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,815 total, 1,505 usable; 200 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 33 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 284 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed system with extensive radio relay links; privatized in December 1990; connected into Central America Microwave System; 6,410,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 679 AM, no FM, 238 TV, 22 shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; earth stations - 4 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT Mexico Defense Forces Branches: National Defense (including Army and Air Force), Navy (including Marines) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 23,023,871; 16,852,513 fit for military service; 1,138,455 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, less than 1% of GDP (1982 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp $ MEXICO - Passport and visa not required of U.S. citizens for tourist/transit stay up to 90 days. Tourist card is required. Tourist card valid 3 months for single entry up to 180 days, no charge, requires proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist cards may be obtained in advance from Consulate, Tourism Office, and most airlines serving Mexico upon arrival. Departure tax $10 is paid at airport. Notarized consent from parent(s) required for children travelling alone, with one parent or in someone elseUs custody. (This permit is not necessary when a minor is in possession of a valid passport.) AIDS test required for permanent residence visas. For other types of travel and details, check Embassy of Mexico, 1019 19th St., N.W., Suite 810, Washington, DC 20036 (202/736-1000) or nearest Consulate General: CA (212/624-3261, 415/392-5554 and 619/231-8414), CO (303/333-1130), IL (312/855-1380), LA (504/522-3596), NY (212/689-0456), PR (809/764-0258) or TX (214/522- 9741, 713/524-2300, 512/227-9145 and 915/533-3644). Mexico - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone (52-5) 211-0042. There are also U.S. Consulates General in Ciudad Juarez at Avenue Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52-16) 134048; in Guadalajara at Progreso 175, telephone (52-36) 25-2998; in Monterrey at Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente 64000 Monterrey telephone (52-83) 45-2120; and in Tijuana at Tapachula 96, telephone (52-66) 81-7400. There are U.S. Consulates in Hermosillo at Ave. Monterrey 141 telephone (52-62) 17-2375; in Matamoros at Avenue Primera 2002, telephone (52-891) 6-72-70; in Merida at Paseo Montejo 453, telephone (52-99) 25-6366; and in Nuevo Laredo at Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52-871) 4-0512. There are Consular Agencies in Puerto Vallarta at Parial del Puerto Local 12-A; in Acapulco at Hotel Club del Sol; in Cancun at Av. Coba #30 Esq. Nader; in San Luis Potosi at Venustiano Carranza #1430; in Mulege at Hotel Serenidad; in Durango at Juarez Norte 204; in Oaxaca at Alcala 201; in San Miguel de Allende at Dr. Hernandez Macias #72; in Tampico at Ave. Hidalgo #2000 Local 4; and in Veracruz at Victimas del 25 de Junio #388. Country Description: Mexico has a rapidly developing economy. Luxury accommodations in major cities and resorts are widely available. Tourist facilities in more remote areas may be limited. Entry Requirements: Proof of citizenship is required for entry by U.S. citizens. A passport and visa are not required for a tourist/transit stay of up to 180 days. A tourist card issued by Mexican consulates and most airlines serving Mexico is required. Minors traveling without a valid passport require notarized consent from parent(s) if traveling alone, with one parent or in someone else's custody. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 tel: (202) 728-1600, or any of the Mexican consulates in major U.S. cities. Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. Care in more remote areas is limited. Cholera is present in Mexico. However, visitors who take proper precautions with food and drink are rarely at risk. Air pollution in Mexico City is severe, especially from December to May. Air pollution plus Mexico City's high altitude is a particular medical risk for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia, and respiratory or cardiac problems. Health facilities in Mexico City are excellent. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific coverage abroad has proved helpful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Street crime is common, especially in urban areas. Persons driving on some Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions, have at times been targets for robbery by bandits who operate primarily after dark. Criminals sometimes represent themselves as Mexican police or other local officials. Driving Information: U.S. citizens planning to drive in Mexico may do so on a current U.S. driver's license. U.S. or Mexican insurance is required. All vehicular traffic is restricted in Mexico City in order to reduce air pollution. The restriction is based on the last digit of the vehicle license plate. (There is no specific provision regarding license plates with letters only.) -Monday: No driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6. -Tuesday: No driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8. -Wednesday: No driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4. -Thursday: No driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2. -Friday: No driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0. Also, no driving of vehicles with temporary license plates or any other plate that does not conform with the above. -Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven. Highway 15 in the state of Sinaloa and Highway 40 between the city of Durango and the Pacific coast are particularly dangerous areas where a number of criminal assaults have occurred. Express Highway 1 (limited access) in Sinaloa has been a particular target - even in daytime. Bringing Vehicles into Mexico: On April 1, 1992, the government of Mexico issued regulations governing the entry of vehicles into Mexico. These regulations do not apply to owner-operated vehicles temporarily (less than six months) in Mexico and remaining within the "free zone" - approximately 20 kilometers south of the U.S./Mexican border and all of Baja California. Importers of vehicles traveling beyond the "free zone" must present a tourist card/visa, a driver's license (original and copy) and the vehicle title in the importer's name. If the operator of the vehicle is other than the importer, the operator must have the same immigration status as the importer and the importer of the vehicle must be present in the vehicle at all times while it is being operated in Mexico. If the above documents are in order, the temporary vehicle importer has two options: (A) post a bond based on the value of the vehicle as determined by local customs officials. However, there is no need to pay a bond on the total value of the vehicle, as licensed Mexican bonding agencies on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border provide the service for a fee of up to 1 percent to 2 percent of the vehicle's value; or (B) make a sworn statement at the Banco Nacional del Ejercito, Fuerza Aerea y Armada (The Army, Air Force and Navy National Bank, usually called The Military Bank) located in all customs offices at ports of entry. A $10 fee is required and can only be paid with a credit card (Visa and Mastercard) issued by a bank from the importer's country of residence. Cash payments are not accepted. American Express and Diner's cards are not considered bank cards. All visitors may be asked to show vehicle importation documents at any time; they must be returned to the Mexican Customs Office at the border when leaving Mexico. Failure to comply with Mexican laws governing temporarily imported vehicles can result in vehicle confiscation and/or fines. If lost or stolen, replacement vehicle importation documentation can be issued by regional Mexican Customs Offices after the importer obtains a certified document from the U.S. Embassy or consulate attesting to the loss. Additional information, can be obtained from the Mexican Embassy or a consulate. Drug Penalties: Penalties for drug and firearm offenses are strict, and convicted offenders may expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. A permit from a Mexican consulate in the U.S. is required in order to import firearms or ammunition. Some Mexican cities have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives or anything that might be construed as a weapon. Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Mexican citizens could be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Mexican law while in Mexico. Those who may be affected can inquire at a Mexican embassy or consulate to determine their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Mexico" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting security while traveling outside the U.S. is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," obtained from the same address. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-079 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MEXICO Micronesia, Federated States of false marked Micronesia, Federated States of showNameProp Micronesia, Federated States of most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Micronesia, Federated States of Geography Total area: 702 km2 Land area: 702 km2; includes Pohnpei, Truk, Yap, and Kosrae Comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 6,112 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons from June to December; four major island groups totaling 607 islands Note: located 5,150 km west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia Micronesia, Federated States of People Population: 114,694 (July 1992), growth rate 3.4% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 12 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 39 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Micronesian(s); adjective - Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese (singular and plural), Yapese (singular and plural) Ethnic divisions: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups Religions: predominantly Christian, divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; other churches include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist, Latter-Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith Languages: English is the official and common language; most indigenous languages fall within the Austronesian language family, the exceptions are the Polynesian languages; major indigenous languages are Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, and Kosrean Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 85%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: NA; two-thirds are government employees; 45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65 Organized labor: NA Micronesia, Federated States of Government Long-form name: Federated States of Micronesia (no short-form name) Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 Capital: Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei); note - a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship; formerly the Kosrae, Pohnpei, Truk, and Yap districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Constitution: 10 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Congress Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held ll May 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - President Bailey OLTER elected president; Vice-President Jacob NENA Congress: last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) Member of: ESCAP (associate), ICAO, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU; Embassy at 1725 N St., NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 223-4383 US: Ambassador Aurelia BRAZEAL; Embassy at address NA, Kolonia (mailing address is P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941); telephone 691-320-2187; FAX 691-320-2186 Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern Micronesia, Federated States of Economy Overview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the l990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth. purchasing power equivalent - $150 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.); note - GNP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $165 million; expenditures $115 million, including capital expenditures of $20 million (1988) Exports: $2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: copra partners: NA Imports: $67.7 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 18,000 kW capacity; 40 million kWh produced, 380 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls Agriculture: mainly a subsistence economy; copra, black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens Economic aid: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001 Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Micronesia, Federated States of Communications Highways: 39 km of paved roads on major islands; also 187 km stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads Ports: Colonia (Yap), Truk (Kosrae), Okat (Kosrae) Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 Telecommunications: telephone network - 960 telephone lines total at Kolonia and Truk; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); 16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Micronesia, Federated States of Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF (Kosrae, Yap, Ponape, and Truk) - Proof of citizenship and identity required for tourist visit up to 1 year. Departure fee $5. Entry permit may be needed for other types of travel; obtain forms from airline. Check requirements with Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/223-4383). Federated States of Micronesia - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia has no official street address but is located in the lower Pics area across from the Agriculture Station. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941. The telephone number is: (691) 320-2187. Country Description: The Federated States of Micronesia (including the islands of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Truk, and Yap) is a constitutional democracy in free association with the United States. Its economy is developing, and tourist facilities are available on a limited basis. Entry Requirements: Proof of citizenship and identity are required for a tourist visit of up to one year. Further information concerning specific requirements is available through the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 - telephone: (202) 223-4383. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Federated States of Micronesia are adequate for routine medical problems, but are limited in range and quality. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Federated States of Micronesia is low. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and a fine. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-096 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MICRONES Midway Islands false marked Midway Islands showNameProp Midway Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Midway Islands Geography Total area: 5.2 km2 Land area: 5.2 km2; includes Eastern Island and Sand Island Comparative area: about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 15 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds Terrain: low, nearly level Natural resources: fish and wildlife Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: coral atoll Note: located 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu at the western end of Hawaiian Islands group, about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo; closed to the public Midway Islands People Population: 453 US military personnel (1992) Midway Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under command of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii and managed cooperatively by the US Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System; legislation before Congress in 1990 proposed inclusion of territory within the State of Hawaii Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: the US flag is used Midway Islands Economy Overview: The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Electricity: supplied by US Military Midway Islands Communications Highways: 32 km total Pipelines: 7.8 km Ports: Sand Island Airports: 3 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Midway Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MIDWAY_I Moldova false marked Moldova showNameProp Moldova most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Moldova Geography Total area: 33,700 km2 Land area: 33,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Hawaii Land boundaries: 1,389 km; Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: potential dispute with Ukraine over former southern Bessarabian areas; northern Bukovina ceded to Ukraine upon Moldova's incorporation into USSR; internal with ethnic Russians in the Trans-Dnestr and Gagauz Muslims in the South Climate: mild winters, warm summers Terrain: rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA Moldova People Population: 4,458,435 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Moldovan(s); adjective - Moldovan Ethnic divisions: Moldavian (Moldovan) 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13.0%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jews 1.5%, Bulgarian 2.0%, other 1.0% (1989 figures) Religions: Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist only about 1,000 members, other 1.0%; note - almost all churchgoers are ethnic Moldovan; the Slavic population are not churchgoers (1991 figures) Languages: Romanian; (Moldovan official), Russian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 2,095,000; agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures) Organized labor: NA Moldova Government Long-form name: Republic of Moldova Type: republic Capital: Chisinau (Kishinev) Administrative divisions: previously divided into 40 rayons; now to be divided into 7-9 larger districts at some future point Independence: 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union; formerly Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova) Constitution: formulating a new constitution; old constitution is still in effect but has been heavily amended during the past few years Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and CSCE documents National holiday: Independence Day, 27 August 1991 Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet of Ministers Legislative branch: Moldovan Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: Supreme Court (highest civil court in Moldova) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Prime Minister Valeriy MURAVSKY (since 28 May 1991), 1st Deputy Prime Minister Constantin OBOROC (since June 1990); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Constantin TAMPIZA (since June 1990); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Andrei SANGHELI (since June 1990) Chief of State: President Mircea SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990) Head of Legislature: Chairman of the Supreme Soviet (Premier) Valeriy MURAVSKIY (since May 1991); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Ian HADIRCA (since 11 May 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Victor PUSCASU, 21 November 1989; Deputy Prime Minister Mihial PLASICHUK, NA Political parties and leaders: Moldovan Popular Front, Yuriy ROSHKA, chairman (since summer 1990); Unitatea-Yedinstvo Intermovement, V. YAKOVLEV, chairman; Bulgarian Rebirth Society, Ivan ZABUNOV, chairman; Democratic Group, five cochairmen Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 8 December 1991; results - Mircea SNEGUR won 98.17% of vote Moldovan Supreme Soviet: last held 25 February 1990; results - Moldovan Popular Front 33%, Intermovement 34%, Communist Party 32%; seats - (366 total) Popular Front Club 35; Sovereignty Club 35; Club of Independent Deputies 25; Agrarian Club 110; Club Bujak 15; Reality Club 25; Soviet Moldova 80; remaining 41 seats probably belong to Onestr region deputies who usually boycott Moldovan legislative proceedings Moldova Government Other political or pressure groups: United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman; Social Democratic Party of Moldova (SDPM), V. CHIOBATARU, leader; The Ecology Movement of Moldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian Democratic League of Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National Christian Party of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders; The Peoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; The Democratic Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; The Alliance of Working People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president Member of: CSCE, UN Diplomatic representation: Ambassador vacant US: Charge Howard Steers; Interim Chancery at #103 Strada Alexei Mateevich, Kishinev (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-0422-23-28-94 at Hotel Seabeco in Kishinev Flag: same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle carrying a cross in its beak and an olive branch in its claws Moldova Economy Overview: Moldova, the next-to-smallest of the former Soviet republics in area, is the most densely inhabited. Moldova has a little more than 1% of the population, labor force, capital stock, and output of the former Soviet Union. Living standards have been below average for the European USSR. The country enjoys a favorable climate, and economic development has been primarily based on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Industry accounts for 20% of the labor force, whereas agriculture employs more than one-third. Moldova has no major mineral resources and has depended on the former Soviet republics for coal, oil, gas, steel, most electronic equipment, machine tools, and major consumer durables such as automobiles. Its industrial and agricultural products, in turn, have been exported to the other former Soviet republics. Moldova has freed prices on most goods and has legalized private ownership of property, including agricultural land. Moldova's economic prospects are dimmed by the difficulties of moving toward a market economy and the political problems of redefining ties to the other former Soviet republics and Romania. NA; per capita NA; real growth rate -12% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 97% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1992) Exports: $400 million rubles (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals (1991) partners: NA Imports: $1.9 billion rubles (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: oil, gas, coal, steel machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and other consumer durables partners: NA External debt: $650 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -7% (1991) Electricity: 3,000,000 kW capacity; 13,000 million kWh produced, 2,806 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: key products (with share of total former Soviet output in parentheses where known): agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers (2.7%), washing machines (5.0%), hosiery (2.0%), refined sugar (3.1%), vegetable oil (3.7%), canned food (8.6%), shoes, textiles Agriculture: Moldova's principal economic activity; products (shown in share of total output of the former Soviet republics): Grain (1.6%), sugar beets (2.6%), sunflower seed (4.4%), vegetables (4.4%), fruits and berries (9.7%), grapes (20.1%), meat (1.7%), milk (1.4%), and eggs (1.4%) Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Moldova Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1991), $NA, Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1991), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Fiscal year: calendar year Moldova Communications Railroads: 1,150 km (includes NA km electrified) (1990); does not include industrial lines Highways: 20,000 km total (1990); 13,900 km hard-surfaced, 6,100 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: NA Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly supplied with telephones; 215,000 unsatisfied applications for telephone installations (31 January 1990); connected to Ukraine by landline and countries beyond the former USSR through the switching center in Moscow Moldova Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MOLDOVA - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922- 6642). Moldova - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, is located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (7) (0422) 233-494; 233-698. Country Description: Moldova is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Moldova must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Moldova are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Areas of Instability: Armed conflict and civil unrest continues in the Dniester region. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Moldova is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers or persons with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information for the region can be found in the Department of State s brochure, Tips for Travelers to Russia, which includes information on Moldova, is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Moldova has a low rate of violent crime. However, there has been an increase in street crime, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Information: Moldova is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in the Consular Section can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-036 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MOLDOVA Monaco false marked Monaco showNameProp Monaco most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Monaco Geography Total area: 1.9 km2 Land area: 1.9 km2 Comparative area: about three times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 4.4 km; France 4.4 km Coastline: 4.1 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: hilly, rugged, rocky Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: almost entirely urban Note: second-smallest independent state in world (after Vatican City) Monaco People Population: 29,965 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 7 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 9 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s); adjective - Monacan or Monegasque Ethnic divisions: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: 4,000 members in 35 unions Monaco Government Long-form name: Principality of Monaco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Monaco Administrative divisions: 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Independence: 1419, rule by the House of Grimaldi Constitution: 17 December 1962 Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 19 November Executive branch: prince, minister of state, Council of Government (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Council (Conseil National) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Prince RAINIER III (since November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958) Head of Government: Minister of State Jean AUSSEIL (since 16 September 1985) Political parties and leaders: National and Democratic Union (UND), Democratic Union Movement (MUD), Monaco Action, Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM) Suffrage: universal adult at age 25 Elections: National Council: last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held 24 January 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) UND 18 Member of: ACCT, CSCE, IAEA, ICAO, IMF (observer), IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation: Monaco maintains honorary consulates general in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and honorary consulates in Dallas, Honolulu, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington US: no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is accredited to Monaco; Consul General R. Susan WOOD; Consulate General at 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, 13286 Marseille Cedex (mailing address APO AE 09777); telephone [33] (91) 549-200 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red Monaco Economy Overview: Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan suburbs. exchange rate conversion - $475 million, per capita $16,000; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: full employment (1989) Budget: revenues $424 million; expenditures $376 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France Imports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 10,000 kW standby capacity (1991); power supplied by France Indus Agriculture: NA Economic aid: NA Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Monaco Communications Railroads: 1.6 km 1.435-meter gauge Highways: none; city streets Ports: Monaco Merchant marine: 1 petroleum tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,268 GRT/4,959 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 usable airfield with permanent-surface runways Telecommunications: served by cable into the French communications system; automatic telephone system; 38,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; no communication satellite earth stations Monaco Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Monaco - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 U.S. Representation: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Monaco. For assistance, American citizens can contact the U.S. Consulate General in Marseille, France, telephone (33) 91549200, or the U.S. Consular Agent in Nice, France, telephone (33) 93888955. Country Description: Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and is a highly developed European nation. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist visits of up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Monaco, travelers can contact the Embassy of France at 4101 reservoir Road N.W., Washington, DC 20007, or the nearest Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Monaco has a low crime rate. During the summer tourist season pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles with foreign, out-of-town, or rental licenses can occur. Popular tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, and transportation systems are often areas where criminals operate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register with the Consulate General in Marseille or the Consular Agent in Nice can obtain updated information on travel and security in the area. No. 92-037 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MONACO Mongolia false marked Mongolia showNameProp Mongolia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Mongolia Geography Total area: 1,565,000 km2 Land area: 1,565,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: 8,114 km; China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges) Terrain: vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in southeast Natural resources: oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 79%; forest and woodland 10%; other 10%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: harsh and rugged Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia Mongolia People Population: 2,305,516 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mongolian(s); adjective - Mongolian Ethnic divisions: Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2% Religions: predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim (about 4%); previously limited religious activity because of Communist regime Languages: Khalkha Mongol used by over 90% of population; minor languages include Turkic, Russian, and Chinese Literacy: 90% (male NA%, female NA%) (1989 est.) Labor force: NA, but primarily herding/agricultural; over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor Organized labor: 425,000 members of the Central Council of Mongolian Trade Unions (CCMTU) controlled by the government (1984); independent labor organizations now being formed Mongolia Government Long-form name: Mongolia Type: in transition from Communist state to republic 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; formerly Outer Mongolia) 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 National holiday: Mongolian People's Revolution (NAADAM) 11-13 July; observed 13 July Executive branch: premier, deputy premiers, Cabinet, president, vice president Legislative branch: State Great Hural Judicial branch: High Court; serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts, but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts Leaders: Chief of State: President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); Vice President Radnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJ (since 7 September 1990) Head of Government: Premier Dashiyn BYAMBASUREN (since 11 September 1990) Political parties and leaders: ruling party: Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON, general secretary opposition: Social Democratic Party (SDP), BATBAYAR; Mongolian Democratic Association, Ts. ELBEGDORJ, chief coordinator; Mongolian Party of National Progress, GANBOLD other: Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP), BATUUL; Free Labor Party, C. DUL; note - opposition parties were legalized in May 1990; additional parties exist: The Green Party, The Buddhist Party, The Republican Party, Mongolian People's Party, and Mongolian Revival Party; these were formed but may not be officially registered because of low rates of membership Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 3 September 1990 (next to be held NA July 1994); results - Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT elected by the People's Great Hural State Great Hural: first time held June 1992; note - according to the new present Constitution, the two parliamentary bodies are to be combined into a single popularly elected house consisting of 76 members; results - NA Mongolia Government People's Small Hural: last held on 29 July 1990 (next to be held June 1992); results - MPRP 62.3%, MDP 24.5%, SDP 7. 5%, PNP 5.7%; seats - (50 total) MPRP 33, other 17; note - People's Small Hural will not exist after State Great Hural is assembled Communists: MPRP membership 90,000 (1990 est.) Member of: AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-77, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAGIV; Chancery, (202) 983-1962 US: Ambassador Joseph E. LAKE; Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas E. DOWLING; Embassy at Ulaanbaatar, c/o American Embassy Beijing; PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 06521-0002; telephone (800) 29095 and 29639 Flag: a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted Mongolia Economy Overview: Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of unproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock - Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. In recent years extensive mineral resources have been developed with Soviet support. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timber and fishing are also important sectors. In 1991-92 Mongolian leadership is struggling with severe economic dislocations, mainly attributable to the economic crumbling of the USSR, by far Mongolia's leading trade and development partner. Moscow almost certainly cut aid in 1991, and the dissolution of the USSR at yearend 1991 makes prospects for aid quite bleak for 1992. Industry in 1991-92 has been hit hard by energy shortages, mainly due to disruptions in coal production and shortfalls in petroleum imports. The government is moving away from the Soviet-style centrally planned economy through privatization and price reform. exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, per capita $900; real growth rate -3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 100% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1991 est.) Budget: deficit of $67 million (1991) Exports: $279 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals partners: USSR 75%, China 10%, Japan 4% Imports: $360 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea partners: USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5% External debt: $16.8 billion (yearend 1990); 98.6% with USSR Industrial production: growth rate -12% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,238,000 kW capacity; 3,700 million kWh produced, 1,692 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food and beverage, mining (particularly coal) Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of the population; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, but also cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forage Mongolia Economy Economic aid: about $300 million in trade credits and $34 million in grant aid from USSR and other CEMA countries, plus $7.4 million from UNDP (1990); in 1991, $170 million in grants and technical assistance from Western donor countries, including $30 million from World Bank and $30 million from the IMF; over $200 million from donor countries projected in 1992 Currency: tughrik (plural - tughriks); 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos Exchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 7.1 (1991), 5.63 (1990), 3.00 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year Mongolia Communications Railroads: 1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1988) Highways: 46,700 km total; 1,000 km hard surface; 45,700 km other surfaces (1988) Inland waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1988) Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft Airports: 81 total, 31 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 5 with runways over 3,659 m; fewer than 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 63,000 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18 provincial repeaters); repeat of Russian TV; 120,000 TVs; 220,000 radios; at least 1 earth station Mongolia Defense Forces Branches: Mongolian People's Army (includes Border Guards), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 551,548; 359,904 fit for military service; 25,275 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MONGOLIA - Passport and visa required. Transit visa for stay up to 48 hours requires onward ticket, visa for next destination and $20 fee. Tourist visa for up to 90 days requires confirmation from Mongolian Travel Agency (Zhuulchin) and $20 fee. Business visa requires letter from company stating purpose of trip and invitation from Mongolian organization and $20 fee. Submit 1 photo (no application form), itinerary and prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified or special delivery mail. AIDS test required for students and anyone staying longer than 3 months; U.S. test accepted. For additional information contact Embassy of the PeopleUs Republic of Mongolia, 10201 Irongate Road, Potomac, MD 20854 (301/983/1962). Mongolia - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, Ulaanbaatar; the telephone numbers are (976-1) 32905 and 32906. Country Description: Mongolia is a country undergoing substantial political and economic changes. In June 1992 it held democratic elections for the second time since the resignation of the former government in 1990. Tourist facilities and services are not widely available. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required, as is an invitation from a Mongolian host. An exit and entry visa costs $25. Multiple entry visas can only be obtained in Ulaanbaatar. Transit visas for stays of 48 hours or less require an onward ticket, a visa for the next destination and a fee of $20. Foreign travelers to Mongolia are required to register within three days of their arrival with the police at a Citizens' Information and Registration Center. A Tourist visa for up to 90 days requires confirmation from the Mongolian Travel Agency (Zhuulchin) and a $20 fee. For more details and information on visa issuance and fees and registration requirements, the traveler may contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Mongolia are limited and some medicine is unavailable. Plague, while relatively rare, is endemic to Mongolia from August to October, and affected areas of the country may be quarantined for limited periods during that time. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific coverage abroad including provision for medical evacuation has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: A sharp increase in thefts aboard international trains to Russia has recently been reported. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Currency Regulations: Either U. S. dollars or American Express Travelers Checks are widely accepted. Thomas Cook travelers checks in U. S. dollars can reportedly be used in Mongolia. The American Express card is acceptable in a few locations. Cash advances against credit cards are not obtainable and there are no international banks. Power Shortages: Severe fuel shortages which affect heating and electrical systems are a serious problem. Prolonged blackouts and power outages may occur at any time. Delay in Arrival of Checked Baggage: Passengers arriving in Ulaanbaatar by plane from Beijing routinely encounter prolonged delays ranging from overnight to four days in the delivery of their checked luggage. Mongolian airlines (MIAT) more frequently delays baggage delivery than Air China, the only other carrier (except for a weekly Aeroflot flight) serving Mongolia. Including warm clothing and other essentials in carry-on baggage decreases the inconvenience for the traveler. Accommodations: Hotels are few in number and are often fully booked. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel, security and health problems within the country. No. 92-104 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MONGOLIA Montserrat false marked Montserrat showNameProp Montserrat most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Montserrat Geography Total area: 100 km2 Land area: 100 km2 Comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 40%; other 30% Environment: subject to severe hurricanes from June to November Note: located 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea Montserrat People Population: 12,617 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4 (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Montserratian(s); adjective - Montserratian Ethnic divisions: mostly black with a few Europeans Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations Languages: English Literacy: 97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 5,100; 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.) Organized labor: 30% of labor force, three trade unions with 1,500 members (1984 est.) Montserrat Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Plymouth Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 January 1960 Legal system: English common law and statute law National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June) Executive branch: monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet), chief minister Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor David TAYLOR (since NA 1990) Head of Government: Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since October 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNE; Independent (IND), Ruby BRAMBLE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held on 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1 Member of: CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, OECS, WCL Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: 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 Montserrat Economy Overview: The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounted for 20% of GDP in 1986. Agriculture accounted for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%. The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts sold to the US. exchange rate conversion - $54.2 million, per capita $4,500 (1988); real growth rate 10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (1990) Unemployment rate: 3.0% (1987) Budget: revenues $12.1 million; expenditures $14.3 million, including capital expenditures of $3.2 million (1988) Exports: $2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.) commodities: electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle partners: NA Imports: $30 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials partners: NA External debt: $2.05 million (1987) Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 5,271 kW capacity; 12 million kWh produced, 960 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliances Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions, peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock products Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Montserrat Communications Highways: 280 km total; about 200 km paved, 80 km gravel and earth Ports: Plymouth Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,036 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV Montserrat Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MONTSERR Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text Kuwait false marked Kuwait showNameProp Kuwait most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kuwait Geography Total area: 17,820 km2 Land area: 17,820 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: 462 km; Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km Coastline: 499 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: in April 1991 official Iraqi acceptance of UN Security Council Resolution 687, which demands that Iraq accept the inviolability of the boundary set forth in its 1963 agreement with Kuwait, ending earlier claims to Bubiyan and Warbah Islands or to all of Kuwait; a UN Boundary Demarcation Commission is demarcating the Iraq-Kuwait boundary persuant to Resolution 687, and, on 17 June 1992, the UN Security Council reaffirmed the finality of the Boundary Demarcation Commission's decisions; ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim Islands disputed by Saudi Arabia Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters Terrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plain Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 92%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide most of water; air and water pollution; desertification Note: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf Kuwait People Population: 1,378,613 (July 1992), growth rate NA (1992) Birth rate: 32 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 2 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Kuwaiti(s); adjective - Kuwaiti Ethnic divisions: Kuwaiti 50%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 2% Religions: Muslim 85% (Shi`a 30%, Sunni 45%, other 10%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15% Languages: Arabic (official); English widely spoken Literacy: 74% (male 78%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985) Labor force: 566,000 (1986); services 45.0%, construction 20.0%, trade 12.0%, manufacturing 8.6%, finance and real estate 2.6%, agriculture 1.9%, power and water 1.7%, mining and quarrying 1.4%; 70% of labor force was non-Kuwaiti Organized labor: labor unions exist in oil industry and among government personnel Kuwait Government Long-form name: State of Kuwait Type: nominal constitutional monarchy Capital: Kuwait Administrative divisions: 5 governorates (mu'hafaz'at, singular - muh'afaz'ah); Al Ah'madi, Al Jahrah, Al Kuwayt, 'Hawalli; Farwaniyah Independence: 19 June 1961 (from UK) Constitution: 16 November 1962 (some provisions suspended since 29 August 1962) Legal system: civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 25 February Executive branch: amir, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Assembly (Majlis al `umma) dissolved 3 July 1986; elections for new Assembly scheduled for October 1992 Judicial branch: High Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Amir Shaykh JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 31 December 1977) Head of Government: Prime Minister and Crown Prince SA`UD al-`Abdallah al-Salim al-Sabah (since 8 February 1978); Deputy Prime Minister SALIM al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: adult males who resided in Kuwait before 1920 and their male descendants at age 21; note - out of all citizens, only 10% are eligible to vote and only 5% actually vote Elections: National Assembly: dissolved 3 July 1986; new elections are scheduled for October 1992 Other political or pressure groups: 40,000 Palestinian community; small, clandestine leftist and Shi`a fundamentalist groups are active; several groups critical of government policies are active Member of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Shaykh Sa`ud Nasir al-SABAH; Chancery at 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 966-0702 US: Ambassador Edward (Skip) GNEHM, Jr.; Embassy at Bneid al-Gar (opposite the Kuwait International Hotel), Kuwait City (mailing address is P.O. Box 77 SAFAT, 13001 SAFAT, Kuwait; APO AE 09880); telephone [965] 242-4151 through 4159; FAX [956] 244-2855 Kuwait Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side Kuwait Economy Overview: Up to the invasion by Iraq in August 1990, the oil sector had dominated the economy. Kuwait has the third-largest oil reserves in the world after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Earnings from hydrocarbons have generated over 90% of both export and government revenues and contributed about 40% to GDP. Most of the nonoil sector has traditionally been dependent upon oil-derived government revenues. Iraq's destruction of Kuwait's oil industry during the Gulf war has devastated the economy. Iraq destroyed or damaged more than 80% of Kuwait's 950 operating oil wells, as well as sabotaged key surface facilities. Firefighters brought all of the roughly 750 oil well fires and blowouts under control by November 1991. By yearend, production had been brought back to 400,000 barrels per day; it could take two to three years to restore Kuwait's oil production to its prewar level of about 2.0 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, population had been greatly reduced because of the war, from 2.1 million to 1.4 million. exchange rate conversion - $8.75 billion, per capita $6,200; real growth rate -50% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $7.1 billion; expenditures $10.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (FY88) Exports: $11.4 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: oil 90% partners: Japan 19%, Netherlands 9%, US 8%, Pakistan 6% Imports: $6.6 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing partners: US 15%, Japan 12%, FRG 8%, UK 7% External debt: $7.2 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1988); accounts for 52% of GDP Electricity: 3,100,000 kW available out of 8,290,000 kW capacity due to Persian Gulf war; 7,300 million kWh produced, 3,311 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, building materials, salt, construction Agriculture: virtually none; dependent on imports for food; about 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported Economic aid: donor - pledged $18.3 billion in bilateral aid to less developed countries (1979-89) Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils Exchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1 - 0.2950 (March 1992), 0.2843 (1991), 0.2915 (1990), 0.2937 (1989), 0.2790 (1988), 0.2786 (1987) Kuwait Economy Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Kuwait Communications Railroads: 6,456 km total track length (1990); over 700 km double track; government owned Highways: 3,900 km total; 3,000 km bituminous; 900 km earth, sand, light gravel Pipelines: crude oil 877 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas 165 km Ports: Ash Shu`aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Mina' al 'Ahmadi Merchant marine: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over), totaling 1,196,435 GRT/1,957,216 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 4 livestock carrier, 18 oil tanker, 4 liquefied gas; note - all Kuwaiti ships greater than 1,000 GRT were outside Kuwaiti waters at the time of the Iraqi invasion; many of these ships transferred to the Liberian flag or to the flags of other Persian Gulf states; only 1 has returned to Kuwaiti flag since the liberation of Kuwait Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft Airports: 7 total, 4 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: civil network suffered extensive damage as a result of Desert Storm; reconstruction is under way with some restored international and domestic capabilities; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 0 FM, 3 TV; satellite earth stations - destroyed during Persian Gulf war; temporary mobile satellite ground stations provide international telecommunications; coaxial cable and radio relay to Saudi Arabia; service to Iraq is nonoperational Kuwait Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, National Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 389,770; 234,609 fit for military service; 12,773 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9.17 billion, 20.4% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KUWAIT - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for stay over 6 months; U.S. test accepted. For further information contact the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, 2940 Tilden St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/966-0702) or Consulate, 321 East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/973-4318). KUWAIT - WARNING March 5, 1992 Summary: Conditions have improved greatly in Kuwait since the end of the Gulf War, and much of the country has returned to normal. However, visitors must be aware of the continued danger from the presence of unexploded land mines, bombs, and shells throughout the country and the city. U.S. citizens should avoid the Iraq/Kuwait border because of the risk of prolonged detention by Iraqi authorities. End Summary. Day to day life in Kuwait has returned to normal. Public services such as water, electricity, telephones, police, fire protection, and postal service have been restored, but are not yet up to pre-invasion standards. Because of contamination of the water supply, bottled water should be purchased for drinking, or else tap water should be filtered and boiled before drinking. Daily flights from Europe and the Middle East are available but schedules may be inconvenient and reservations difficult to obtain. Kuwaiti visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Kuwait and airport visas are not available. Due to the presence of unexploded ordnance, U.S. citizens should exercise care when traveling throughout Kuwait. In Kuwait City, travelers should stay on main roads and avoid open areas and beaches. Minefields, booby traps, and unexploded ordnance are present in most areas. Outside Kuwait City, U.S.. citizens are strongly urged to stay only on paved surfaces. Personnel of the U.S. Embassy have been forbidden to travel off paved surfaces. U.S. citizens are warned to avoid all travel into the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the Kuwait/Iraq border. Extreme care should be taken if traveling north from Kuwait City to avoid going near the border. The border with Iraq is not well marked and the guards at Kuwaiti checkpoints, where they exist, may not advise travelers that they are approaching the border. In several recent incidents, U.S. citizens working near the border were detained by Iraqi security forces for lengthy periods under harsh conditions. The U.S. Government has no relations with Iraq at this time and the release of the U.S. citizens was only obtained through the intervention of international organizations. Anyone who must travel near the DMZ is strongly advised to notify family, friends, colleagues, and the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait of their intention. The security situation in Kuwait has improved since the end of the Gulf War. However, a large amount of weaponry was left behind by the Iraqis and remains in the hands of private citizens. U.S. citizens are not targeted for attack, but should nonetheless be aware of the problem and exercise caution at all times. The crime rate in Kuwait has increased from prewar levels. Women have been the object of an unusual amount of harassment since the liberation. The U.S. Embassy recommends that American women in Kuwait act as they would in any major American city-- be alert to the possibility they may be followed, avoid travel alone in unfamiliar or isolated parts of the city, (especially at night), and do not respond to the approaches of strangers, etc. All U.S. citizens who travel to Kuwait should register with the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City upon arrival. The Embassy is prepared to provide all consular services to U.S. citizens and is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is 242-4151 through 4159 (country code 965). No. 92-38 This replaces the travel advisory dated October 12, 1991, to note improved conditions in Kuwait, to delete reference to air pollution from oil fires, to warn against traveling near the Iraqi border because of the potential for prolonged detention under harsh conditions by Iraqi security forces, and to report an increase in crime and harassment against women. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... KUWAIT Kyrgyzstan false marked Kyrgyzstan showNameProp Kyrgyzstan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kyrgyzstan Geography Total area: 198,500 km2 Land area: 191,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than South Dakota Land boundaries: 3,878 km; China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: territorial dispute with Tajikistan on southern boundary in Isfara Valley area Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in south (Fergana Valley) Terrain: peaks of Tien Shan rise to 7,000 meters, and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation Natural resources: small amounts of coal, natural gas, oil; also nepheline, rare earth metals, mercury, bismuth, gold, uranium, lead, zinc, hydroelectric power Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA Kyrgyzstan People Population: 4,567,875 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 8.5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 56 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Kirghiz(s); adjective - Kirghiz Ethnic divisions: Kirghiz 52%, Russian 21%, Uzbek 13%, other 14% Religions: Muslim 70%, Russian Orthodox NA% Languages: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,894,000 (1989); agriculture 33%, other 49%, industry 18%, other NA% (1988) Organized labor: NA Kyrgyzstan Government Long-form name: Republic of Kyrgyzstan Type: republic Capital: Bishkek (formerly Frunze) Administrative divisions: 6 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Chu, Dzhalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul', Naryn, Osh, Talas; note - an oblast has the same name as its administrative center Independence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union; formerly Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic) Constitution: adopted NA, effective 20 April 1978, amended 23 September 1989; note - new constitution is being drafted Legal system: NA National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, Cabinet of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral body or bicameral Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: President Askar AKAYEV; Vice President Felix KULOV; Chairman, Supreme Soviet, Medetkav SHERIMKULOV; Spiritual leader of Kyrgyz Muslims, Sadykzhav KAMALOV Chief of State: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990), Vice President Felix KULOV (since 2 March 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Tursenbek CHYNGYSHEV (since 2 March 1992) Political parties and leaders: Kyrgyzstan Democratic Movement, Zhypur ZHEKSHEYEV, Kazat AKMAKOV, and Toshubek TURGANALIEV, co-chairmen of popular front coalition of 40 informal groups for Democratic Renewal and Civic Accord, 117-man pro-Akayev parliamentary faction; Civic Accord, Coalition representing nonnative minority groups; National Revived Asaba (Banner) Party, Asan ORMUSHEV, chairman; Communist Party now banned Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 12 October 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - AKAYEV won in uncontested election with 95% of vote with 90% of electorate voting; note - Republic Supreme Soviet elections held 25 February 1990; presidential elections held first by Supreme Soviet 28 October 1990, then by popular vote 12 October 1991 Supreme Soviet: note - last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held no later than November 1994); results - Commnunists (310) 90%, seats - (350 total) Other political or pressure groups: National Unity Democratic Movement; Peasant Party; Council of Free Trade Union; Union of Entrepreneurs Member of: CIS, CSCE, IMF, UN, UNCTAD Kyrgyzstan Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador NA; Chancery at NW, Washington, DC 200__; telephone (202) NA; there are Consulates General in NA; US: Charge Ralph Bresler; Interim Chancery at #66 Derzhinskiy Prospekt; Residence: Hotel Pishpek (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-3312-22-22-70 Flag: red-orange field with yellow sun in center with folk motif medallion inscribed Kyrgyzstan Economy Overview: Kyrgyzstan's small economy (less than 1% of the total for the former Soviet Union) is oriented toward agriculture, producing mainly livestock such as goats and sheep, as well as cotton, grain, and tobacco. Industry, concentrated around Bishkek, produces small quantities of electric motors, livestock feeding equipment, washing machines, furniture, cement, paper, and bricks. Mineral extraction is small, the most important minerals being rare earth metals and gold. Kyrgyzstan is a net importer of most types of food and fuel but is a net exporter of electricity. By early 1991, the Kirghiz leadership had accelerated reform, primarily by privatizing business and granting life-long tenure to farmers. In 1991 overall industrial and livestock output declined substantially. purchasing power equivalent - $NA billion, per capita $NA; real growth rate -5% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 88% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million Exports: $115 million (1990) commodities: wool, chemicals, cotton, ferrous and nonferrous metals, shoes, machinery, tobacco partners: Russia 70%, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and others Imports: $1.5 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: lumber, industrial products, ferrous metals, fuel, machinery, textiles, footwear External debt: $650 million (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 0.1% (1991) Electricity: NA kW capacity; 13,900 million kWh produced, 3,232 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: small machinery, textiles, food-processing industries, cement, shoes, sawn logs, steel, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, and rare earth metals Agriculture: wool, tobacco, cotton, livestock (sheep and goats) and cattle, vegetables, meat, grapes, fruits and berries, eggs, milk, potatoes Illicit drugs: poppy cultivation legal Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Fiscal year: calendar year Kyrgyzstan Communications Railroads: 370 km; does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 30,300 km total; 22,600 km paved or graveled, 7,700 km earth(1990) Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly developed; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only) Kyrgyzstan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); National Guard, Civil Defense; CIS Forces (Ground, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KYRGYZSTAN - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922-6642). Kyrgyzstan - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is located at Erkindik Prospekt #66; telephone (7) (3312) 222-693. Country Description: Kyrgyzstan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other economic difficulties. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Kyrgyzstan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Kyrgyzstan are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Medical Information: Medical care in Kyrgyzstan is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information for the region can be found in the Department of State s brochure, "Tips for travelers to Russia," which includes information on Kyrgyzstan, is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Kyrgyzstan has a relatively low rate of violent crime. There have been recent increases in street crime, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Kyrgyzstan is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-029 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text KYRGYZST false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Laos Geography Total area: 236,800 km2 Land area: 230,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Utah Land boundaries: 5,083 km; Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: boundary dispute with Thailand Climate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April) Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 58%; other 35%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: deforestation; soil erosion; subject to floods Note: landlocked Laos People Population: 4,440,213 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 107 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 52 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Lao(s) or Laotian(s); adjective - Lao or Laotian Ethnic divisions: Lao 50%, Phoutheung (Kha) 15%, tribal Thai 20%, Meo, Hmong, Yao, and other 15% Religions: Buddhist 85%, animist and other 15% Languages: Lao (official), French, and English Literacy: 84% (male 92%, female 76%) age 15 to 45 can read and write (1985 est.) Labor force: 1-1.5 million; 85-90% in agriculture (est.) Organized labor: Lao Federation of Trade Unions is subordinate to the Communist party Laos Government Long-form name: Lao People's Democratic Republic Type: Communist state Capital: Vientiane Administrative divisions: 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamsai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louang Namtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, Vientiane, Vientiane*, Xaignabouri, Xiangkhoang Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France) Constitution: promulgated August 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic), 2 December (1975) Executive branch: president, chairman and two vice chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: Supreme People's Assembly Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President KAYSONE PHOMVIHAN (since 15 August 1991) Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), KAYSONE PHOMVIHAN, party chairman; includes Lao Patriotic Front and Alliance Committee of Patriotic Neutralist Forces; other parties moribund Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Supreme People's Assembly: last held on 26 March 1989 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: non-Communist political groups moribund; most leaders have fled the country Member of: ACCT (associate), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Charge d'Affaires LINTHONG PHETSAVAN; Chancery at 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-6416 or 6417 US: Charge d'Affaires Charles B. SALMON, Jr.; Embassy at Rue Bartholonie, Vientiane (mailing address is B. P. 114, Vientiane, or AMEMB, Box V, APO AP 96546); telephone (856) 2220, 2357, 2384; FAX (856) 4675 Laos Government Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band Laos Economy Overview: One of the world's poorest nations, Laos has had a Communist centrally planned economy with government ownership and control of productive enterprises of any size. In recent years, however, the government has been decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise. Laos is a landlocked country with a primitive infrastructure; that is, it has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, limited external and internal telecommunications, and electricity available in only a limited area. Subsistence agriculture is the main occupation, accounting for over 60% of GDP and providing about 85-90% of total employment. The predominant crop is rice. For the foreseeable future the economy will continue to depend for its survival on foreign aid from the IMF and other international sources; aid from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has been cut sharply. exchange rate conversion - $800 million, per capita $200; real growth rate 4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.4% (December 1991) Unemployment rate: 21% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $83 million; expenditures $188.5 million, including capital expenditures of $94 million (1990 est.) Exports: $72 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: electricity, wood products, coffee, tin partners: Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, USSR, US, China Imports: $238 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: food, fuel oil, consumer goods, manufactures partners: Thailand, USSR, Japan, France, Vietnam, China External debt: $1.1 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 12% (1991 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1991 est.) Electricity: 226,000 kW capacity; 1,100 million kWh produced, 270 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP and employs most of the work force; subsistence farming predominates; normally self-sufficient in nondrought years; principal crops - rice (80% of cultivated land), sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, cotton; livestock - buffaloes, hogs, cattle, chicken Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, opium poppy for the international drug trade, third-largest opium producer Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $276 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $605 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $995 million Currency: new kip (plural - kips); 1 new kip (NK) = 100 at Laos Economy Exchange rates: new kips (NK) per US$1 - 710 (May 1992), 710 (December 1991), 700 (September 1990), 576 (1989), 385 (1988), 200 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Laos Communications Railroads: none Highways: about 27,527 km total; 1,856 km bituminous or bituminous treated; 7,451 km gravel, crushed stone, or improved earth; 18,220 km unimproved earth and often impassable during rainy season mid-May to mid-September Inland waterways: about 4,587 km, primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional kilometers are sectionally navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m Pipelines: petroleum products 136 km Ports: none Airports: 57 total, 47 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 14 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: service to general public considered poor; radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390 telephones (1986); broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station Laos Defense Forces Branches: Lao People's Army (LPA; including naval, aviation, and militia elements), Air Force, National Police Department Manpower availability: males 15-49, 946,289; 509,931 fit for military service; 45,232 reach military age (18) annually; conscription age NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LAOS - Passport and visa required. Visa requires $35 fee, 3 application forms, 3 photos, onward/return transportation, sufficient funds, cholera immunization and SASE for return of passport by mail. Transit visas for stay up to 7 days requires onward/return ticket and visa for next destination. Short-stay visa valid 1 month for single entry up to 15 days; nonimmigrant visa is available for stays up to 30 days. Send tourist visa applications for individuals and tour groups to tourism office in Vientiane or Embassy in Washington. Check information with Embassy of the Lao PeopleUs Democratic Republic, 2222 S St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-6416/7). Laos - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rue Bartholomie, B.P. 114, in Vientiane; mail can be addressed to AMEMB Box V, APO AP 96546; the telephone numbers are (856) 2220, 2357, 2384, or 3570 and 2357 after office hours. Country Description: Laos is an underdeveloped poor country with a communist government. Tourist services and facilities are relatively undeveloped. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. The visa requires a $35 fee, three application forms, three photos, onward/return transportation, sufficient funds, and evidence of cholera immunization. For more details, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, 2222 S St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 332- 8416/7. Areas of Instability: The government of Laos does not permit foreign tourists to travel by road between Vientiane and Luang Prabang because of the poor state of the road and sporadic banditry. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crime is not a problem for travelers, although there have been some instances of petty crime against personal property. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. In-Country Travel: Permission from the Lao government is required for travel outside Vientiane City. Western travelers who are caught outside the city of Vientiane without travel permits are often arrested and detained incommunicado for periods of up to several weeks, and are usually fined heavily and expelled from the country. In recent months, Lao police have stepped up inspection of western travelers outside Vientiane City. Travel permits are obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the Department of Tourism and are generally only issued to persons traveling with a government-approved tour. Land or river travel outside Vientiane Province is not permitted, and travelers visiting provincial cities such as Luang Prabang and Savannakhet must travel by air. Road travel in some areas, particularly Vientiane (outside Vientiane City), Luang Prabang and Bolikhamsa Provinces, is also dangerous. In early 1992, insurgent forces and bandits attacked civilian buses near Vientiane City, and a number of Lao civilians were killed in these attacks. Religious Workers: Religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Foreigners caught distributing religious material may be arrested and held incommunicado or expelled from the country. Marriage to a Lao Citizen: U.S. citizens intending to marry a Lao citizen must receive approval from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. Those who do not receive approval from all relevant ministries may be arrested or have their passports confiscated by Ministry of Interior police for periods of several weeks. Photography Restrictions: Police and military often confiscate the cameras of persons seen taking photographs of military or government subjects, including military installations, military vehicles, bridges, airfields and government buildings. Confiscated cameras are almost never returned to the owners. Foreigners may also be arrested for photographing such subjects. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-101 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Latvia false marked Latvia showNameProp Latvia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Latvia Geography Total area: 64,100 km2 Land area: 64,100 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,078 km; Belarus 141 km, Estonia 267 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 km Coastline: 531 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: NA meter depth Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Territorial sea: NA nm Disputes: the Abrene section of border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic to Russia in 1944 Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters Terrain: low plain Natural resources: minimal; amber, peat, limestone, dolomite Land use: 27% arable land; NA% permanent crops; 13% meadows and pastures; 39% forest and woodland; 21% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: heightened levels of air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga heavily polluted Latvia People Population: 2,728,937 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Latvian(s);adjective - Latvian Ethnic divisions: Latvian 51.8%, Russian 33.8%, Byelorussian 4.5%, Ukrainian 3.4%, Polish 2.3%, other 4.2% Religions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox Languages: Latvian NA% (official), Lithuanian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,407,000; industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 16%, other 43% (1990) Organized labor: NA Latvia Government Long-form name: Republic of Latvia Type: republic Capital: Riga Administrative divisions: none - all districts are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: 18 November 1918; annexed by the USSR 21 July 1940, the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic declared independence 6 September 1991 from USSR Constitution: April 1978, currently rewriting constitution, but readopted the 1922 Constitution Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: Independence Day, 18 November (1918) Executive branch: Prime Minister Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman, Supreme Council, Anatolijs GORBUNOVS (since October 1988); Chairmen, Andrejs KRASTINS, Valdis BIRKAVS (since NA 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Ivars GODMANIS (since May 1990) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party of Latvia, Juris BOJARS, chairman; Inter-Front of the Working People of Latvia, Igor LOPATIN, chairman; note - Inter-Front was banned after the coup; Latvian National Movement for Independence, Eduards BERKLAVS, chairman; Latvian Social Democratic Party, Janis DINEVICS, chairman; Social Democratic Party of Latvia, Uldis BERZINS, chairman; Latvian People's Front, Romualdas RAZUKAS, chairman; Latvian Liberal Party, Georg LANSMANIS, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held October 1988 (next to be held NA; note - elected by Parliament; new elections have not been scheduled; results - percent of vote by party NA Supreme Council: last held 18 March 1990 (next to be held NA); results - undetermined; seats - (234 total) Latvian Communist Party 59, Latvian Democratic Workers Party 31, Social Democratic Party of Latvia 4, Green Party of Latvia 7, Latvian Farmers Union 7, 126 supported by the Latvia Popular Front Congress of Latvia: last held April 1990 (next to be held NA); note - the Congress of Latvia is a quasi-governmental structure; results - percent of vote by party NA%; seats - (231 total) number of seats by party NA Member of: CSCE, IAEA, UN Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Anatol DINBERGS; Chancery at 4325 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20011; telephone (202) 726-8213 and 8214 Latvia Government US: Ambassador Ints SILINS; (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone [358] (49) 306-067 (cellular), (7) (01-32) 325-968/185; FAX [358] (49) 308-326 (cellular), (7) (01-32) 220-502 Flag: two horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (middle, narrower than other two bands) and maroon (bottom) Latvia Economy Overview: Latvia is in the process of reforming the centrally planned economy inherited from the former USSR into a market economy. Prices have been freed, and privatization of shops and farms has begun. Latvia lacks natural resources, aside from its arable land and small forests. Its most valuable economic asset is its work force, which is better educated and disciplined than in most of the former Soviet republics. Industrial production is highly diversified, with products ranging from agricultural machinery to consumer electronics. One conspicuous vulnerability: Latvia produces only 10% of its electric power needs. Latvia in the near term must retain key commercial ties to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine while moving in the long run toward joint ventures, technological support, and trade ties to the West. Because of the efficiency of its mostly individual farms, Latvians enjoy a diet that is higher in meat, vegetables, and dairy products and lower in grain and potatoes than diets in the 12 non-Baltic republics of the USSR. Good relations with Russia are threatened by animosity between ethnic Russians (34% of the population) and native Latvians. purchasing power equivalent - $NA; per capital NA; real growth rate - 8% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): approximately 200% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $239 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: food 14%, railroad cars 13%, chemicals 12% partners: Russia 50%, Ukraine 15%, other former Soviet republics 30%, West 5% Imports: $9.0 billion (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: machinery 35%, petroleum products 13%, chemicals 9% partners: NA External debt: $650 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1991) Electricity: 1,975,000 kW capacity; 6,500 million kWh produced, 2,381 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: employs 33.2% of labor force; highly diversified; dependent on imports for energy, raw materials, and intermediate products; produces buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles Agriculture: employs 23% of labor force; principally dairy farming and livestock feeding; products - meat, milk, eggs, grain, sugar beets, potatoes, and vegetables; fishing and fish packing Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe Latvia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency but planning early introduction of ``lat'' Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Latvia Communications Railroads: 2,400 km (includes NA km electrified) does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 59,500 km total (1990); 33,000 km hard surfaced 26,500 km earth Inland waterways: 300 km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil NA km, refined products NA km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja; inland - Daugavpils Merchant marine: 96 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 917,979 GRT/1,194,666 DWT; includes 14 cargo, 29 refrigerated cargo, 2 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 42 petroleum tanker Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - NA; international traffic carried by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch and the Finnish cellular net Latvia Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard, Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, Air Defense, Border Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: NA% of GDP; 3-5% of Latvia's budget (1992) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LATVIA - Passport required. Tourist/business visas issued at point of entry. For further information contact Embassy of Latvia, 4325 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-8213). Latvia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Latvia is located at Raina Boulevard 7 in Riga; telephone (013-2) 210-005 or (013-2) 210-006. Country Description: Latvia is a newly independent nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: Visas are required and may be obtained in advance through the Latvian Embassy. Latvian visas are valid for entry to Estonia and Lithuania and visas issued by Estonia or Lithuania are likewise valid for entry to Latvia. Travelers who plan to enter Russia or another member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, even in transit, will also need a Russian visa. Further information concerning entry requirements for Latvia, can be obtained by contacting the Embassy of Latvia at 4325 17th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20011, tel: (202) 726-8213. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Latvia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Latvia has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however street crime has increased especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. Robberies also occur on trains and in train stations. The Department of State s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Other Information: Latvia is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or consulate may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-030 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LATVIA Lebanon false marked NC\U V Lebanon showNameProp Lebanon most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Lebanon Geography Total area: 10,400 km2 Land area: 10,230 km2 Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: 454 km; Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km Coastline: 225 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Israeli troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982; Syrian troops in northern Lebanon since October 1976 Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers Terrain: narrow coastal plain; Al Biqa` (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains Natural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt; water-surplus state in a water-deficit region Land use: arable land 21%; permanent crops 9%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 8%; other 61%; includes irrigated 7% Environment: rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, ethnicity; deforestation; soil erosion; air and water pollution; desertification Note: Nahr al Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary Lebanon People Population: 3,439,115 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 43 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Lebanese (singular and plural); adjective - Lebanese Ethnic divisions: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1% Religions: Islam 75%, Christian 25%, Judaism NEGL%; 17 legally recognized groups - 5 Islam (Alawite or Nusayri, Druze, Isma`ilite, Shi`a, Sunni); 11 Christian, consisting of 4 Orthodox Christian (Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Nestorean, Syriac Orthodox), 6 Catholic (Armenian Catholic, Caldean, Greek Catholic, Maronite, Roman Catholic, and Syrian Catholic) and the Protestants; 1 Jewish Languages: Arabic and French (both official); Armenian, English Literacy: 80% (male 88%, female 73%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 650,000; industry, commerce, and services 79%, agriculture 11%, government 10% (1985) Organized labor: 250,000 members (est.) Lebanon Government Long-form name: Republic of Lebanon; note - may be changed to Lebanese Republic Type: republic Capital: Beirut Administrative divisions: 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Biqa, `Al Janub, Ash Shamal, Bayrut, Jabal Lubnan Independence: 22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration) Constitution: 26 May 1926 (amended) Legal system: mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 22 November (1943) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet; note - by custom, the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the legislature is a Shi`a Muslim Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Arabic - Majlis Alnuwab, French - Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and one court for criminal cases) Leaders: Chief of State: President Ilyas HARAWI (since 24 November 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Rashid SULH (since 13 May 1992) Political parties and leaders: political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines; numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual political figures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economic considerations; most parties have well-armed militias, which are still involved in occasional clashes Suffrage: compulsory for all males at age 21; authorized for women at age 21 with elementary education Elections: National Assembly: elections should be held every four years, but security conditions have prevented elections since May 1972; in June 1991, the Cabinet appointed 40 new deputies to fill vacancies and balance Christian and Muslim representation; the legislature's mandate expires in 1994 Communists: the Lebanese Communist Party was legalized in 1970; members and sympathizers estimated at 2,000-3,000 Member of: ABEDA, ACCT, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Lebanon Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador - no ambassador at present; Mission is headed by Charge; Chancery at 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-6300; there are Lebanese Consulates General in Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles US: Ambassador Ryan C. CROCKER; Embassy at Antelias, Beirut (mailing address is P. O. Box 70-840, Beirut, or Box B, FPO AE 09836); telephone [961] 417774 or 415802, 415803, 402200, 403300 Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red with a green and brown cedar tree centered in the white band Lebanon Government Note: Between early 1975 and late 1976 Lebanon was torn by civil war between its Christians - then aided by Syrian troops - and its Muslims and their Palestinian allies. The cease-fire established in October 1976 between the domestic political groups generally held for about six years, despite occasional fighting. Syrian troops constituted as the Arab Deterrent Force by the Arab League have remained in Lebanon. Syria's move toward supporting the Lebanese Muslims, and the Palestinians and Israel's growing support for Lebanese Christians, brought the two sides into rough equilibrium, but no progress was made toward national reconciliation or political reforms - the original cause of the war. Continuing Israeli concern about the Palestinian presence in Lebanon led to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982. Israeli forces occupied all of the southern portion of the country and mounted a summer-long siege of Beirut, which resulted in the evacuation of the PLO from Beirut in September under the supervision of a multinational force (MNF) made up of US, French, and Italian troops. Within days of the departure of the MNF, Lebanon's newly elected president, Bashir Gemayel, was assassinated; his elder brother Amin was elected to succeed him. In the immediate wake of Bashir's death, however, Christian militiamen massacred hundreds of Palestinian refugees in two Beirut camps. This prompted the return of the MNF to ease the security burden on Lebanon's weak Army and security forces. In late March 1984 the last MNF units withdrew. In 1988, President Gemayel completed his term of office. Because parliamentarians failed to elect a presidential successor, Gemayel appointed then Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Gen. Michel Awn acting president. Lebanese parliamentarians met in Ta'if, Saudi Arabia, in late 1989 and concluded a national reconciliation pact that codified a new power-sharing formula, specifying reduced powers for the Christian president and giving Muslims more authority. Rene MUAWAD was subsequently elected president on 4 November 1989, ending a 13-month period during which Lebanon had no president and rival Muslim and Christian governments. MUAWAD was assassinated 17 days later, on 22 November; on 24 November, Ilyas Harawi was elected to succeed MUAWAD. In October 1990, the civil war was apparently brought to a conclusion when Syrian and Lebanese forces ousted renegade Christian General Awn from his stronghold in East Beirut. Awn had defied the legitimate government and established a separate ministate within East Beirut after being appointed acting Prime Minister by outgoing President Gemayel in 1988. Awn and his supporters feared Ta'if would diminish Christian power in Lebanon and increase the influence of Syria. Awn was granted amnesty and allowed to travel in France in August 199l. Since the removal of Awn, the Lebanese Government has made substantial progress in strengthening the central government, rebuilding government institutions, and extending its authority throughout the nation. The LAF has deployed from Beirut north along the coast road to Tripoli, southeast into the Shuf mountains, and south to Sidon and Tyre. Many militiamen from Christian and Muslim groups have evacuated Beirut for their strongholds in the north, south, and east of the country. Some heavy weapons possessed by the militias have been turned over to the government, or sold outside the country, which has begun a plan to integrate some militiamen into the military and the internal security forces. Lebanon and Syria signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation in May 1991. Lebanon continues to be partially occupied by Syrian troops, which are deployed in Beirut, its southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and northern Lebanon. Iran also maintains a small contingent of revolutionary guards in the Bekaa Valley to support Lebanese Islamic fundamentalist groups. Israel withdrew the bulk of its forces from the south in 1985, although it still retains troops in a 10-km-deep security zone north of its border with Lebanon. Israel arms and trains the Army of South Lebanon (ASL), which also occupies the security zone and is Israel's first line of defense against attacks on its northern border. The following description is based on the present constitutional and customary practices of the Lebanese system. Lebanon Economy Overview: Since 1975 civil war has seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. Following October 1990, however, a tentative peace has enabled the central government to begin restoring control in Beirut, collect taxes, and regain access to key port and government facilities. The battered economy has also been propped up by a financially sound banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers. Family remittances, banking transactions, manufactured and farm exports, the narcotics trade, and international emergency aid are main sources of foreign exchange. In the relatively settled year of 1991, industrial production, agricultural output, and exports showed substantial gains. The further rebuilding of the war-ravaged country could provide a major stimulus to the economy in 1992, provided that the political and military situation remains reasonably calm. exchange rate conversion - $4.8 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate NA (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1991) Unemployment rate: 35% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $533 million; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) Exports: $700 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, precious and semiprecious metals and jewelry, metals and metal products partners: Saudi Arabia 16%, Switzerland 8%, Jordan 6%, Kuwait 6%, US 5% Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: NA partners: Italy 14%, France 12%, US 6%, Turkey 5%, Saudi Arabia 3% External debt: $900 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,381,000 kW capacity; 3,870 million kWh produced, 1,170 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: banking, food processing, textiles, cement, oil refining, chemicals, jewelry, some metal fabricating Agriculture: accounts for about one-third of GDP; principal products - citrus fruits, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, hemp (hashish), sheep, and goats; not self-sufficient in grain Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; opium poppy production in Al Biqa` is increasing; hashish production is shipped to Western Europe, Israel, US, and the Middle East Lebanon Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $356 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $664 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $962 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $9 million Currency: Lebanese pound (plural - pounds); 1 Lebanese pound (#L) = 100 piasters Exchange rates: Lebanese pounds (#L) per US$1 - 879.00 (January 1992), 928.23 (1991), 695.09 (1990), 496.69 (1989), 409.23 (1988), 224.60 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Lebanon Communications Railroads: system in disrepair, considered inoperable Highways: 7,300 km total; 6,200 km paved, 450 km gravel and crushed stone, 650 km improved earth Pipelines: crude oil 72 km (none in operation) Ports: Beirut, Tripoli, Ra'Sil`ata, Juniyah, Sidon, Az Zahrani, Tyre Merchant marine: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 236,196 GRT/346,760 DWT; includes 36 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 8 livestock carrier, 1 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 3 bulk, 1 combination bulk Civil air: 19 major transport aircraft Airports: 9 total, 8 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m; none under the direct control of the Lebanese Government Telecommunications: rebuilding program disrupted; had fair system of microwave relay, cable; 325,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM (numerous AM and FM radio stations are operated inconsistently by various factions), 13 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth station, erratic operations; 3 submarine coaxial cables; radio relay to Jordan inoperable, but operational to Syria, coaxial cable to Syria Lebanon Defense Forces Branches: Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (including Army, Navy, and Air Force) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 750,319; 465,938 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $271 million, 8.2% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LEBANON - Passport and visa required. Since January 1987, U.S. passports are not valid for travel in, to, or through Lebanon without authorization from the Department of State. Application for exemptions to this restriction should be submitted in writing to Passport Services, U.S. Department of State, 1425 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20524, Attn: CA/PPT/C, Room 300. For further information contact Embassy of Lebanon, 2560 28th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6300) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/467- 1253), Detroit (313/567-0233) or New York (212/744-7905). LEBANON - WARNING December 20, 1991 The Department of State has learned that several international carriers are now making intermediate stops in Beirut. U.S. citizens are advised not to board such flights because of the danger of traveling to or transiting Lebanon. Such stops are not always announced. Travelers should therefore inquire, before making travel arrangements in the region, whether a flight will make a stop in Beirut. Travelers are reminded that U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in or through Lebanon, which includes landing at the Beirut airport. U.S. passports remain invalid for travel to, in or through Lebanon and may not be used for that purpose unless a special validation has been obtained. Use of a U.S. passport for travel to, in, or through Lebanon may constitute a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1544, and be punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Exceptions to this restriction are being reviewed carefully on a case-by-case basis. The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for a special validation are set forth in 22 C.F.R. 51.74. Passport validation requests for Lebanon should be forwarded in writing to the following address: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services U.S. Department of State 1425 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20522-1705 Attn: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance (Rm. 300). The request must be accompanied by substantiating documentation according to the category under which validation is sought. The four regulatory categories are as follows: [1] Professional Reporter: Includes full-time members of the reporting or writing staff of a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting network whose purpose for travel is to gather information about Lebanon for dissemination to the general public. The request must come from the applicant's employer, and contain information attesting to the reporter's status with that organization. [2] American Red Cross: Applicant establishes that he or she is a representative of the American Red Cross or International Red Cross traveling pursuant to an officially sponsored Red Cross mission. [3] Humanitarian Considerations: Applicant must establish that his or her trip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations. At this time, "compelling humanitarian considerations" are being interpreted as either those situations where the applicant can document that an immediate family member is critically ill in Lebanon, or "family unification" cases where spouses or minor children are residing in Lebanon, with and dependent on, a Lebanese national spouse or parent for their support. Documentation concerning family illness must include the name and address of the relative, and be from that relative's physician attesting to the nature and gravity of the illness. [4] National Interest: The applicant's request is otherwise found to be in the national interest. In all requests for passport validation for travel to Lebanon, the name, date and place of birth for all concerned persons must be given, as well as the U.S. passport numbers, if any exist. Documentation as outlined above should accompany all requests. Additional information may be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling the Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance at [202] 326-6178 or 326-6168. No. 91-247 This replaces the travel advisory dated October 12, 1991 and to reflect the release of all remaining U.S. hostages and to remind travelers that the situation in Lebanon is still so dangerous that no U.S. citizen can be considered safe from terrorist acts Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LEBANON Lesotho false marked `)d/(0 Lesotho showNameProp Lesotho most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Lesotho Geography Total area: 30,350 km2 Land area: 30,350 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 909 km; South Africa 909 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly highland with some plateaus, hills, and mountains Natural resources: some diamonds and other minerals, water, agricultural and grazing land Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 66%; forest and woodland 0%; other 24% Environment: population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion; desertification Note: landlocked; surrounded by South Africa; Highlands Water Project will control, store, and redirect water to South Africa Lesotho People Population: 1,848,925 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 74 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 63 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural); adjective - Basotho Ethnic divisions: Sotho 99.7%; Europeans 1,600, Asians 800 Religions: Christian 80%, rest indigenous beliefs Languages: Sesotho (southern Sotho) and English (official); also Zulu and Xhosa Literacy: 59% (male 44%, female 68%) age 15 and over can read and write (1966) Labor force: 689,000 economically active; 86.2% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 60% of active male labor force works in South Africa Organized labor: there are two trade union federations; the government favors formation of a single, umbrella trade union confederation Lesotho Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Lesotho Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Maseru Administrative divisions: 10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka Independence: 4 October 1966 (from UK; formerly Basutoland) Constitution: 4 October 1966, suspended January 1970 Legal system: based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 4 October (1966) Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Military Council, Military Council, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: none - the bicameral Parliament was dissolved following the military coup in January 1986; note - a National Constituent Assembly convened in June 1990 to rewrite the constitution and debate issues of national importance, but it has no legislative authority Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: King LETSIE III (since 12 November 1990 following dismissal of his father, exiled King MOSHOESHOE II, by Maj. Gen. LEKHANYA) Head of Government: Chairman of the Military Council Col. Elias Phisoana RAMAEMA (since 30 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: Basotho National Party (BNP), Evaristus SEKHONYANA; Basutoland Congress Party (BCP), Ntsu MOKHEHLE; National Independent Party (NIP), A. C. MANYELI; Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP), Bernard M. KHAKETLA; United Democratic Party, Charles MOFELI; Communist Party of Lesotho (CPL), J. M. KENA Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: dissolved following the military coup in January 1986; military has pledged elections will take place in June 1992 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Tseliso THAMAE; Chancery at 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 797-5534 US: Ambassador Leonard H.O. SPEARMAN, Sr.; Embassy at address NA, Maseru (mailing address is P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100 Lesotho); telephone [266] 312-666; FAX (266) 310-116 Lesotho Government Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half is white bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with crossed spear and club; the lower half is a diagonal blue band with a green triangle in the corner Lesotho Economy Overview: Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho has no important natural resources other than water. Its economy is based on agriculture, light manufacturing, and remittances from laborers employed in South Africa ($153 million in 1989). The great majority of households gain their livelihoods from subsistence farming and migrant labor. Manufacturing depends largely on farm products to support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries; other industries include textile, clothing, and light engineering. Industry's share of GDP rose from 6% in 1982 to 15% in 1989. Political and economic instability in South Africa raises uncertainty for Lesotho's economy, especially with respect to migrant worker remittances - typically about 40% of GDP. exchange rate conversion - $420 million, per capita $240; real growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: at least 55% among adult males (1991 est.) Budget: expenditures $399 million, including capital expenditures of $132 million (FY92-93) Exports: $59 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: wool, mohair, wheat, cattle, peas, beans, corn, hides, skins, baskets partners: South Africa 53%, EC 30%, North and South America 13% (1989) Imports: $604 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: mainly corn, building materials, clothing, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum partners: South Africa 95%, EC 2% (1989) External debt: $370 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.8% (1989 est.); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: power supplied by South Africa Industries: food, beverages, textiles, handicrafts, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 18% of GDP and employs 60-70% of all households; exceedingly primitive, mostly subsistence farming and livestock; principal crops are corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $268 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $819 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $14 million Currency: loti (plural - maloti); 1 loti (L) = 100 lisente Exchange rates: maloti (M) per US$1 - 2.8809 (March 1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988), 2.0350 (1987); note - the Basotho loti is at par with the South African rand Lesotho Economy Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Lesotho Communications Railroads: 2.6 km; owned, operated by, and included in the statistics of South Africa Highways: 7,215 km total; 572 km paved; 2,337 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil; 1,806 km improved earth, 2,500 km unimproved earth (1988) Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 28 total, 28 usable; 3 with permanent surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: rudimentary system consisting of a few landlines, a small microwave system, and minor radio communications stations; 5,920 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Lesotho Defense Forces Branches: Royal Lesotho Defense Force (RLDF; including Army, Air Wing), Royal Lesotho Mounted Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 408,003; 220,129 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 13.1% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LESOTHO - Passport required. Visa issued upon arrival for stay up to 3 months, may be extended. For longer stays and other types of travel, check Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, 2511 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/797-5533). Lesotho - Caution March 20, 1992 The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when visiting Lesotho, especially when traveling at night. Deteriorating economic conditions in the country, aggravated by the return of large numbers of unemployed miners from South Africa, have caused a noticeable increase in the frequency of armed robberies, break-ins, and auto thefts, primarily in the capital, Maseru. While Americans as such have not been singled out as victims, foreigners have been targeted. Victims have included numerous members of the diplomatic corps and foreign aid missions: in recent weeks an American has been shot, a French woman and an Irish man have been kidnapped, and a Swedish woman has been killed, all during auto thefts. Americans planning to visit Lesotho should exercise great care when traveling, especially at night, and should never travel alone. They should register upon arrival with the American Embassy at 254 Kingsway, Maseru West, telephone number 312-666. No. 92-55 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LESOTHO Liberia false marked Liberia showNameProp Liberia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Liberia Geography Total area: 111,370 km2 Land area: 96,320 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,585 km; Guinea 563 km, Ivory Coast 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km Coastline: 579 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers Terrain: mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast Natural resources: iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 39%; other 55%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: West Africa's largest tropical rain forest, subject to deforestation Liberia People Population: 2,462,276 (July 1992), growth rate 29.6% (1992) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 265 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 119 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 59 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Liberian(s); adjective - Liberian Ethnic divisions: indigenous African tribes, including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella 95%; descendants of repatriated slaves known as Americo-Liberians 5% Religions: traditional 70%, Muslim 20%, Christian 10% Languages: English (official); more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group; English used by about 20% Literacy: 40% (male 50%, female 29%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 510,000, including 220,000 in the monetary economy; agriculture 70.5%, services 10.8%, industry and commerce 4.5%, other 14.2%; non-African foreigners hold about 95% of the top-level management and engineering jobs; 52% of population of working age Organized labor: 2% of labor force Liberia Government Long-form name: Republic of Liberia Type: republic Capital: Monrovia Administrative divisions: 13 counties; Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, Sinoe Independence: 26 July 1847 Constitution: 6 January 1986 Legal system: dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1847) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: interim President Dr. Amos SAWYER (since 15 November 1990); Vice President, vacant (since August 1991); note - this is an interim government appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that will be replaced after elections are held under a West African - brokered peace plan; rival rebel factions led by Prince Y. JOHNSON and Charles TAYLOR are challenging the SAWYER government's legitimacy while observing a tenuous cease-fire; the former president, Gen. Dr. Samuel Kanyon DOE, was killed on 9 September 1990 by Prince Y. JOHNSON Political parties and leaders: National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), Augustus CAINE, chairman; Liberian Action Party (LAP), Emmanuel KOROMAH, chairman; Unity Party (UP), Carlos SMITH, chairman; United People's Party (UPP), Gabriel Baccus MATTHEWS, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - Gen. Dr. Samuel Kanyon DOE (NDPL) 50.9%, Jackson DOE (LAP) 26.4%, other 22.7%; note - President Doe was killed by rebel forces on 9 September 1990 Senate: last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (26 total) NDPL 21, LAP 3, UP 1, UPP 1 House of Representatives: last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (64 total) NDPL 51, LAP 8, UP 3, UPP 2 Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Liberia Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Eugenia A. WORDSWORTH-STEVENSON; Chancery at 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011; telephone (202) 723-0437 through 0440; there is a Liberian Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Peter J. de VOS; Embassy at 111 United Nations Drive, Monrovia (mailing address is P. O. Box 98, Monrovia, or APO AE 09813; telephone [231] 222991 through 222994; FAX (231) 223-710 Flag: 11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner; the design was based on the US flag Liberia Economy Overview: Civil war during 1990 destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Expatriate businessmen fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them. Many will not return. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products, while local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. Political instability threatens prospects for economic reconstruction and repatriation of some 750,000 Liberian refugees who fled to neighboring countries. In 1991, the political impasse between the interim government and the rebel leader Charles Taylor prevented restoration of normal economic life. exchange rate conversion - $988 million, per capita $400; real growth rate 1.5% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1989) Unemployment rate: 43% urban (1988) Budget: revenues $242.1 million; expenditures $435.4 million, including capital expenditures of $29.5 million (1989) Exports: $505 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: iron ore 61%, rubber 20%, timber 11%, coffee partners: US, EC, Netherlands Imports: $394 million (c.i.f., 1989 est.) commodities: rice, mineral fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, other foodstuffs partners: US, EC, Japan, China, Netherlands, ECOWAS External debt: $1.6 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.5% in manufacturing (1987); accounts for 22% of GDP Electricity: 410,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 275 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: rubber processing, food processing, construction materials, furniture, palm oil processing, mining (iron ore, diamonds) Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principal products - rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava, palm oil, sugarcane, bananas, sheep, and goats; not self-sufficient in food, imports 25% of rice consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $665 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $870 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $25 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $77 million Currency: Liberian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Liberian dollars (L$) per US$1 - 1.00 (fixed rate since 1940); unofficial parallel exchange rate of L$7 = US$1, January 1992 Liberia Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Liberia Communications Railroads: 480 km total; 328 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 152 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge; all lines single track; rail systems owned and operated by foreign steel and financial interests in conjunction with Liberian Government Highways: 10,087 km total; 603 km bituminous treated, 2,848 km all weather, 4,313 km dry weather; there are also 2,323 km of private, laterite-surfaced roads open to public use, owned by rubber and timber companies Ports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper (or Cape Palmas) Merchant marine: 1,564 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 54,049,124 DWT/ 95,338,925 DWT; includes 19 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 145 cargo, 51 refrigerated cargo, 22 roll-on/roll-off, 62 vehicle carrier, 89 container, 4 barge carrier, 460 petroleum tanker, 105 chemical, 57 combination ore/oil, 50 liquefied gas, 6 specialized tanker, 465 bulk, 1 multifunction large-load carrier, 27 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry; all ships are foreign owned; the top 4 owning flags are US 18%, Japan 16%, Hong Kong 10%, and Norway 9% Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 66 total, 49 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: telephone and telegraph service via radio relay network; main center is Monrovia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; most telecommunications services inoperable due to insurgency movement Liberia Defense Forces Branches: Monrovia-based Armed Forces of Liberia (Army only) along with a police force; rest of country controlled by the army of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) insurgent group Manpower availability: males 15-49, 585,224; 312,420 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LIBERIA - Passport and visa required. Transit visitors with onward ticket can remain at airport up to 48 hours. Other travelers must obtain visas before arrival. Tourist/business entry visa valid 3 months, no fee, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, cholera and yellow fever vaccinations and medical certificate to confirm that traveler is in good health and free of any communicable disease. Company letter needed for business visa. Include SASE for return of passport by mail. Obtain exit permit from immigration authorities upon arrival, 1 photo required. For business requirements call Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, 5201 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/723-0437 to 0440) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/277-7692), GA (404/753-4754), IL (312/643-8635), LA (504/523-7784), MI (313/342-3900) or NY (212/687-1025). Liberia - Warning October 20, 1992 Due to deteriorating conditions in Liberia, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises all U.S. citizens to depart the country immediately, or as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department has ordered the departure of all non-essential U.S. government personnel and all dependents of U.S. government in Liberia. Americans currently in Liberia who need assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. The Embassy is located at 111 United Nations Drive, telephone 22-991. No. 92-173 This replaces the travel advisory dated September 29, 1992. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LIBERIA Libya false marked Libya showNameProp Libya most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Libya Geography Total area: 1,759,540 km2 Land area: 1,759,540 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: 4,383 km; Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km Coastline: 1,770 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Gulf of Sidra closing line: 32 degrees 30 minutes N Disputes: claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in northern Chad; maritime boundary dispute with Tunisia; Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in northern Niger; Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in southeastern Algeria Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior Terrain: mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, gypsum Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and woodland 0%; other 91%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; desertification; sparse natural surface-water resources Note: the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities Libya People Population: 4,484,795 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 60 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Libyan(s); adjective - Libyan Ethnic divisions: Berber and Arab 97%; some Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians Religions: Sunni Muslim 97% Languages: Arabic; Italian and English widely understood in major cities Literacy: 64% (male 75%, female 50%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,000,000, includes about 280,000 resident foreigners; industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18% Organized labor: National Trade Unions' Federation, 275,000 members; General Union for Oil and Petrochemicals; Pan-Africa Federation of Petroleum Energy and Allied Workers Libya Government Long-form name: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Digraph: Tripoli Administration divisions *** 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat; Ajdabiya, Al `Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan Type: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses); in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship Capital: Tripoli Administration divisions Administrative divisions: 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat; Ajdabiya, Al 'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan Independence: 24 December 1951 (from Italy) Constitution: 11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977 Legal system: based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Revolution Day, 1 September (1969) Executive branch: revolutionary leader, chairman of the General People's Committee (premier), General People's Committee (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral General People's Congress Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Revolutionary Leader Col. Mu`ammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969) Head of Government: Chairman of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abu Zayd `umar DURDA (since 7 October 1990) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committees Other political or pressure groups: various Arab nationalist movements and the Arab Socialist Resurrection (Ba'th) party with almost negligible memberships may be functioning clandestinely, as well as some Islamic elements Member of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Libya Government Diplomatic representation: none Flag: plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion) Libya Economy Overview: The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contributes practically all export earnings and about one-third of GDP. Since 1980, however, the sharp drop in oil prices and the resulting decline in export revenues have adversely affected economic development. In 1988 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at $5,410, but GDP growth rates have slowed and fluctuate sharply in response to changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have led to shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs, although the reopening of the Libyan-Tunisian border in April 1988 and the Libyan-Egyptian border in December 1989 have somewhat eased shortages. Austerity budgets and a lack of trained technicians have undermined the government's ability to implement a number of planned infrastructure development projects. Windfall revenues from the hike in world oil prices in late 1990 improved the foreign payments position and resulted in a current account surplus for the first time in five years. The nonoil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 22% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for about 5% of GDP, it employs about 20% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food requirements. exchange rate conversion - $28.9 billion, per capita $6,800; real growth rate 9% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 2% (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $8.1 billion; expenditures $9.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (1989 est.) Exports: $11 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum, peanuts, hides partners: Italy, USSR, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium/Luxembourg, Turkey Imports: $7.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods partners: Italy, USSR, Germany, UK, Japan External debt: $3.5 billion, excluding military debt (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 4%; accounts for 22% of GDP (not including oil) (1989) Electricity: 4,700,000 kW capacity; 13,700 million kWh produced, 3,100 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement Agriculture: 5% of GNP; cash crops - wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus fruits, peanuts; 75% of food is imported Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $242 million; no longer a recipient Libya Economy Currency: Libyan dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhams Exchange rates: Libyan dinars (LD) per US$1 - 0.2743 (March 1992), 0.2669 (1991), 0.2699 (1990), 0.2922 (1989), 0.2853 (1988), 0.2706 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Libya Communications Pipelines: crude oil 4,383 km; natural gas 1,947 km; petroleum products 443 km (includes liquid petroleum gas 256 km) Ports: Tobruk, Tripoli, Banghazi, Misratah, Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf Merchant marine: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 684,969 GRT/1,209,084 DWT; includes 3 short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 4 roll-on/roll-off, 10 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas Civil air: 59 major transport aircraft Airports: 133 total, 120 usable; 53 with permanent-surface runways; 9 with runways over 3,659 m; 28 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 46 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations Libya Defense Forces Branches: Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (including Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Command), National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,056,686; 624,027 fit for military service; 50,916 reach military age (17) annually; conscription now being implemented Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, 11.1% of GDP (1987) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp # LIBYA - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for those seeking residence permits; U.S. test accepted. Since December 1981, U.S. passports are not valid for travel in, to, or through Libya without authorization from the Department of State. Application for exemptions to this restriction should be submitted in writing to Passport Services, U.S. Department of State, 1425 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20524, Attn: CA/PPT/C, Room 300. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Libya. Before planning any travel to Libya, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/566-2701). Application and inquiries for visas must be made through a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Libya. LIBYA - WARNING May 12, 1992 Summary: The U.S. Government strongly advises American citizens in Libya to depart immediately. U.S. and United Nations sanctions severely restrict transportation into and out of the country. U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in or through Libya unless they are endorsed by the U.S. government. All financial and commercial transactions with Libya are prohibited, unless licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Treasury Department. Currently, the United States has no embassy in Libya. End Summary. The U.S. Government strongly advises American citizens in Libya to depart immediately. U.N. Security Council sanctions against Libya, including an air embargo, took effect on April 15, 1992. U.N. Security Council Resolution 748, passed on March 31, 1992, imposed sanctions on Libya until Libya fully complies with the provisions of U.N. Resolution 731 and 748, adopted on January 21, 1992. U.N. Security Council Resolution 731 was adopted in response to Libyan involvement in the bombings of Pan Am flight 103 and UTA flight 772. The U.S. cannot predict if or when Libya will comply with the U.N. demands. Since April 15, when air links were discontinued, it has become difficult to leave Libya. On December 11, 1981, U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to, in or through Libya and may not be used for that purpose unless a special validation is obtained from the U.S. State Department. Without the required validation, use of a U.S. passport for travel to, in or through Libya may constitute a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1544, and be punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for a special passport validation are set forth in 22 C.F.R. 51.74. Passport validation requests for Libya should be forwarded in writing to the following address: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services U.S. Department of State 1425 K Street, N.W. (Room 300) Washington, D.C. 20522-1705 Attn: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance 202/326-6168 or 202/326-6178 Each request must be accompanied by supporting documentation according to the category under which the validation is sought and include names, dates and place of birth, and U.S. passport numbers. The categories which may be considered for passport validation are: [1] Professional Reporters: Including full-time members of the reporting or writing staff of a newspaper, magazine, or broadcasting network whose purpose for travel is to gather information about Libya for dissemination to the general public. Such a request must come from the applicant's employer, and contain information attesting to the reporter's status with that organization. [2] American Red Cross: Applicant establishes that he or she is a representative of the American Red Cross or International Red Cross traveling pursuant to an officially sponsored Red Cross Mission. Applicants in this category should note that even if passport validation is approved, U.S. Treasury requirements also exist in this regard and applicants must obtain a specific license to engage in this activity from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Treasury Department. [3] Compelling humanitarian considerations: Applicant must establish that his or her trip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations. At this time, "compelling humanitarian considerations" include situations where the applicant can document that an immediate family member is critically ill in Libya. Documentation concerning family illness must include the name and address of the relative, and be from that relative's physician attesting to the nature and gravity of the illness. "Family unification" situations may include cases in which spouses or minor children are residing in Libya, with and dependent on, a Libyan national spouse or parent for their support. Travelers in this category are also required to register with the Office of Foreign Assets control, U.S. Treasury Department, or with the Embassy of Belgium in Tripoli upon arrival. [4] National Interest: The applicant's request is otherwise found to be in the national interest. Applicants in this category should note that even if passport validation is approved, U.S. Treasury requirements also exist in this regard and applicants must obtain a specific license to engage in this activity from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Treasury Department. On January 7, 1986, the President imposed sanctions against Libya, which are administered by the U.S. Treasury Department, prohibiting all travel-related transactions with respect to Libya for U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. There are limited exceptions for Libyan nationals' family members who register with the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control or with the Embassy of Belgium in Tripoli, and for full-time journalists. As of February 1, 1986, the President further prohibited transactions by U.S. persons relating to transportation to or from Libya, and the sale in the United States of air transportation including any stop in Libya became illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701. Additionally, all financial and commercial transactions by U.S. persons anywhere in the world with Libya are prohibited. This includes working in Libya, providing a service of any nature to Libya, or participating in an unauthorized transaction of any kind involving property in which Libya has an interest. Violations of the Libyan sanctions may result in penalties, fines and/or imprisonment. Under the Libyan Sanctions Regulations and in addition to any passport validation issued by the Department of State, the U.S. Treasury Department requires that U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, who are immediate family members of Libyan nationals and who wish to travel to Libya, must file a registration letter prior to their trip with the Office of Foreign Assets Control or with the Embassy of Belgium in Tripoli. The registration must contain the following information: [1] name, date and place of birth of the person registering [including the name under which a registrant's most recent U.S. passport was issued, if that is different]; [2] if applicable, place and date of the registrant's naturalization as a U.S. citizen, and the number of the registrant's naturalization certificate, or, for permanent resident aliens, the Alien Registration Number of the registrant's Alien Registration Receipt Card; [3] the name, relationship, and address of the immediate family member in Libya whose relationship forms the basis for the registrant's eligibility; [4] the number and issue date of the registrant's current U.S. passport, and the most recent date on which the passport was validated by the U.S. Department of State for travel to Libya. The Treasury Department may be contacted at the following address and phone number: Chief of Licensing Office of Foreign Assets Control U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220 202/535-9449 While the U.S. government warns against travel to Libya, persons who must travel to Libya need to be aware that there is no U.S. mission in Libya. Normal protection of U.S. citizens by U.S. diplomatic and consular representatives is not available to Americans traveling in Libya. U.S. interests are represented by the Government of Belgium which, as protecting power, can provide only limited emergency services. No. 92-101 This replaces the travel advisory dated April 3, 1992, to advise that the United Nations Security Council has imposed sanctions on Libya effective April 15, 1992, including an air embargo involving the severance of air links to Libya, and to explain more fully the nature and scope of economic sanctions against Libya. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LIBYA Liechtenstein false marked Liechtenstein showNameProp Liechtenstein most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Liechtenstein Geography Total area: 160 km2 Land area: 160 km2 Comparative area: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 78 km; Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers Terrain: mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third Natural resources: hydroelectric potential Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 38%; forest and woodland 19%; other 18% Environment: variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation Note: landlocked Liechtenstein People Population: 28,642 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Liechtensteiner(s); adjective - Liechtenstein Ethnic divisions: Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988) Languages: German (official), Alemannic dialect Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 19,905, of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria and Switzerland to work each day; industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990) Organized labor: NA Liechtenstein Government Long-form name: Principality of Liechtenstein Type: hereditary constitutional monarchy Capital: Vaduz Administrative divisions: 11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz Independence: 23 January 1719, Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established Constitution: 5 October 1921 Legal system: local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Assumption Day, 15 August Executive branch: reigning prince, hereditary prince, head of government, deputy head of government Legislative branch: unicameral Diet (Landtag) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases and Superior Court (Obergericht) for civil cases Leaders: Chief of State: Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein (born 11 June 1968) Head of Government: Hans BRUNHART (since 26 April 1978); Deputy Head of Government Dr. Herbert WILLE (since 2 February 1986) Political parties and leaders: Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Otto HASLER; Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP), Emanuel VOGT; Free Electoral List (FW) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Diet: last held on 5 March 1989 (next to be held by March 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) VU 13, FBP 12 Member of: CE, CSCE, EBRD, IAEA, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO Diplomatic representation: in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the US by the Swiss Embassy US: the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but the US Consul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditation at Vaduz Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band Liechtenstein Economy Overview: The prosperous economy is based primarily on small-scale light industry and tourism. Industry accounts for 53% of total employment, the service sector 45% (mostly based on tourism), and agriculture and forestry 2%. The sale of postage stamps to collectors is estimated at $10 million annually. Low business taxes (the maximum tax rate is 20%) and easy incorporation rules have induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein. Such companies, incorporated solely for tax purposes, provide 30% of state revenues. The economy is tied closely to that of Switzerland in a customs union, and incomes and living standards parallel those of the more prosperous Swiss groups. purchasing power equivalent - $630 million, per capita $22,300; real growth rate NA% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1990) Budget: revenues $259 million; expenditures $292 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1990) Exports: $1.6 billion commodities: small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, pottery partners: EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), EC countries 42.7%, other 36.4% (1990) Imports: $NA commodities: machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 23,000 kW capacity; 150 million kWh produced, 5,340 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism Agriculture: livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapes Economic aid: none Currency: Swiss franc, franken, or franco (plural - francs, franken, or franchi); 1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi Exchange rates: Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.5079 (March 1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990), 1.6359 (1989), 1.4633 (1988), 1.4912 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Liechtenstein Communications Railroads: 18.5 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, electrified; owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian Federal Railways Highways: 130.66 km main roads, 192.27 km byroads Civil air: no transport aircraft Airports: none Telecommunications: limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system; 25,400 telephones; linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for international telephone, radio, and TV services Liechtenstein Defense Forces Branches: Police Department Note: defense is responsibility of Switzerland entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LIECHTENSTEIN - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months. For further information consult the Swiss Embassy (202/745-7900). Liechtenstein - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 U.S. Representation: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Liechtenstein. For assistance, American citizens can contact the U.S. Consulate General in Zurich, Switzerland, telephone (41) (1) 422-2566. Country Description: Liechtenstein is a stable, democratically run constitutional monarchy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Liechtenstein, travelers can contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, tel (202) 745-7900, or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Liechtenstein has a low crime rate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalities: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Zurich Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-031 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LIECHTEN Lithuania false marked Lithuania showNameProp Lithuania most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Lithuania Geography Total area: 65,200 km2 Land area: 65,200 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,273 km; Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km Coastline: 108 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: NA meter depth Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Territorial sea: NA nm Disputes: dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of the Neman River border presently located on the Lithuanian bank and not in midriver as by international standards Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters Terrain: lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil Natural resources: peat Land use: 49.1% arable land; NA% permanent crops; 22.2% meadows and pastures; 16.3% forest and woodland; 12.4% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA Lithuania People Population: 3,788,542 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Lithuanian(s); adjective - Lithuanian Ethnic divisions: Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Poles 7.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, other 2.1% Religions: Catholic NA%, Lutheran NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Lithuanian (official), Polish NA%, Russian NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,836,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40% (1990) Organized labor: Lithuanian Trade Union Association; Labor Federation of Lithuania; Union of Workers Lithuania Government Long-form name: Republic of Lithuania Type: republic Capital: Vilnius Administrative divisions: none - all rayons are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: 1918; annexed by the Soviet Union 3 August 1940; restored independence 11 March 1990; and regained indpendence from the USSR 6 September 1991 Constitution: NA; Constitutional Commission has drafted a new constitution that will be sent to Parliament for ratification Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 16 February; Defenders of Freedom Day, 13 January Executive branch: prime minister, Council of Ministers, Government, Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council, Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; district and city courts; Procurator General of Lithuania Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman, Supreme Council Vytautas LANDSBERGIS (since March 1990), Deputy Chairmen Bronius KUZMICKAS (since March 1990), Ceslovas STANKEVICIUS (since March 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gediminas VAGNORIUS (since January 1991); Deputy Prime Ministers Algis DOBROVOLSKAS (since January 1991), Vytantas PAKALNISKIS (since January 1991), Zigmas VAISVILA (since January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party, FNU KATILIUS, chairman; Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania, Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Democratic Party, Sauluis PECELIUNAS, chairman; Lithuanian Green Party, Irena IGNATAVICIENE, chairwoman; Lithuanian Humanism Party, Vytautas KAZLAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Independence Party, Virgilijus CEPAITIS, chairman; Lithuanian Liberty League, Antanas TERLECKAS; Lithuanian Liberals Union, Vytautus RADZVILAS, chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union, Rimantas SMETONA, chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, Aloizas SAKALAS, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held March 1990 (elected by Parliament); results - LANDSBERGIS, BRAZAUSKAS Supreme Council: last held 24 February 1990; results - Sajudis (nationalist movement won a large majority) (90) 63%; seats - (141 total) Other political or pressure groups: Sajudis; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers Union Member of: CSCE, IAEA, ILO, NACC, UN, UNCTAD Lithuania Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Stasys LOZORAITIS, Jr.; Embassy at 2622 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-5860, 2639 US: Ambassador Darryl JOHNSON; Embassy at Mykolaicio putino 4, Vilnius; (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone [7] (01-22) 628-049 Flag: yellow, green, and red horizontal stripes Lithuania Economy Overview: Lithuania is striving to become a small, independent, largely privatized economy rather than a segment of a huge, centrally planned economy. Although substantially above average in living standards and technology in the old USSR, Lithuania historically lagged behind Latvia and Estonia in economic development. It is ahead of its Baltic neighbors, however, in implementing market reform. The country has no important natural resources aside from its arable land and strategic location. Industry depends entirely on imported materials that have come from the republics of the former USSR. Lithuania benefits from its ice-free port at Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea and its rail and highway hub at Vilnius, which provides land communication between Eastern Europe and Russia, Latvia, Estonia, and Belarus. Industry produces a small assortment of high-quality products, ranging from complex machine tools to sophisticated consumer electronics. Thanks to nuclear power, Lithuania is presently self-sufficient in electricity, exporting its surplus to Latvia and Belarus; the nuclear facilities inherited from the USSR, however, have come under world scrutiny as seriously deficient in safety standards. Agriculture is efficient compared with most of the former Soviet Union. Lithuania holds first place in per capita consumption of meat, second place for eggs and potatoes, and fourth place for milk and dairy products. Grain must be imported to support the meat and dairy industries. As to economic reforms, Lithuania is pressing ahead with plans to privatize at least 60% of state-owned property (industry, agriculture, and housing) having already sold many small enterprises using a voucher system. Other government priorities include stimulating foreign investment by protecting the property rights of foreign firms and redirecting foreign trade away from Eastern markets to the more competitive Western markets. For the moment, Lithuania will remain highly dependent on Russia for energy, raw materials, grains, and markets for its products. purchasing power equivalent - $NA; per capita NA; real growth rate -13% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 200% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues 4.8 billion rubles; expenditures 4.7 billion rubles (1989 economic survey); note - budget revenues and expenditures are not given for other former Soviet republics; implied deficit from these figures does not have a clear interpretation Exports: 700 million rubles (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: electronics 18%, petroleum products 16%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989) partners: Russia 60%, Ukraine 15%, other former Soviet republics 20%, West 5% Imports: 2.2 billion rubles (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% partners: NA External debt: $650 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -1.3% (1991) Electricity: 5,875,000 kW capacity; 25,500 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1991) Lithuania Economy Industries: employs 25% of the labor force; its shares in the total production of the former USSR are metal-cutting machine tools 6.6%; electric motors 4.6%; television sets 6.2%; refrigerators and freezers 5.4%; other production includes petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, and amber Agriculture: employs 29% of labor force; sugar, grain, potatoes, sugarbeets, vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, and fish; most developed are the livestock and dairy branches - these depend on imported grain; Lithuania is a net exporter of meat, milk, and eggs Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency but planning early introduction of ``litas'' Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Lithuania Communications Railroads: 2,010 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 44,200 km total (1990); 35,500 km hard surfaced, 8,700 km earth Inland waterways: 600 km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: maritime - Klaipeda; inland - Kaunas Merchant marine: 66 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 268,854 GRT/315,690 DWT; includes 27 cargo, 24 timber carrier, 1 container, 3 railcar carrier, 11 combination bulk Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: better developed than in most other former USSR republics; 22.4 telephones per 100 persons; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 26 FM, 1 SW, 1 LW, 3 TV; landlines or microwave to former USSR republics; leased connection to the Moscow international switch for traffic with other countries; satellite earth stations - (8 channels to Norway) Lithuania Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard/Volunteers; Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: NA entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LITHUANIA - Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 application form and $25 fee. For further information contact Embassy of Lithuania, 2622 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/234-5860). Lithuania - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Lithuania is located at 6 Akmenu Street in Vilnius; telephone (012-2) 223-031. Country Description: Lithuania is a newly independent nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Although there was some politically motivated violence during the transition to independence, civil disorder is rare. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: Visas are required in advance of travel and may be obtained through the Lithuanian Embassy. Unexpired Lithuanian visas are valid for entry to Latvia and Estonia, and visas issued by Latvia or Estonia are likewise valid for entry to Lithuania. Travelers who plan to travel to Russia or another member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, even in transit, will need a Russian visa as well. For further information concerning entry requirements for Lithuania, travelers can contact the Embassy of Lithuania at 2622 16th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20009, tel: (202) 234-5860. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Lithuania is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Lithuania has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. A number of late-night incidents, including muggings and auto thefts, have occurred near major hotels where many foreign travelers stay. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Other Information: Lithuania is still primarily a cash only economy. Traveler s checks may be cashed at most banks and major hotels, but credit cards are still not widely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-032 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LITHUANI Luxembourg false marked Luxembourg showNameProp Luxembourg most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Luxembourg Geography Total area: 2,586 km Land area: 2,586 km Comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 359 km; Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summers Terrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain in the southeast Natural resources: iron ore (no longer exploited) Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34% Environment: deforestation Note: landlocked Luxembourg People Population: 392,405 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Luxembourger(s); adjective - Luxembourg Ethnic divisions: Celtic base, with French and German blend; also guest and worker residents from Portugal, Italy, and European countries Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3% Languages: Luxembourgisch, German, French; many also speak English Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 177,300; one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly from Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, and FRG; services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988) Organized labor: 100,000 (est.) members of four confederated trade unions Luxembourg Government Long-form name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Luxembourg Administrative divisions: 3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg Independence: 1839 Constitution: 17 October 1868, occasional revisions Legal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (public celebration of the Grand Duke's birthday), 23 June (1921) Executive branch: grand duke, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes); note - the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose views are considered by the Chamber of Deputies Judicial branch: Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice) Leaders: Chief of State: Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI (son of Grand Duke Jean, born 16 April 1955) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jacques SANTER (since 21 July 1984); Vice Prime Minister Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984) Political parties and leaders: Christian Social Party (CSV), Jacques SANTER; Socialist Workers Party (LSAP), Jacques POOS; Liberal (DP), Colette FLESCH; Communist (KPL), Andre HOFFMANN; Green Alternative (GAP), Jean HUSS Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held on 18 June 1989 (next to be held by June 1994); results - CSV 31.7%, LSAP 27.2%, DP 16.2%, Greens 8.4%, PAC 7.3%, KPL 5.1%, other 4.1%; seats - (60 total) CSV 22, LSAP 18, DP 11, Greens 4, PAC 4, KPL 1 Other political or pressure groups: group of steel industries representing iron and steel industry, Centrale Paysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian and Socialist labor unions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans and Shopkeepers Federation Member of: ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, EMS, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Alphonse BERNS; Chancery at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-4171; there are Luxembourg Consulates General in New York and San Francisco Luxembourg Government US: Ambassador Edward M. ROWELL; Embassy at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg City; PSC 11 (mailing address is APO AE 09132-5380); telephone [352] 460123; FAX [352] 461401 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France Luxembourg Economy Overview: The stable economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and negligible unemployment. Agriculture is based on small but highly productive family-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified, particularly toward high-technology firms. During the past decade, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy. Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and most financial matters and is also closely connected economically to the Netherlands. purchasing power equivalent - $7.83 billion, per capita $20,200; real growth rate 2.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1990) Unemployment rate: 1.3% (1990) Budget: revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1988) Exports: $6.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, other industrial products partners: EC 75%, US 5% Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods partners: Belgium 37%, FRG 31%, France 12%, US 2% External debt: $131.6 million (1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 1,500,000 kW capacity; 1,163 million kWh produced, 3,170 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum Agriculture: accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principal products - barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattle raising widespread Economic aid: none Currency: Luxembourg franc (plural - francs); 1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987); note - the Luxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, which circulates freely in Luxembourg Fiscal year: calendar year Luxembourg Communications Railroads: Luxembourg National Railways (CFL) operates 270 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 162 km double track; 162 km electrified Highways: 5,108 km total; 4,995 km paved, 57 km gravel, 56 km earth; about 80 km limited access divided highway Inland waterways: 37 km; Moselle River Pipelines: petroleum products 48 km Ports: Mertert (river port) Merchant marine: 49 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,592,985 GRT/2,642,249 DWT; includes 3 cargo, 5 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 6 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3 combination ore/oil, 8 liquefied gas, 1 passenger, 8 bulk, 6 combination bulk Civil air: 13 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways less than 1,220 m Telecommunications: highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables; 230,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable; 1 direct-broadcast satellite earth station; nationwide mobile phone system Luxembourg Defense Forces Branches: Army, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 100,994; 83,957 fit for military service; 2,320 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.4% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp LUXEMBOURG - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months. For additional information contact Embassy of Luxembourg, 2200 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265- 4171) or the nearest Consulate: CA (213/394-2532 and 415/788-0816), FL (305/373-1300), GA (404/952-1157), IL (312/726-0355), MO (816/474- 4761), NY (212/370-9850), OH (513/422-4697) or TX (214/746-7200). Luxembourg - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg is located at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais in Luxembourg City; telephone (352) 46-01-23. Country Description: Luxembourg is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Luxembourg, travelers can contact the Embassy of Luxembourg at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 265-5525, or the Luxembourg Consulate General in New York. Luxembourg also has honorary consuls in Los Angeles; San Francisco; Miami; Atlanta; Chicago; Kansas City, Kansas; New Orleans; Boston; Detroit; St. Paul; Middletown and Youngstown, Ohio; Pittsburgh; and Seattle. Medical Facilities: Medical Facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Luxembourg has a low crime rate. However, during the tourist season, pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles can occur. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-033 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text LUXEMBOU Macau false marked Macau showNameProp Macau most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Macau Geography Total area: 16 km2 Land area: 16 km2 Comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0.34 km; China 0.34 km Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: not known Disputes: none Climate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers Terrain: generally flat Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands to the peninsula on mainland Note: 27 km west-southwest of Hong Kong on the southeast coast of China Macau People Population: 473,333 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 78 years male, 84 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Macanese (singular and plural); adjective - Macau Ethnic divisions: Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2% Religions: Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2% (1981) Languages: Portuguese (official); Cantonese is the language of commerce Literacy: 90% (male 93%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 180,000 (1986) Organized labor: none Macau Government Long-form name: none Type: overseas territory of Portugal; scheduled to revert to China in 1999 Capital: Macau Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, Macau Independence: none (territory of Portugal); Portugal signed an agreement with China on 13 April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in the joint declaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economic systems and lifestyle for 50 years after transition Constitution: 17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily by Beijing awaiting final approval Legal system: Portuguese civil law system National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June Executive branch: President of Portugal, governor, Consultative Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986) Head of Government: Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center; Group to Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent Group Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 10 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (23 total; 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 by indirect suffrage, and 7 appointed by the governor) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthy pro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January 1967 the Macau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave China veto power over administration Member of: IMO (associate), WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: as Chinese territory under Portuguese administration, Macanese interests in the US are represented by Portugal US: the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong Kong Flag: the flag of Portugal is used Macau Economy Overview: The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sector has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has provided about two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry represented 36% of GDP in 1991. Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and capital goods. exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, per capita $6,900; real growth rate 6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 2% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $305 million; expenditures $298 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $1.5 billion (1990 est.) commodities: textiles, clothing, toys partners: US 33%, Hong Kong 15%, FRG 12%, France 10% (1987) Imports: $1.8 billion (1990 est.) commodities: raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goods partners: Hong Kong 39%, China 21%, Japan 10% (1987) External debt: $91 million (1985) Industrial production: NA Electricity: 220,000 kW capacity; 520 million kWh produced, 1,165 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourism Agriculture: rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; depends mostly on imports for food requirements Economic aid: none Currency: pataca (plural - patacas); 1 pataca (P) = 100 avos Exchange rates: patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989), 8.044 (1988), 7.993 (1987); note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of 1.03 patacas per Hong Kong dollar Fiscal year: calendar year Macau Communications Highways: 42 km paved Ports: Macau Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: none useable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane station Telecommunications: fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services; 52,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 75,000 radio receivers (est.); international high-frequency radio communication facility; access to international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Macau Defense Forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 135,923; 76,414 fit for military service Note: defense is responsibility of Portugal Macedonia Header Note: Macedonia has proclaimed independent statehood but has not been formally recognized as a state by the United States. entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MACAU - Passport required. Visa not required for visits up to 60 days. For further information consult nearest Portuguese Consulate: Washington, D.C. (202/332-3007), San Francisco (415/346-3400), New Bedford (508/997-6151), Newark (201/622-7300), NY (212/246-4580), Providence (401/272-2003) or Portuguese Consulate in Hong Kong (231- 338). Macau - Consular Information Sheet December 18, 1992 Embassy Location: There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Macau. Consular assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong. The address in Hong Kong is 26 Garden Road, or PASCO 464, Box 30, FPO AP 96522-0002. The telephone number in Hong Kong is (852) 523-9011. Country Description: Macau includes a six-square-mile area on the mainland of China bordering the South China Sea, and the small, adjacent islands of Taipei and Coloane. It was used by Portuguese traders as early as 1516 and is the oldest European settlement in the Far East. Macau is the Chinese territory administered by Portugal and will return to Chinese authority in 1999. Facilities for tourism are well developed. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for visits of up to 60 days. Entry into Macau is by ferry or jetfoil from Hong Kong; there is no airport in Macau. Further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-8610, or from the American Consulate General in Hong Kong, telephone (852) 523-9011. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are minimal; however, highly developed medical facilities and trained personnel are available in Hong Kong. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be helpful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information On Crime: Petty street crime is common. Information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal safety can be found in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the American Consulate General in Hong Kong can obtain updated information on travel and security in Macau. No. 92-127 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... MACAU Macedonia false marked Macedonia showNameProp Macedonia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Macedonia Geography Total area: 25,333 km2 Land area: 24,856 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Vermont Land boundaries: 748 km; Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia and Montenegro 221 km Coastline: none - landlocked Disputes: Greece claims republic's name implies territorial claims against Aegean Macedonia Climate: hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall Terrain: territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line Natural resources: chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulphur, timber Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 30%; other 40%; includes irrigated NA% Environment: Macedonia suffers from high seismic hazard; air pollution from metallurgical plants Note: major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea Macedonia People Population: 2,174,000 (July 1992), growth rate NA% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Ethnic divisions: Macedonian 67%, Albanian 20%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, other 7% Religions: Eastern Orthodox 59%, Muslim 26%, Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, unknown 10% Languages: Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% Literacy: 89.1% (male 94.2%, female 83.8%) age 10 and over can read and write (1992 est.) Labor force: 507,324; agriculture 8%, manufacturing and mining 40% (1990) Organized labor: NA Macedonia Government Long-form name: Republic of Macedonia Type: emerging democracy Capital: Skopje Administrative divisions: NA Independence: 20 November 1991 from Yugoslavia Constitution: adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: NA Executive branch: presidency, Council of Ministers, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Judicial Court of the Republic Leaders: Chief of State: President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikola KLJUSEV (since March 1991), Deputy Prime Ministers Jovan ANDONOV (since March 1991), Blaze RISTOVSKI (since March 1991), and Bezir ZUTA (since March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Alliance (SDA; former Communist Party), Branko CRVENKOVSKI, chairman; Party of Democratic Prosperity, (PDP), Nevzat HALILI, chairman; National Democratic Party, Iliaz HALIMI, chairman; Alliance of Reform Forces of Macedonia (MARF), Sojan ANDOV, chairman; Socialist Party, chairman NA; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (IMRO-DPMNU), Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Kiro GLIGOREV won Assembly: last held 11 November 1990 (next to be held NA);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) IMRO-DPMNU 37, SDA 31, PDP 25, MARF 17, Party of Yugoslavs 1, Socialists 5, others 4 Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: Movement for All Macedonian Action (MAAK), IMRU-Democratic Party, League for Democracy, Albanian Democratic Union-Liberal Party Member of: none Diplomatic representation: has not been formerly recognized by the US Flag: NA Macedonia Economy Overview: Macedonia, although the poorest among the six republics of a disintegrated Yugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its own agricultural and coal resources. As a breakaway republic, however, it will move down toward a bare subsistence level of life unless economic ties are reforged or enlarged with its neighbors Serbia, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. The economy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and its modern machinery and parts. Continued political turmoil, both internally and in the region as a whole, prevents any swift readjustments of trade patterns and economic rules of the game. Inflation in early 1992 was out of control, the result of fracturing trade links, the decline in economic activity, and general uncertainties about the future status of the country; prices rose 38% in March 1992 alone. Macedonia's geographical isolation, technological backwardness, and political instability place it far down the list of countries of interest to Western investors. Recognition of Macedonia by the EC and an internal commitment to economic reform would help to encourage foreign investment over the long run. $7.1 billion, per capita $3,110; real growth rate -18% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Exports: $578 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods 40%, machinery and transport equipment 14%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 23%, raw materials 7.6%, food (rice) and live animals 5.7%, beverages and tobacco 4.5%, chemicals 4.7% partners: principally Serbia and the other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, Greece, Albania Imports: $1,112 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants 19%, manufactured goods 18%, machinery and transport equipment 15%, food and live animals 14%, chemicals 11.4%, raw materials 10%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 8.0%, beverages and tobacco 3.5% partners: other former Yugoslav republics, Greece, Albania, Germany, Bulgaria External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate -18% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,600,000 kw capacity; 6,300 million kWh produced, 3,103 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: low levels of technology predominate, such as, oil refining by distillation only; produces basic fuels; mining and manufacturing processes result in the extraction and production of coal as well as metallic chromium, lead, zinc, and ferronickel; light industry produces basic textiles, wood products, and tobacco Agriculture: provides 12% of Macedonia's GDP and meets the basic need for food; principal crops are rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, and millet; also grown are cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus fruit, and vegetables; Macedonia is one of the seven legal cultivators of the opium poppy for the world pharmaceutical industry, including some exports to the US; agricultural production is highly labor intensive Macedonia Economy Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: $NA Currency: denar (plural - denars); 1 denar (NA) = 100 NA Exchange rates: denar (NA) per US$1 - 240 (January 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Macedonia Communications Railroads: NA Highways: 10,591 km total (1991); 5,091 km paved, 1,404 km gravel, 4,096 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: none Ports: none - landlocked Airports: 2 main Telecommunications: 125,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 2 FM, 5 (2 relays) TV; 370,000 radios, 325,000 TV; satellite communications ground stations - none Macedonia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 590,613; NA fit for military service; 22,913 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 7.0 billion dinars (est.), NA% of GDP (1992); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Macedonia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 U.S. Representation: Macedonia has declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia, but has not been recognized as an independent country by the United States. U.S. citizens seeking assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. The Embassy is located at Kneza Milosa 50; telephone 645-655. Assistance to U.S. citizens is limited, however, even in Belgrade, due to conflict in the general area and to reduced Embassy staffing. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens can obtain entry permission at border points of entry. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in Macedonia are limited. Medicines are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Crime in Macedonia has increased in recent months; emergency police assistance is obtained by dialing 92. Response time varies, but is generally considered to be effective. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Other Information: Westerners who travel to Macedonia can expect shortages of food and fuel, and in some cases, long waits for processing at the border. To date, the civil war in Bosnia-Hercegovina and parts of Serbia- Montenegro has not otherwise strongly affected Macedonia. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade can obtain updated information on travel and security when they . No. 92-034 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MACEDONI Madagascar false marked 0h;,< Madagascar showNameProp Madagascar most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Madagascar Geography Total area: 587,040 km2 Land area: 581,540 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Arizona Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4,828 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France) Climate: tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south Terrain: narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center Natural resources: graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 58%; forest and woodland 26%; other 11%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to periodic cyclones; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel Madagascar People Population: 12,596,263 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 93 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malagasy (singular and plural); adjective - Malagasy Ethnic divisions: basic split between highlanders of predominantly Malayo-Indonesian origin (Merina and related Betsileo) on the one hand and coastal tribes, collectively termed the Cotiers, with mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry (Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), on the other; there are also small French, Indian, Creole, and Comoran communities; no current, accurate assessment of tribal numbers is available Religions: indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian about 41%, Muslim 7% Languages: French and Malagasy (official) Literacy: 80% (male 88%, female 73%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,900,000; 90% nonsalaried family workers engaged in subsistence agriculture; 175,000 wage earners - agriculture 26%, domestic service 17%, industry 15%, commerce 14%, construction 11%, services 9%, transportation 6%, other 2%; 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 4% of labor force Madagascar Government Long-form name: Democratic Republic of Madagascar Type: republic Capital: Antananarivo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces (plural - NA, singular - faritanin'); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliary Independence: 26 June 1960 (from France; formerly Malagasy Republic) Constitution: 21 December 1975; note - a new constitution is to be in place before 1993 Legal system: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 26 June (1960) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note - the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 in preparation for new legislative and presidential elections. In its place, an interim High Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have been established Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle) Leaders: Chief of State: President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975) Head of Government: Prime Minister Guy RASANAMAZY (since 8 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: some 30 political parties now exist in Madagascar, the most important of which are the Advance Guard of the Malagasy Revolution (AREMA), Didier RATSIRAKA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence (AKFM), RAKOTOVAO-ANDRIATIANA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence-Revival (AKFM-R), Pastor Richard ANDRIAMANJATO; Movement for National Unity (VONJY), Dr. Marojama RAZANABAHINY; Malagasy Christian Democratic Union (UDECMA), Norbert ANDRIAMORASATA; Militants for the Establishment of a Proletarian Regime (MFM), Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; National Movement for the Independence of Madagascar (MONIMA), Monja JAONA; National Union for the Defense of Democracy (UNDD), Albert ZAFY Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 12 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1992); results - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 62%, Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA (MFM/MFT) 20%, Dr. Jerome Marojama RAZANABAHINY (VONJY) 15%, Monja JAONA (MONIMA) 3% Popular National Assembly: last held on 28 May 1989 (next to be held 1992); results - AREMA 88.2%, MFM 5.1%, AKFM 3.7%, VONJY 2.2%, other 0.8%; seats - (137 total) AREMA 120, MFM 7, AKFM 5, VONJY 4, MONIMA 1 Madagascar Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO; Chancery at 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-5525 or 5526; there is a Malagasy Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Howard K. WALKER; Embassy at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo (mailing address is B. P. 620, Antananarivo); telephone [261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side Madagascar Economy Overview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for over 40% of GDP, employing about 80% of the labor force, and contributing to more than 70% of total export earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural products and textile manufacturing; in 1990 it accounted for only 16% of GDP and employed almost 5% of the labor force. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased production for exports, and reduced energy imports. After mid-1991, however, output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political reform. exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate -3.8% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $390 million; expenditures $525 million, including capital expenditures of $240 million (1990 est.) Exports: $290 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: coffee 45%, vanilla 15%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum products partners: France, Japan, Italy, Germany, US Imports: $436 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer goods 14%, food 13% partners: France, Germany, UK, other EC, US External debt: $4.4 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries, tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries (textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raising widespread; almost self-sufficient in rice Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million Currency: Malagasy franc (plural - francs); 1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes Madagascar Economy Exchange rates: Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,943.4 (March 1992), 1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989) , 1,407.1 (1988), 1,069.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Madagascar Communications Railroads: 1,020 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.) Inland waterways: of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des Pangalanes Ports: Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara Merchant marine: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 59,255 GRT/81,509 DWT; includes 9 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 148 total, 103 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 34 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay, and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36 repeaters) TV Madagascar Defense Forces Branches: Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces, Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential Security Regiment Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,730,713; 1,625,335 fit for military service; 114,687 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MADAGASCAR - Passport and visa required. Visa valid 6 months for single-entry up to 1 month, $22.50 or multiple-entries, $44.15 (no personal checks). Requires 4 application forms, 4 photos, yellow fever and cholera immunizations, proof of onward/return transportation and sufficient funds for stay. Include a prepaid envelope for return of passport by registered mail. Allow 4 months to process visa for longer stay. For additional information contact Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, 2374 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-5525/6) or nearest Consulate: New York (212/986-9491), Philadelphia (215/893-3067) or Palo Alto, CA (415/323-7113). MADAGASCAR - NOTICE May 28, 1992 The Department of State advises that travel conditions in Madagascar, which were unsettled during the summer and fall of 1991, have since stabilized appreciably, with domestic and international air services operating normally, and goods and services, including banking, regularly available. Travelers should be aware, however, that Madagascar is in a period of political transition, with a constitutional referendum and new elections scheduled for the summer and fall. During that period, political activity, including party rallies, will increase with attendant risks of localized disturbances. Visitors should exercise normal prudence in avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations. Travelers should also take into account the problem of street crime, especially in Antananarivo, which poses risks for visitors. Reported incidents principally include muggings and purse-snatchings. Visitors should be vigilant at all times, avoid public mass-transit, and refrain from walking around at night, particularly in the Antananarivo city center. Because of the difficulty in communications in case of emergency, U.S. citizens traveling to Madagascar are encouraged to register their presence with the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo upon arrival. The U.S. Embassy is located at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, telephone 212-57, 200-89 or 207-18. No. 92-112 This downgrades the previous travel advisory, dated November 14, 1991, to reflect the stabilization of travel conditions, but to advise that travelers should be alert to the possibility of disturbances during the current period of political transition. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MADAGASC Malawi false marked 'd+(, Malawi showNameProp Malawi most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Malawi Geography Total area: 118,480 km2 Land area: 94,080 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 2,881 km; Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) Climate: tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November) Terrain: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains Natural resources: limestone; unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 50%; other 5%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: deforestation Note: landlocked Malawi People Population: 9,605,342 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992); note - 900,000 Mozambican refugees in Malawi (1990 est.) Birth rate: 52 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -17 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malawian(s); adjective - Malawian Ethnic divisions: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European Religions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%; traditional indigenous beliefs are also practiced Languages: English and Chichewa (official); other languages important regionally Literacy: 22% (male 34%, female 12%) age 15 and over can read and write (1966) Labor force: 428,000 wage earners; agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%, construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6% (1986) Organized labor: small minority of wage earners are unionized Malawi Government Long-form name: Republic of Malawi Type: one-party state Capital: Lilongwe Administrative divisions: 24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba Independence: 6 July 1964 (from UK; formerly Nyasaland) Constitution: 6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1964) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in as President for Life 6 July 1971) Political parties and leaders: only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrative secretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretary general vacant since 1983 Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971 National Assembly: last held 27-28 May 1987 (next to be held by May 1992); results - MCP is the only party; seats - (133 total, 112 elected) MCP 133 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA; Chancery at 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 797-1007 US: Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR; Embassy in new capital city development area, address NA (mailing address is P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe); telephone [265] 730-166; FAX [265] 732-282 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag of Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands Malawi Economy Overview: Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of export revenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improved significantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly based economic adjustment effort by the government. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion, per capita $200; growth rate 4.2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capital expenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $390 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts partners: US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, Germany Imports: $560 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: food, petroleum, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment partners: South Africa, Japan, US, UK, Zimbabwe External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 185,000 kW capacity; 550 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock - cattle and goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 million Currency: Malawian kwacha (plural - kwacha); 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala Exchange rates: Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 2.7200 (January 1992), 2.8033 (1991), 2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Malawi Communications Railroads: 789 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil; 10,520 km earth and improved earth Inland waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km Ports: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 48 total, 43 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Note: a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira or Nacala railroads, but now most go through South Africa because of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines Malawi Defense Forces Branches: Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,000,406; 1,016,901 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Malawi - Caution May 11, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution while traveling in Malawi, as spontaneous civil disturbances are liable to occur. Although no specific threats have been directed against American citizens, recent strikes and demonstrations in the city of Blantyre in the southern region and the capital city of Lilongwe in the central region have become violent at times. U.S. citizens should avoid any areas in cities where large crowds are gathering. U.S. citizens visiting Malawi should register upon arrival with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe. The Embassy is located in area 40, City Center, Lilongwe, telephone 730-166 and 730-396. No. 92-100 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MALAWI Malaysia false marked Malaysia showNameProp Malaysia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Malaysia Geography Total area: 329,750 km2 Land area: 328,550 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 2,669 km; Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782, Thailand 506 km Coastline: 4,675 km; Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation, specified boundary in the South China Sea Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains Natural resources: tin, crude oil, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 10%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 63%; other 24%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to flooding; air and water pollution Note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea Malaysia People Population: 18,410,920 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 27 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malaysian(s); adjective - Malaysian Ethnic divisions: Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9% Religions: Peninsular Malaysia - Malays nearly all Muslim, Chinese predominantly Buddhists, Indians predominantly Hindu; Sabah - Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45%; Sarawak - tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5% Languages: Peninsular Malaysia - Malay (official); English, Chinese dialects, Tamil; Sabah - English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate among Chinese; Sarawak - English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages Literacy: 78% (male 86%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 7,258,000 (1991 est.) Organized labor: 640,000; 10% of total labor force (1990) Malaysia Government Long-form name: none Type: Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; constitutional monarchy nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing state within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government Capital: Kuala Lumpur Administrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan* Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK) Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 when Federation of Malaya became Federation of Malaysia Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957) Executive branch: paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (Dewan Negara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26 April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986) Political parties and leaders: Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S. Samy VELLU Sabah: Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Joseph Pairin KITINGAN; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA Malaysia Government Sarawak: coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995); results - National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP 20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNO got 71 seats and MCA 18 seats Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed; Chancery at 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2700; there are Malaysian Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York US: Ambassador Paul M. CLEVELAND; Embassy at 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur (mailing address is P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur); telephone [60] (3) 248-9011; FAX [60] (3) 242-2207 Flag: fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US Malaysia Economy Overview: During the period 1988-91 booming exports helped Malaysia continue to recover from the severe 1985-86 recession. Real output grew by 8.8% in 1989, 10% in 1990, and 8.6% in 1991, helped by vigorous growth in manufacturing output, further increases in foreign direct investment - particularly from Japanese and Taiwanese firms facing higher costs at home - and increased oil production. Malaysia has become the world's third-largest producer of semiconductor devices (after the US and Japan) and the world's largest exporter of semiconductor devices. Inflation has remained low; unemployment has stood at 6% of the labor force; and the government has followed prudent fiscal/monetary policies. The country is not self-sufficient in food, and some of the rural population subsist at the poverty level. Malaysia's high export dependence leaves it vulnerable to a recession in the OECD countries or a fall in world commodity prices. exchange rate conversion - $48.0 billion, per capita $2,670; real growth rate 8.6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.8% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $12.2 billion; expenditures $14.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.2 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $35.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: electrical manufactures, crude petroleum, timber, rubber, palm oil, textiles partners: Singapore, US, Japan, EC Imports: $38.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, crude oil, consumer goods, intermediate goods, capital equipment, chemicals partners: Japan, US, Singapore, Germany, UK External debt: $21.3 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 18% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP Electricity: 5,600,000 kW capacity; 16,500 million kWh produced, 940 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: Peninsular Malaysia: rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber Sabah: logging, petroleum production Sarawak: agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging Agriculture: Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, rice Sabah: mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice Malaysia Economy Sarawak: rubber, timber, pepper; there is a deficit of rice in all areas; fish catch of 608,000 metric tons in 1987 Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 million Currency: ringgit (plural - ringgits); 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6930 (January 1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988), 2.5196 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Malaysia Communications Railroads: Peninsular Malaysia: 1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government owned Railroads: Sabah: 136 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: Peninsular Malaysia: 23,600 km (19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous-surface treatment, and 4,248 km unpaved) Sabah: 3,782 km Sarawak: 1,644 km Inland waterways: Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 km Sabah: 1,569 km Sarawak: 2,518 km Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km Ports: Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang, Sandakan, Tawau Merchant marine: 167 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,653,633 GRT/2,444,393 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 1 short-sea passenger, 64 cargo, 27 container, 2 vehicle carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 37 petroleum tanker, 5 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 21 bulk Civil air: 53 major transport aircraft Airports: 115 total, 108 usable; 33 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good intercity service provided to Peninsular Malaysia mainly by radio relay; adequate intercity radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service good; good coverage by radio and television broadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations - 28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic Malaysia Defense Forces Branches: Royal Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border Scouts Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,728,103; 2,878,574 fit for military service; 179,486 reach military age (21) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp MALAYSIA (and the Borneo States, Sarawak and Sabah) - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations necessary if arriving from infected areas. For entry of pets or other types of visits, consult Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-2700) or nearest Consulate: Los Angeles (213/621-2991), Honolulu (808/525- 8144), New York (212/490-2722), Portland (503/246-0707) or San Francisco (415/421-4627). Malaysia - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur. The mailing address is P.O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; telephone (60-3) 248-9011. Country Description: Malaysia is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Tourist facilities and services are available in major areas of interest. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for stays of up to three months. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are necessary if arriving from infected areas. For further information the traveler can call the Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 328-2700. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crimes against tourists are uncommon. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching are common in tourist areas. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of fifteen grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or two hundred grams (7 ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-102 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text MALAYSIA For further information the traveler can call the Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 328-2700. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is n Ivory Coast false marked Ivory Coast showNameProp Ivory Coast most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Ivory Coast Geography Total area: 322,460 km2 Land area: 318,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 3,110 km; Burkina 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km Coastline: 515 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest Natural resources: crude oil, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland 26%; other 52%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; severe deforestation Ivory Coast People Population: 13,497,153 (July 1992), growth rate 3.9% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 94 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 53 years male, 57 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ivorian(s); adjective - Ivorian Ethnic divisions: over 60 ethnic groups; most important are the Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, and Agni; foreign Africans, mostly Burkinabe about 2 million; non-Africans about 130,000 to 330,000 (French 30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000) Religions: indigenous 63%, Muslim 25%, Christian 12%, Languages: French (official), over 60 native dialects; Dioula most widely spoken Literacy: 54% (male 67%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 5,718,000; over 85% of population engaged in agriculture, forestry, livestock raising; about 11% of labor force are wage earners, nearly half in agriculture and the remainder in government, industry, commerce, and professions; 54% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 20% of wage labor force Ivory Coast Government Long-form name: Republic of the Ivory Coast; note - the local official name is Republique de Cote d'Ivoire Type: republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960 Capital: Yamoussoukro (although Yamoussoukro has been the capital since 1983, Adibjan remains the administrative center; foreign governments, including the United States, maintain presence in Abidjan) Administrative divisions: 49 departments (departements, singular - (departement); Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula Independence: 7 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: 3 November 1960 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 7 December Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Dr. Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY (since 27 November 1960); Prime Minister Alassane OUATTARA (since 7 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast (PDCI), Dr. Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY; Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent GBAGBO; Ivorian Worker's Party (PIT), Francis WODIE; Ivorian Socialist Party (PSI), Morifere BAMBA; over 20 smaller parties Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held October 1995); results - President Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY received 81% of the vote in his first contested election; he is currently serving his seventh consecutive five-year term National Assembly: last held 25 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) PDCI 163, FPI 9, PIT 1, independents 2 Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Ivory Coast Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Charles GOMIS; Chancery at 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 797-0300 US: Ambassador Kenneth L. BROWN; Embassy at 5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan (mailing address is 01 B. P. 1712, Abidjan); telephone [225] 21-09-79 or 21-46-72, FAX [225] 22-32-59 Flag: three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France Ivory Coast Economy Overview: Ivory Coast is among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm-kernel oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for coffee and cocoa and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by the government to diversify, the economy is still largely dependent on agriculture and related industries. The agricultural sector accounts for over one-third of GDP and about 80% of export earnings and employs about 85% of the labor force. A collapse of world cocoa and coffee prices in 1986 threw the economy into a recession, from which the country had not recovered by 1990. Continuing poor prices for commodity exports, an overvalued exchange rate, a bloated public-sector wage bill, and a large foreign debt hindered economic recovery in 1991. exchange rate conversion - $10 billion, per capita $800; real growth rate -2.9% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 14% (1985) Budget: revenues $2.8 billion (1989 est.); expenditures $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.) Exports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: cocoa 30%, coffee 20%, tropical woods 11%, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, cotton partners: France, FRG, Netherlands, US, Belgium, Spain (1985) Imports: $1.4 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: manufactured goods and semifinished products 50%, consumer goods 40%, raw materials and fuels 10% partners: France, other EC, Nigeria, US, Japan (1985) External debt: $15.0 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 6% (1989); accounts for 17% of GDP Electricity: 1,210,000 kW capacity; 2,680 million kWh produced, 210 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: foodstuffs, wood processing, oil refinery, automobile assembly, textiles, fertilizer, beverage Agriculture: most important sector, contributing one-third to GDP and 80% to exports; cash crops include coffee, cocoa beans, timber, bananas, palm kernels, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, manioc, sweet potatoes; not self-sufficient in bread grain and dairy products Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis on a small scale for the international drug trade Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $356 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $5.2 billion Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Ivory Coast Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986) Fiscal year: calendar year Ivory Coast Communications Railroads: 660 km (Burkina border to Abidjan, 1.00-meter gauge, single track, except 25 km Abidjan-Anyama section is double track) Highways: 46,600 km total; 3,600 km paved; 32,000 km gravel, crushed stone, laterite, and improved earth; 11,000 km unimproved Inland waterways: 980 km navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons Ports: Abidjan, San-Pedro Merchant marine: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 70,957 GRT/ 91,782 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 1 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker Civil air: 14 major transport aircraft, including multinationally owned Air Afrique fleet Airports: 45 total, 39 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: well-developed by African standards but operating well below capacity; consists of open-wire lines and radio relay links; 87,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 17 FM, 13 TV, 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; 2 coaxial submarine cables Ivory Coast Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, Military Fire Group Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,083,765; 1,597,108 fit for military service; 141,259 males reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $200 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cote D'Ivoire - Notice April 17, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to be aware of increasing crime in the principal towns and cities of Cote D'Ivoire. Robbery, burglary, and automobile theft are the most common offenses. Armed criminals have used force when faced with resistance. End summary. While most tourist and business travelers in Cote D'Ivoire experience no problems, street crime of the "grab and run" variety and pickpocketing in crowded areas have increased. Travelers should carry only photocopies of key documents, leave originals in the hotel safe, limit the amount of cash or travelers checks on their person, and avoid displaying jewelry and expensive cameras. Travelers to the capital city, Abidjan, should exercise special caution after dark in the Treichville area and in the Plateau business district. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and supermarkets provide security guards to escort and protect clients and their vehicles; be particularly alert when visiting places which do not provide such service. Pedestrians are advised to avoid using the De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges, even during the day. Direct or indirect request for bribes from police and other security officials are commonplace, especially at highway checkpoints and near Abidjan's Port Bouet Airport. Drivers should strictly obey traffic regulations, and carry their automobile registration, driving permit, and insurance papers to avoid unnecessary difficulties. All U.S. citizens, particularly those living or traveling outside the capital, are encouraged to register with the American Embassy's Consular Section. The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Rue Jesse Owens, near the Stadium in the Plateau Section of Abidjan. Telephone: 21-09-79, FAX: 22-32-59. The Consular Section is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 - 12:30 and 1:30 - 3:30. Emergency calls are taken 24 hours a day. No. 92-085 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text IVORY_CO Jamaica false marked Jamaica showNameProp Jamaica most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Jamaica Geography Total area: 10,990 km2 Land area: 10,830 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,022 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain Natural resources: bauxite, gypsum, limestone Land use: arable land 19%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 28%; other 29%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: subject to hurricanes (especially July to November); deforestation; water pollution Note: strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for Panama Canal Jamaica People Population: 2,506,701 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -8 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Jamaican(s); adjective - Jamaican Ethnic divisions: African 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3.0%, white 3.2%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2%, other 1.2% Religions: predominantly Protestant 55.9% (Church of God 18.4%, Baptist 10%, Anglican 7.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.9%, Pentecostal 5.2%, Methodist 3.1%, United Church 2.7%, other 2.5%), Roman Catholic 5%, other 39.1%, including some spiritualist cults (1982) Languages: English, Creole Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 99%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,062,100; services 41%, agriculture 22.5%, industry 19%; unemployed 17.5% (1989) Organized labor: 24% of labor force (1989) Jamaica Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Kingston Administrative divisions: 14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland Independence: 6 August 1962 (from UK) Constitution: 6 August 1962 Legal system: based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day (first Monday in August) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Howard COOKE (since 1 August 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister P. J. Patterson (since 30 March 1992) Political parties and leaders: People's National Party (PNP) P. J. Patterson; Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), Edward SEAGA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results - PNP 57%, JLP 43%; seats - (60 total) PNP 45, JLP 15 Other political or pressure groups: Rastafarians (black religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists) Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, GATT, G-15, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Richard BERNAL; Chancery at Suite 355, 1850 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 452-0660; there are Jamaican Consulates General in Miami and New York US: Ambassador Glen A. HOLDEN; Embassy at 3rd Floor, Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 4859, FAX (809) 926-6743 Flag: diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and fly side) Jamaica Economy Overview: The economy is based on sugar, bauxite, and tourism. In 1985 it suffered a setback with the closure of some facilities in the bauxite and alumina industry, a major source of hard currency earnings. Since 1986 an economic recovery has been under way. In 1987 conditions began to improve for the bauxite and alumina industry because of increases in world metal prices. The recovery has also been supported by growth in the manufacturing and tourism sectors. In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert inflicted severe damage on crops and the electric power system, a sharp but temporary setback to the economy. By October 1989 the economic recovery from the hurricane was largely complete, and real growth was up about 3% for 1989. In 1991, however, growth dropped to 1.0% as a result of the US recession, lower world bauxite prices, and monetary instability. exchange rate conversion - $3.6 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate 1.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% (1991 projected) Unemployment rate: 15.1% (1991) Budget: revenues $600 million; expenditures $736 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991, projected) commodities: bauxite, alumina, sugar, bananas partners: US 36%, UK, Canada, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991 projected) commodities: petroleum, machinery, food, consumer goods, construction goods partners: US 48%, UK, Venezuela, Canada, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago External debt: $3.8 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 2.0% (1990); accounts for almost 25% of GDP Electricity: 1,122,000 kW capacity; 2,520 million kWh produced, 1,012 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, bauxite mining, textiles, food processing, light manufactures Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP, 22% of work force, and 17% of exports; commercial crops - sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, and vegetables; live-stock and livestock products include poultry, goats, milk; not self-sufficient in grain, meat, and dairy products Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of cannabis; transshipment point for cocaine from Central and South America to North America; government has an active cannabis eradication program Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.2 billion; other countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion Currency: Jamaican dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Jamaican dollar (J$) = 100 cents Jamaica Economy Exchange rates: Jamaican dollars (J$) per US$1 - 21.946 (January 1992), 12.116 (1991), 7.184 (1990), 5.7446 (1989), 5.4886 (1988), 5.4867 (1987), 5.4778 (1986) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Jamaica Communications Railroads: 294 km, all 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track Highways: 18,200 km total; 12,600 km paved, 3,200 km gravel, 2,400 km improved earth Pipelines: petroleum products 10 km Ports: Kingston, Montego Bay Merchant marine: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,619 GRT/16,302 DWT; includes 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 petroleum tanker, 2 bulk Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 36 total, 23 usable; 13 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fully automatic domestic telephone network; 127,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, 8 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; 3 coaxial submarine cables Jamaica Defense Forces Branches: Jamaica Defense Force (including Coast Guard and Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 640,058; 454,131 fit for military service; no conscription; 26,785 reach minimum volunteer age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $20 million, less than 1% of GDP (FY91) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp JAMAICA - If traveling directly from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, need return ticket, proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and sufficient funds. Tourist card issued on arrival for stay up to 6 months; must be returned to immigration authorities on departure. For business or study, visa must be obtained in advance, no charge. Departure tax $15 paid at airport. Check information with Embassy of Jamaica, Suite 355, 1850 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202/452-0660) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/380-9471 or 415/886-6061), FL (305/374-8431), GA (404/593-1500), IL (312/663-0023) or NY (212/935-9000). Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is located in Kingston on the Third Floor of Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 929-4859. The U.S. Consular Section is located at the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road. There is also a Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 2nd Floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone (809) 952-0160/5050; office hours M-F 9:00 - 12:00 a.m. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is also responsible for U.S. interests in the Cayman Islands. There is a Consular Agency in George Town, Grand Cayman; telephone (809) 949-8440. Country Description: Jamaica is a developing nation. Facilities for tourism are widely available. Entry Requirements: If traveling directly from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Americans can enter Jamaica with proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, return ticket, and sufficient funds. A tourist card is issued on arrival for stays up to six months. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Jamaica, 1850 K Street N.W., Suite 355, Washington, D.C. 20006, tel: (202) 452-0660 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care is often limited. Since January 1990, there have been three relatively minor outbreaks of typhoid in western Jamaica. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation insurance, has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler may contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Crime is a problem, particularly in the Kingston area. Purse snatchings and pickpocketing occur, especially on public transportation. Persons out walking after dark or who take other than licensed taxicabs are at particular risk. There is sporadic gang violence in inner city Kingston. Some parts of Kingston are also, on occasion, subject to a curfew; travelers can check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. The Government of Jamaica has recently taken a number of steps to enhance tourist safety, including increased police patrols and better training for hotel security personnel. Resorts that feature self-contained facilities offer a high degree of security. The status of villa and hotel security features for isolated villas and small establishments can be verified with the Jamaica tourist board. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-078 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JAMAICA Jan Mayen false marked Jan Mayen showNameProp Jan Mayen most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Jan Mayen Geography Total area: 373 km2 Land area: 373 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 124.1 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 10 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims beween Greenland and Jan Mayen Climate: arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog Terrain: volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers; Beerenberg is the highest peak, with an elevation of 2,277 meters Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: barren volcanic island with some moss and grass; volcanic activity resumed in 1970 Note: located north of the Arctic Circle about 590 km north-northeast of Iceland between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea Jan Mayen People Population: no permanent inhabitants Jan Mayen Government Long-form name: none Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway, through a governor (sysselmann) resident in Longyearbyen (Svalbard) Jan Mayen Economy Overview: Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on the island. Electricity: 15,000 kW capacity; 40 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1989) Jan Mayen Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m Telecommunications: radio and meteorological station Jan Mayen Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JAN_MAYE Japan false marked Japan showNameProp Japan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Japan Geography Total area: 377,835 km2 Land area: 374,744 km2; includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okinotori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) Comparative area: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: none Coastline: 29,751 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm (3 nm in international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and Western channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait) Disputes: Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan Islands and the Habomai island group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks disputed with South Korea; Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands) claimed by China and Taiwan Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous Natural resources: negligible mineral resources, fish Land use: arable land 13%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 67%; other 18%; includes irrigated 9% Environment: many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; subject to tsunamis Note: strategic location in northeast Asia Japan People Population: 124,460,481 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 10 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 77 years male, 82 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Japanese (singular and plural); adjective - Japanese Ethnic divisions: Japanese 99.4%, other (mostly Korean) 0.6% Religions: most Japanese observe both Shinto and Buddhist rites so the percentages add to more than 100% - Shinto 95.8%, Buddhist 76.3%, Christian 1.4%, other 12% (1985) Languages: Japanese Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) Labor force: 63,330,000; trade and services 54%; manufacturing, mining, and construction 33%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 7%; government 3% (1988) Organized labor: about 29% of employed workers; public service 76.4%, transportation and telecommunications 57.9%, mining 48.7%, manufacturing 33.7%, services 18.2%, wholesale, retail, and restaurant 9.3% Japan Government Long-form name: none Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Tokyo Administrative divisions: 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi Independence: 660 BC, traditional founding by Emperor Jimmu Constitution: 3 May 1947 Legal system: civil law system with English-American influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Birthday of the Emperor, 23 December (1933) Executive branch: Emperor, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Diet (Kokkai) consists of an upper house or House of Councillors (Sangi-in) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Shugi-in) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Kiichi MIYAZAWA, president; Tamisuke WATANUKI, secretary general; Social Democratic Party of Japan (SDPJ), Makoto TANABE, Chairman; Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), Keizo OUCHI, chairman; Japan Communist Party (JCP), Tetsuzo FUWA, Presidium chairman; Komeito (Clean Government Party, CGP), Koshiro ISHIDA, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: House of Councillors: last held on 23 July 1989 (next to be held 26 July 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (263 total) LDP 114, SDPJ 71, CGP 20, JCP 14, other 33 House of Representatives: last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by February 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (512 total) LDP 278, SDPJ 137, CGP 46, JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 11 Communists: about 490,000 registered Communist party members Japan Government Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), Australia Group, APEC, AsDB, BIS, CCC, COCOM, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-2, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Takakazu KURIYAMA; Chancery at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-6700; there are Japanese Consulates General in Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri), Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland (Oregon), and a Consulate in Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands) US: Ambassador Michael H. ARMACOST; Embassy at 10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo (mailing address is APO AP 96337-0001); telephone [81] (3) 3224-5000; FAX [81] (3) 3505-1862; there are US Consulates General in Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, and Sapporo and a Consulate in Fukuoka Flag: white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center Japan Economy Overview: Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, and a comparatively small defense allocation have helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity, notably in high-technology fields. Industry, the most important sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. Self-sufficent in rice, Japan must import 50% of its requirements for other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. Overall economic growth has been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s and 1980s. A major contributor to overall growth of 4.5% in 1991 was net exports, which cushioned the effect of slower growth in domestic demand. Inflation remains low at 3.3% and is easing due to lower oil prices and a stronger yen. Japan continues to run a huge trade surplus, $80 billion in 1991, which supports extensive investment in foreign assets. The increased crowding of its habitable land area and the aging of its population are two major long-run problems. purchasing power equivalent - $2,360.7 billion, per capita $19,000; real growth rate 4.5% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (1991) Unemployment rate: 2.1% (1991) Budget: revenues $481 billion; expenditures $531 billion, including capital expenditures (public works only) of about $60 billion (FY91) Exports: $314.3 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: manufactures 97% (including machinery 40%, motor vehicles 18%, consumer electronics 10%) partners: Southeast Asia 31%, US 29%, Western Europe 23%, Communist countries 4%, Middle East 3% Imports: $236.6 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: manufactures 50%, fossil fuels 21%, foodstuffs and raw materials 25% partners: Southeast Asia 25%, US 22%, Western Europe 17%, Middle East 12%, Communist countries 8% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 2.1% (1991); accounts for 30% of GDP (mining and manufacturing) Electricity: 196,000,000 kW capacity; 823,000 million kWh produced, 6,640 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: metallurgy, engineering, electrical and electronic, textiles, chemicals, automobiles, fishing, telecommunications, machine tools, construction equipment Agriculture: accounts for only 2% of GDP; highly subsidized and protected sector, with crop yields among highest in world; principal crops - rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; animal products include pork, poultry, dairy and eggs; about 50% self-sufficient in food production; shortages of wheat, corn, soybeans; world's largest fish catch of 11.9 million metric tons in 1988 Japan Economy Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $83.2 billion; ODA outlay of $9.1 billion in 1990 (est.) Currency: yen (plural - yen); 1 yen (Y) = 100 sen Exchange rates: yen (Y) per US$1 - 132.70 (March 1992), 134.71 (1991), 144.79 (1990), 137.96 (1989), 128.15 (1988), 144.64 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Japan Communications Railroads: 27,327 km total; 2,012 km 1.435-meter standard gauge and 25,315 km predominantly 1.067-meter narrow gauge; 5,724 km doubletrack and multitrack sections, 9,038 km 1.067-meter narrow-gauge electrified, 2,012 km 1.435-meter standard-gauge electrified (1987) Highways: 1,111,974 km total; 754,102 km paved, 357,872 km gravel, crushed stone, or unpaved; 4,400 km national expressways; 46,805 km national highways; 128,539 km prefectural roads; and 930,230 km city, town, and village roads Inland waterways: about 1,770 km; seagoing craft ply all coastal inland seas Pipelines: crude oil 84 km; petroleum products 322 km; natural gas 1,800 km Ports: Chiba, Muroran, Kitakyushu, Kobe, Tomakomai, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Yokkaichi, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Niigata, Fushiki-Toyama, Shimizu, Himeji, Wakayama-Shimozu, Shimonoseki, Tokuyama-Shimomatsu Merchant marine: 976 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,684,459 GRT/34,683,035 DWT; includes 10 passenger, 40 short-sea passenger, 3 passenger cargo, 89 cargo, 44 container, 36 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 111 refrigerated cargo, 93 vehicle carrier, 227 petroleum tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 40 liquefied gas, 9 combination ore/oil, 3 specialized tanker, 260 bulk; note - Japan also owns a large flag of convenience fleet, including up to 55% of the total number of ships under the Panamanian flag Civil air: 360 major transport aircraft Airports: 163 total, 158 usable; 131 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 51 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international service; 64,000,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 318 AM, 58 FM, 12,350 TV (196 major - 1 kw or greater); satellite earth stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; submarine cables to US (via Guam), Philippines, China, and Russia Japan Defense Forces Branches: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Navy), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force), Maritime Safety Agency (Coast Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 32,219,754; 27,767,280 fit for military service; 1,042,493 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $36.7 billion, 0.94% of GDP (FY92 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp JAPAN - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 90 days. For official/diplomatic travel visa required and must be obtained in advance, no charge. Departure tax $15.50 paid at airport. For specific information consult Embassy of Japan, 2520 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6800) or nearest Consulate: AK (907/279-8428), CA (213/624-8305 or 415/777-3533), GA (404/892-2700), Guam (646-1290), HI (808/536-2226), IL (312/280-0400), LA (504/529-2101), MA (617/973- 9772), MO (816/471-0111), NY (212/371-8222), OR 9503/221-1811), TX (713/652-2977) or WA (206/682-9107). Japan - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Japan is located at 10- 5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo - telephone: (81-3-3) 224-5000. The U.S. Consulate General in Osaka Kobe is located at 11-5 Nishitenma 2- chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530 - telephone: (81-6) 315-5900. The U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo is located at Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064 - telephone: (81-11) 641-1115. The U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka is located at 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810 - telephone: (81-92) 751-9331/4. The Embassy fax number is (81-3) 3505-1862; for Osaka-Kobe it is (81-6) 361- 5397; for Sapporo it is (81-11) 643-1283; for Fukuoka it is (81-92) 713-9222. Country Description: Japan is a highly developed stable parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stays of up to 90 days. However, anyone arriving under the terms of the 90-day visa waiver will not be allowed to extend his/her stay or adjust status. There are no exceptions to this rule. For specific information concerning travel to Japan, travelers may consult the Embassy of Japan at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel: (202) 939-6700, or the nearest Consulate in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Portland, San Francisco, or Seattle. Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in Japan are good. However, Japan has a national health insurance system, and it can be very difficult for foreigners not insured in Japan to receive medical care. Medical care clinics do not require deposits, but insist upon payment in full at time of treatment and may require proof of ability to pay prior to treating a foreigner. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers treatment in Japan has proved to be useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control may be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Crimes against U.S. citizens are rare and those that occur usually involve petty theft and vandalism. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. It is illegal to bring Vicks inhalers, Sudafed, and other types of over-the-counter medicines containing trace amounts of amphetamines or amphetamine-like drugs into Japan. Travelers carrying these items have been detained by Japanese customs officials and subjected to investigation, sometimes for several weeks. Japanese officials may require travelers in possession of medicines to present copies of prescriptions. Detention for Minor Offenses: Persons arrested in Japan, even for a minor offense, can be held in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings. Other Information: Japan is an extremely expensive country to visit. Visitors have found it useful to determine in advance what expenses will be and to make sure they have ample funds for their expected stay. Registration: U. S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-100 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JAPAN Jarvis Island false marked Jarvis Island showNameProp Jarvis Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Jarvis Island Geography Total area: 4.5 km2 Land area: 4.5 km2 Comparative area: about 7.5 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until late 1800s) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats Note: 2,090 km south of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean, just south of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands Jarvis Island People Population: uninhabited Population: note: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year by scientists who left in 1958; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators Jarvis Island Government Long-form name: none (territory of the US) Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Jarvis Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Jarvis Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only - one boat landing area in the middle of the west coast and another near the southwest corner of the island Note: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast Jarvis Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JARVIS_I Jarvis Island Man, Isle of Poland Puerto Rico GDP Growth Rate SENDERO LUMINOSO Jersey false marked Jersey showNameProp Jersey most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Jersey Geography Total area: 117 km2 Land area: 117 km2 Comparative area: about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 70 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild winters and cool summers Terrain: gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast Natural resources: agricultural land Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; about 58% of land under cultivation Environment: about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier Note: largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; 27 km from France Jersey People Population: 85,026 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Channel Islander(s); adjective - Channel Islander Ethnic divisions: UK and Norman-French descent Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, Presbyterian Languages: English and French (official), with the Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 16 Labor force: NA Organized labor: none Jersey Government Long-form name: Bailiwick of Jersey Type: British crown dependency Capital: Saint Helier Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency) Independence: none (British crown dependency) Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice Legal system: English law and local statute National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) Executive branch: British monarch, lieutenant governor, bailiff Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the States Judicial branch: Royal Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air Marshal Sir John SUTTON (since NA 1990); Bailiff Peter CRILL (since NA) Political parties and leaders: none; all independents Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: Assembly of the States: last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party since all are independents; seats - (56 total, 52 elected) 52 independents Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency) Flag: white with the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland) extending to the corners of the flag Jersey Economy Overview: The economy is based largely on financial services, agriculture, and tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EC countries. In 1986 the finance sector overtook tourism as the main contributor to GDP, accounting for 40% of the island's output. In recent years the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey, with the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate 8% (1987 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1988 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $308.0 million; expenditures $284.4 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1985) Exports: $NA commodities: light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles partners: UK Imports: $NA commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals partners: UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 50,000 kW standby capacity (1990); power supplied by France Industries: tourism, banking and finance, dairy Agriculture: potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes; dairy and cattle farming Economic aid: none Currency: Jersey pound (plural - pounds); 1 Jersey pound (#J) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Jersey pounds (#J) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987), 0.6817 (1986); the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Jersey Communications Ports: Saint Helier, Gorey, Saint Aubin Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m (Saint Peter) Telecommunications: 63,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 3 submarine cables Jersey Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JERSEY Johnston Atoll false marked Johnston Atoll showNameProp Johnston Atoll most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Johnston Atoll Geography Total area: 2.8 km2 Land area: 2.8 km2 Comparative area: about 4.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 10 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly flat with a maximum elevation of 4 meters Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until about 1890) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: some low-growing vegetation Note: strategic location 717 nautical miles west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way between Hawaii and the Marshall Islands; Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; closed to the public; former nuclear weapons test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System (JACADS) Johnston Atoll People Population: 1,375 (December 1991); all US government personnel and contractors Johnston Atoll Government Long-form name: none (territory of the US) Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) and managed cooperatively by DNA and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: the flag of the US is used Johnston Atoll Economy Overview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Electricity: supplied by the management and operations contractor Johnston Atoll Communications Ports: Johnston Island Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,743 m Telecommunications: excellent system including 60-channel submarine cable, Autodin/SRT terminal, digital telephone switch, Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS station), commercial satellite television system, and UHF/VHF air-ground radio, marine VHF/FM Channel 16 Note: US Coast Guard operates a LORAN transmitting station (estimated closing date for LORAN is December 1992) Johnston Atoll Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JOHNSTON Jordan false marked 6l7z8' Jordan showNameProp Jordan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Jordan Geography Total area: 91,880 km2 Land area: 91,540 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana Land boundaries: 1,586 km; Iraq 134 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 742 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km Coastline: 26 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: differences with Israel over the location of the 1949 Armistice Line that separates the two countries Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April) Terrain: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River Natural resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 0.5%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 0.5%; other 94%; includes irrigated 0.5% Environment: lack of natural water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: The war between Israel and the Arab states in June 1967 ended with Israel in control of the West Bank. As stated in the 1978 Camp David accords and reaffirmed by President Bush's post - Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among the concerned parties. The Camp David accords also specify that these negotiations will resolve the location of the respective boundaries. Pending the completion of this process, it is US policy that the final status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip has yet to be determined. Jordan People Population: 3,557,304 (July 1992), growth rate 4.1% (1992); Palestinians now constitute roughly two-thirds of the population; most are Jordanian citizens Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Jordanian(s); adjective - Jordanian Ethnic divisions: Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1% Religions: Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 8% Languages: Arabic (official); English widely understood among upper and middle classes Literacy: 80% (male 89%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 572,000 (1988); agriculture 20%, manufacturing and mining 20% (1987 est.) Organized labor: about 10% of labor force Jordan Government Long-form name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Amman Administrative divisions: 8 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, `Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Ma`an Independence: 25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration; formerly Transjordan) Constitution: 8 January 1952 Legal system: based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 25 May (1946) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-`Umma) consists of an upper house or House of Notables (Majlis al-A`ayan) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Majlis al-Nuwaab); note - the House of Representatives has been convened and dissolved by the King several times since 1974 and in November 1989 the first parliamentary elections in 22 years were held Judicial branch: Court of Cassation Leaders: Chief of State: King HUSSEIN Ibn Talal Al Hashemi (since 11 August 1952) Head of Government: Prime Minister Zayd bin SHAKIR (since 21 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: approximately 24 parties have been formed since the National Charter, but the number fluctuates; after the 1989 parliamentary elections, King Hussein promised to allow the formation of political parties; a national charter that sets forth the ground rules for democracy in Jordan - including the creation of political parties - was approved in principle by the special National Conference on 9 June 1991, but its specific provisions have yet to be passed by National Assembly Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 8 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Muslim Brotherhood (fundamentalist) 22, Independent Islamic bloc (generally traditionalist) 6, Democratic bloc (mostly leftist) 9, Constitutionalist bloc (traditionalist) 17, Nationalist bloc (traditionalist) 16, independent 10 Member of: ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Jordan Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Hussein A. HAMMAMI; Chancery at 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 966-2664 US: Ambassador Roger Gram HARRISON; Embassy on Jebel Amman, Amman (mailing address is P. O. Box 354, Amman, or APO AE 09892); telephone [962] (6) 644-371 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), white, and green with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a small white seven-pointed star; the seven points on the star represent the seven fundamental laws of the Koran Jordan Economy Overview: Jordan benefited from increased Arab aid during the oil boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when its annual GNP growth averaged more than 10%. In the remainder of the 1980s, however, reductions in both Arab aid and worker remittances slowed economic growth to an average of roughly 2% per year. Imports - mainly oil, capital goods, consumer durables, and food - have been outstripping exports, with the difference covered by aid, remittances, and borrowing. In mid-1989, the Jordanian Government began debt-rescheduling negotiations and agreed to implement an IMF program designed to gradually reduce the budget deficit and implement badly needed structural reforms. The Persian Gulf crisis that began in August 1990, however, aggravated Jordan's already serious economic problems, forcing the government to shelve the IMF program, stop most debt payments, and suspend rescheduling negotiations. Aid from Gulf Arab states and worker remittances have plunged, and refugees have flooded the country, straining government resources. Economic recovery is unlikely without substantial foreign aid, debt relief, and economic reform. exchange rate conversion - $3.6 billion, per capita $1,100; real growth rate 3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 40% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures partners: India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, UAE, China Imports: $2.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live animals, manufactured goods partners: EC, US, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey External debt: $9 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDP Electricity: 1,025,000 kW capacity; 3,900 million kWh produced, 1,150 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light manufacturing Agriculture: accounts for about 7% of GDP; principal products are wheat, barley, citrus fruit, tomatoes, melons, olives; livestock - sheep, goats, poultry; large net importer of food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.5 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $44 million Currency: Jordanian dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 fils Jordan Economy Exchange rates: Jordanian dinars (JD) per US$1 - 0.6861 (March 1992), 0.6807 1991), 0.6636 (1990), 0.5704 (1989), 0.3709 (1988), 0.3387 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Jordan Communications Railroads: 619 km 1.050-meter gauge, single track Highways: 7,500 km; 5,500 km asphalt, 2,000 km gravel and crushed stone Pipelines: crude oil 209 km Ports: Al `Aqabah Merchant marine: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 60,378 GRT/113,557 DWT; includes 1 cargo and 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 23 major transport aircraft Airports: 19 total, 15 usable; 14 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate telephone system of microwave, cable, and radio links; 81,500 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 FM, 8 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, 1 domestic TV receive-only; coaxial cable and microwave to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria; microwave link to Lebanon is inactive; participates in a microwave network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco Jordan Defense Forces Branches: Jordan Arab Army, Royal Jordanian Air Force, Royal Jordanian Navy, Public Security Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 808,725; 576,934 fit for military service; 39,310 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $404 million, 9.5% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp JORDAN - Passport and visa required. Multiple-entry visa valid up to 5 years, no charge, requires 1 application form, 1 photo, letter stating purpose of visit and itinerary. Persons holding passports with Israeli visas cannot enter Jordan. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For details check Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/966-2664). JORDAN - WARNING August 21, 1992 Tension in the Persian Gulf region has increased as a result of Iraq's growing pattern of defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. In view of these circumstances, U.S. citizens are advised to defer non-essential travel to Jordan, due to the increased risk of possible terrorist acts directed against the U.S. government or U.S. citizens in the area. U.S. citizens in Jordan should contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman to register their presence and to receive detailed information on the local situation. The Embassy is located in Abdoun, telephone 644-371. No. 92-160 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated March 17, 1992, to warn of the increased risk of possible terrorist attacks due to increased tension in the Persian Gulf region. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... JORDAN Juan de Nova Island false marked Juan de Nova Island showNameProp Juan de Nova Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Juan de Nova Island Geography Total area: 4.4 km2 Land area: 4.4 km2 Comparative area: about 7.5 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 24.1 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: undetermined Natural resources: guano deposits and other fertilizers Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 90%; other 10% Environment: subject to periodic cyclones; wildlife sanctuary Note: located in the central Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar Juan de Nova Island People Population: uninhabited Juan de Nova Island Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE, resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion Juan de Nova Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Juan de Nova Island Communications Railroads: short line going to a jetty Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with non-permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Juan de Nova Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text JUAN_DE_ Kazakhstan false marked Kazakhstan showNameProp Kazakhstan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kazakhstan Geography Total area: 2,717,300 km2 Land area: 2,669,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Texas Land boundaries: 12,012 km; China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km Coastline: 0 km note: Kazakhstan does border the Aral Sea (1,015 km) and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km) Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: dry continental, about half is desert Terrain: extends from the Volga to the Altai mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oasis and desert in Central Asia Natural resources: petroleum, coal, iron, manganese, chrome, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium, iron Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: drying up of Aral Sea is causing increased concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; industrial pollution Kazakhstan People Population: 17,103,927 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -6.1 migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 25.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Kazakh(s); adjective - Kazakhstani Ethnic divisions: Kazakh (Qazaq) 40%, Russian 38%, other Slavs 7%, Germans 6%, other 9% Religions: Muslim 47% Russian Orthodox NA%, Lutheran NA% Languages: Kazakh (Qazaq; official language), Russian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 8,267,000 (1989) Organized labor: official trade unions, independent coal miners' union Kazakhstan Government Long-form name: Republic of Kazakhstan Type: republic Capital: Alma-Ata (Almaty) Administrative divisions: 19 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Aktyubinsk, Alma-Ata, Atyrau, Chimkent, Dzhambul, Dzhezkazgan, Karaganda, Kokchetav, Kustanay, Kzyl-Orda, Mangistauz (Aqtau), Pavlodar, Semipalatinsk, Severo-Kazakhstan (Petropavlovsk), Taldy-Kurgan, Tselinograd, Turgay (Arkalyk), Ural'sk, Vostochno-Kazakhstan (Ust'-Kamenogorsk); note - an oblast has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 16 December 1991; from the Soviet Union (formerly the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic) Constitution: new postindependence constitution under preparation Legal system: NA National holiday: NA Executive branch: president with presidential appointed cabinet of ministers Legislative branch: Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (since April 1990), Vice President Yerik ASANBAYEV (since 1 December 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sergey TERESHCHENKO (since 14 October 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Davlat SEMBAYEV (since November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Peoples Forum Party, Olzhas SULEIMENOV and Mukhtar SHAKHANOV, co-chairmen; Socialist Party (former Communist Party), Anuar ALIJANOV, chairman; ZHOLTOKSAN, Hasan KOJAKHETOV, chairmen; AZAT Party, Sabitkazi AKETAEV, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA); percent of vote by party NA; seats - (NA total) percent of seats by party NA Communists: party disbanded 6 September 1992 Member of: CIS, CSCE, IMF, NACC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador NA; Chancery at NA NW, Washington, DC 200__; telephone NA; there are NA Consulates General US: Ambassador-designate William Courtney; Embassy at Hotel Kazakhstan, Alma-Ata, (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-3272-61-90-56 Flag: no national flag yet adopted Kazakhstan Economy Overview: The second-largest in area of the 15 former Soviet republics, Kazakhstan has vast oil, coal, and agricultural resources. Kazakhstan is highly dependent on trade with Russia, exchanging its natural resources for finished consumer and industrial goods. Kazakhstan now finds itself with serious pollution problems, backward technology, and little experience in foreign markets. The government in 1991 pushed privatization of the economy at a faster pace than Russia's program. The ongoing transitional period - marked by sharp inflation in wages and prices, lower output, lost jobs, and disruption of time-honored channels of supply - has brought considerable social unrest. Kazakhstan lacks the funds, technology, and managerial skills for a quick recovery of output. US firms have been enlisted to increase oil output but face formidable obstacles; for example, oil can now reach Western markets only through pipelines that run across independent (and sometimes unfriendly) former Soviet republics. Finally, the end of monolithic Communist control has brought ethnic grievances into the open. The 6 million Russians in the republic, formerly the favored class, now face the hostility of a society dominated by Muslims. Ethnic rivalry will be just one of the formidable obstacles to the creation of a productive, technologically advancing society. purchasing power equivalent - $NA; per capita NA; real growth rate - 7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 83% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $1.76 billion (1991) Exports: $4.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: oil, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, grain, wool, meat (1991) partners: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Imports: $NA million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and parts, industrial materials partners: Russia and other former Soviet republics External debt: $2.6 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0.7% (1991) Electricity: 17,900,000 kW capacity; 79,100 million kWh produced, 4,735 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: extractive industries (oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur) iron and steel, nonferrous metal, tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials Agriculture: employs 30% of the labor force; grain, mostly spring wheat; meat, cotton, wool Kazakhstan Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Kazakhstan Communications Railroads: 14,460 km (all 1.520-meter gauge); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 189,000 km total (1990); 188,900 km hard surfaced (paved or gravel), 80,900 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil NA km, refined products NA km, natural gas NA Ports: none - landlocked; inland - Guryev Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: telephone service is poor, with only about 6 telephones for each 100 persons; of the approximately 1 million telephones, Alma-Ata has 184,000; international traffic with other former USSR republics and China carried by landline and microwave, and with other countries by satellite and through the Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earth stations - INTELSAT and Orbita Kazakhstan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Air, Air Defense, and Strategic Rocket) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KAZAKHSTAN - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916)or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922- 6642). Kazakhstan - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, is located at 551 Seyfalline Street; telephone (7) (3272) 63-13-75. Country Description: Kazakhstan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. political activities have been peaceful. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Air travel within Kazakhstan generally operates well but suffers occasional disruptions. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Kazakhstan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Kazakhstan are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Kazakhstan is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the country. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information in the region can be found in the Department of State brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia," which includes information on Kazakhstan, is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Kazakhstan has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Kazakhstan is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-028 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Hide Text KAZAKHST Kenya false marked Kenya showNameProp Kenya most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kenya Geography Total area: 582,650 km2 Land area: 569,250 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Nevada Land boundaries: 3,477 km; Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km Coastline: 536 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international boundary; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis Climate: varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior Terrain: low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west Natural resources: gold, limestone, soda ash, salt barytes, rubies, fluorspar, garnets, wildlife Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 4%; other 85%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; glaciers on Mt. Kenya Note: the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa Kenya People Population: 26,164,473 (July 1992), growth rate 3.6% (1992) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Kenyan(s); adjective - Kenyan Ethnic divisions: Kikuyu 21%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 11%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, Asian, European, and Arab 1% Religions: Protestant 38%, Roman Catholic 28%, indigenous beliefs 26%, Muslim 6% Languages: English and Swahili (official); numerous indigenous languages Literacy: 69% (male 80%, female 58%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 9.2 million (includes unemployed); the total employed is 1.37 million (14.8% of the labor force); services 54.8%, industry 26.2%, agriculture 19.0% (1989) Organized labor: 390,000 (est.) Kenya Government Long-form name: Republic of Kenya Type: republic Capital: Nairobi Administrative divisions: 7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western Independence: 12 December 1963 (from UK; formerly British East Africa) Constitution: 12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, and 1991 Legal system: based on English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations; constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in 1991 National holiday: Independence Day, 12 December (1963) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Bunge) Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Daniel Teroitich arap MOI (since 14 October 1978); Vice President George SAITOTI (since 10 May 1989) Political parties and leaders: ruling party is Kenya African National Union (KANU), Daniel T. arap MOI, president; opposition parties include Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), Oginga ODINJA; Democratic Party of Kenya (DP), KIBAKI; note - some dozen other opposition parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 21 March 1988 (next to be held before March 1993); results - President Daniel T. arap MOI was reelected National Assembly: last held on 21 March 1988 (next to be held before March 1993); will be first multiparty election since repeal of one-party state law Other political or pressure groups: labor unions; exile opposition - Mwakenya and other groups Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Denis Daudi AFANDE; Chancery at 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-6101; there are Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York Kenya Government US: Ambassador Smith HEMPSTONE, Jr.; Embassy at the corner of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi (mailing address is P. O. Box 30137, Nairobi or APO AE 09831); telephone [254] (2) 334141; FAX [254] (2) 340838; there is a US Consulate in Mombasa Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center Kenya Economy Overview: Kenya's 3.6% annual population growth rate - one of the highest in the world - presents a serious problem for the country's economy. In the meantime, GDP growth in the near term has kept slightly ahead of population - annually averaging 4.9% in the 1986-90 period. Undependable weather conditions and a shortage of arable land hamper long-term growth in agriculture, the leading economic sector. In 1991, deficient rainfall, stagnant export volume, and sagging export prices held economic growth below the all-important population growth figure. exchange rate conversion - $9.7 billion, per capita $385 (1989 est.); real growth rate 2.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA%, but there is a high level of unemployment and underemployment Budget: revenues $2.4 billion; expenditures $2.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $0.74 billion (FY90) Exports: $1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: tea 25%, coffee 21%, petroleum products 7% (1989) partners: EC 44%, Africa 25%, Asia 5%, US 5%, Middle East 4% (1988) Imports: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 29%, petroleum and petroleum products 15%, iron and steel 7%, raw materials, food and consumer goods (1989) partners: EC 45%, Asia 11%, Middle East 12%, US 5% (1988) External debt: $6.0 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.4% (1989 est.); accounts for 17% of GDP Electricity: 730,000 kW capacity; 2,700 million kWh produced, 110 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural processing, oil refining, cement, tourism Agriculture: most important sector, accounting for 29% of GDP, about 19% of the work force, and over 50% of exports; cash crops - coffee, tea, sisal, pineapple; food products - corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products; food output not keeping pace with population growth Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis used mostly for domestic consumption; widespread cultivation of cannabis and qat on small plots; transit country for heroin and methaqualone en route from Southwest Asia to West Africa, Western Europe, and the US Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $839 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7,490 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $74 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $83 million Currency: Kenyan shilling (plural - shillings); 1 Kenyan shilling (KSh) = 100 cents Kenya Economy Exchange rates: Kenyan shillings (KSh) per US$1 - 28.466 (January 1992), 27.508 (1991), 22.915 (1990), 20.572 (1989), 17.747 (1988), 16.454 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Kenya Communications Railroads: 2,040 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 64,590 km total; 7,000 km paved, 4,150 km gravel, remainder improved earth Inland waterways: part of Lake Victoria system is within boundaries of Kenya; principal inland port is at Kisumu Pipelines: petroleum products 483 km Ports: Mombasa, Lamu Merchant marine: 1 petroleum tanker ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 7,727 GRT/5,558 DWT Civil air: 19 major transport aircraft Airports: 249 total, 214 usable; 21 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 46 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: in top group of African systems; consists primarily of radio relay links; over 260,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 16 AM; 4 FM, 6 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT Kenya Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary General Service Unit of the Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,688,543; 3,513,611 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KENYA - Passport and visa required. Transit visa for stay up to 7 days issued at airport, $6 fee. For other travel, visa must be obtained in advance. Single-entry visa for tourist/business stay up to 6 months, $10; requires 1 application form, 2 photos and onward/return ticket. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations recommended. Multiple-entry visa for up to 1 year available, $50. Payment by money order, cashiers check or company check only. Apply Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/387-6101) or Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/274-6635) or New York (212/486-1300). KENYA - CAUTION December 18, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in Kenya because of increased political activity in the periods preceding and following the general elections scheduled for December 29. End Summary. The Kenya government has scheduled general elections for December 29. Increased political activity in the periods immediately preceding and following the election date may lead to localized disturbances that have the potential to disrupt highway travel. The probability of violence, looting and other criminal activity may be high during this period. The American Embassy has advised official American employees and dependents that all non- essential travel should be avoided during the period immediately following the election date, and that employees and dependents who undertake non- essential travel at that time do so at their own risk. Security in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which had deteriorated in 1991 and early 1992, has improved due to new security measures undertaken by the government of Kenya. Travelers who do not hire reputable safari firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles, so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure. Solo camping is risky. In Nairobi, Mombasa, and the coastal beach resorts there is widespread street crime, which is mostly of the "grab and run" variety, and confidence scams perpetrated by individuals pretending to be police or other government agency officials. Wherever crime is a problem, walking alone or walking in public parks, along footpaths or beaches at night could result in being victimized. There is a high incidence of residential break-ins. Kenyan currency may not be taken out of the country, and is sometimes difficult to exchange for dollars upon departure. Destruction of Kenyan currency is also strictly against the law and likely to be prosecuted. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and the Consulate in Mombasa are prepared to offer more specific information to U.S. visitors. Americans may wish to register their presence upon arrival in Kenya. The Embassy is located at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi, telephone 011- 254-2-334141. The Consulate is located at Palli House on Nyerere Avenue in Mombasa, telephone 254-11-315101. No. 92-170 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated October 2, 1992, to advise U.S. citizens to exercise caution during the periods preceding and following the Kenyan general election scheduled for December 29, 1992. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... KENYA Kingman Reef false marked Kingman Reef showNameProp Kingman Reef most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kingman Reef Geography Total area: 1 km2 Land area: 1 km2 Comparative area: about 1.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 3 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing winds Terrain: low and nearly level with a maximum elevation of about 1 meter Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; wet or awash most of the time Note: located 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa; maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes this a navigational hazard; closed to the public Kingman Reef People Population: uninhabited Kingman Reef Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Kingman Reef Economy Overview: no economic activity Kingman Reef Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938 Kingman Reef Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text KINGMAN_ Kiribati false marked Kiribati showNameProp Kiribati most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Kiribati Geography Total area: 717 km2 Land area: 717 km2; includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,143 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs Natural resources: phosphate (production discontinued in 1979) Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 51%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 3%; other 46% Environment: typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; 20 of the 33 islands are inhabited Note: Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia and Nauru Kiribati People Population: 74,788 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 99 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - I-Kiribati (singular and plural); adjective - I-Kiribati Ethnic divisions: Micronesian Religions: Roman Catholic 52.6%, Protestant (Congregational) 40.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist, Baha'i, Church of God, Mormon 6% (1985) Languages: English (official), Gilbertese Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (1985 est.) Organized labor: Kiribati Trades Union Congress - 2,500 members Kiribati Government Long-form name: Republic of Kiribati; note - pronounced Kiribas Type: republic Capital: Tarawa Administrative divisions: 3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - a new administrative structure of 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) may have been changed to 21 island councils (one for each of the inhabited islands) named Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Canton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina Independence: 12 July 1979 (from UK; formerly Gilbert Islands) Constitution: 12 July 1979 National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1979) Executive branch: president (Beretitenti), vice president (Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti), Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (Maneaba Ni Maungatabu) Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Teatao TEANNAKI (since 8 July 1991); Vice President Taomati IUTA (since 8 July 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party, Teatao TEANNAKI; Christian Democratic Party, Teburoro TITO; New Movement Party, leader NA; Liberal Party, Tewareka TENTOA; note - there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 8 July 1991 (next to be held May 1995); results - Teatao TEANNAKI 52%, Roniti TEIWAKI 28% House of Assembly: last held on 8 May 1991 (next to be held May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total; 39 elected) percent of seats by party NA Member of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP (associate), IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador (vacant) lives in Tarawa (Kiribati) US: the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati Flag: the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean Kiribati Economy Overview: The country has few national resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Real GDP declined about 8% in 1987, as the fish catch fell sharply to only one-fourth the level of 1986 and copra production was hampered by repeated rains. Output rebounded strongly in 1988, with real GDP growing by 17%. The upturn in economic growth came from an increase in copra production and a good fish catch. Following the strong surge in output in 1988, GNP increased 1% in both 1989 and 1990. exchange rate conversion - $36.8 million, per capita $525; real growth rate 1.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.0% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 2% (1985); considerable underemployment Budget: revenues $29.9 million; expenditures $16.3 million, including capital expenditures of $14.0 million (1990 est.) Exports: $5.8 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: fish 55%, copra 42% partners: EC 20%, Marshall Islands 12%, US 8%, American Samoa 4% (1985) Imports: $26.7 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, fuel, transportation equipment partners: Australia 39%, Japan 21%, NZ 6%, UK 6%, US 3% (1985) External debt: $2.0 million (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1988 est.); accounts for less than 4% of GDP Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 13 million kWh produced, 190 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing, handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP (including fishing); copra and fish contribute about 95% to exports; subsistence farming predominates; food crops - taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $273 million Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987), 1.4905 (1986) Fiscal year: NA Kiribati Communications Highways: 640 km of motorable roads Inland waterways: small network of canals, totaling 5 km, in Line Islands Ports: Banaba and Betio (Tarawa) Civil air: 2 Trislanders; no major transport aircraft Airports: 21 total; 20 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 1,400 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Kiribati Defense Forces Branches: no military force maintained; the Police Force carries out law enforcement functions and paramilitary duties; there are small police posts on all islands Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text KIRIBATI Korea, North false marked Korea, North showNameProp Korea, North most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Korea, North Geography Total area: 120,540 km2 Land area: 120,410 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Mississippi Land boundaries: 1,673 km; China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km Coastline: 2,495 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Military boundary line: 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea (all foreign vessels and aircraft without permission are banned) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of boundary with China is indefinite; Demarcation Line with South Korea Climate: temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer Terrain: mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east Natural resources: coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower Land use: arable land 18%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 74%; other 7%; includes irrigated 9% Environment: mountainous interior is isolated, nearly inaccessible, and sparsely populated; late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding Note: strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia Korea, North People Population: 22,227,303 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Korean(s);adjective - Korean Ethnic divisions: racially homogeneous Religions: Buddhism and Confucianism; some Christianity and syncretic Chondogyo; autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom Languages: Korean Literacy: 99%, (male 99%, female 99%); note - presumed to be virtually universal among population under age 60 Labor force: 9,615,000; agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64%; shortage of skilled and unskilled labor (mid-1987 est.) Organized labor: 1,600,000 members; single-trade union system coordinated by the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea under the Central Committee Korea, North Government Long-form name: Democratic People's Republic of Korea; abbreviated DPRK Type: Communist state; Stalinist dictatorship Capital: P'yongyang Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 3 special cities* (jikhalsi, singular and plural); Chagang-do, Hamgyong-namdo, Hamgyong-bukto, Hwanghae-namdo, Hwanghae-bukto, Kaesong-si*, Kangwon-do, Namp'o-si*, P'yongan-bukto, P'yongan-namdo,P'yongyang-si*, Yanggang-do Independence: 9 September 1948 Constitution: adopted 1948, revised 27 December 1972 Legal system: based on German civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 9 September (1948) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, premier, eleven vice premiers, State Administration Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme People's Assembly (Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui) Judicial branch: Central Court Leaders: Chief of State: President KIM Il-song (national leader since 1945, formally President since 28 December 1972); designated Successor KIM Chong-il (son of President, born 16 February 1942) Head of Government: Premier YON Hyong-muk (since December 1988) Political parties and leaders: major party - Korean Workers' Party (KWP), KIM Il-song, general secretary, and his son, KIM Chong-il, secretary, Central Committee; Korean Social Democratic Party, YI Kye-paek, chairman; Chondoist Chongu Party, CHONG Sin-hyok, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 17 Elections: President: last held 24 May 1990 (next to be held NA 1994); results - President KIM Il-song was reelected without opposition Supreme People's Assembly: last held on 24 May 1990 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (687 total) the KWP approves a single list of candidates who are elected without opposition; minor parties hold a few seats Communists: KWP claims membership of about 3 million Member of: ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, IFAD, IMF (observer), IMO, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: none Korea, North Government Flag: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star Korea, North Economy Overview: More than 90% of this command economy is socialized; agricultural land is collectivized; and state-owned industry produces 95% of manufactured goods. State control of economic affairs is unusually tight even for a Communist country because of the small size and homogeneity of the society and the strict rule of KIM Il-song and his son, KIM Chong-il. Economic growth during the period 1984-89 averaged 2-3%, but output declined by 2-4% annually during 1990-91, largely because of disruptions in economic relations with the USSR. Abundant natural resources and hydropower form the basis of industrial development. Output of the extractive industries includes coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals. Manufacturing is centered on heavy industry, with light industry lagging far behind. Despite the use of improved seed varieties, expansion of irrigation, and the heavy use of fertilizers, North Korea has not yet become self-sufficient in food production. Four consecutive years of poor harvests, coupled with distribution problems, have led to chronic food shortages. North Korea remains far behind South Korea in economic development and living standards. purchasing power equivalent - $23.3 billion, per capita $1,100; real growth rate -2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: officially none Budget: revenues $17.3 billion; expenditures $17.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990) Exports: $2.02 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: minerals, metallurgical products, agricultural products, manufactures partners: USSR, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore Imports: $2.62 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum, machinery and equipment, coking coal, grain partners: USSR, Japan, China, Hong Kong, FRG, Singapore External debt: $7 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 7,140,000 kW capacity; 36,000 million kWh produced, 1,650 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: machine building, military products, electric power, chemicals, mining, metallurgy, textiles, food processing Agriculture: accounts for about 25% of GNP and 36% of work force; principal crops - rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; livestock and livestock products - cattle, hogs, pork, eggs; not self-sufficient in grain; fish catch estimated at 1.7 million metric tons in 1987 Economic aid: Communist countries, $1.4 billion a year in the 1980s Currency: North Korean won (plural - won); 1 North Korean won (Wn) = 100 chon Korea, North Economy Exchange rates: North Korean won (Wn) per US$1 - 2.13 (May 1992), 2.14 (September 1991), 2.1 (January 1990), 2.3 (December 1989), 2.13 (December 1988), 0.94 (March 1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Korea, North Communications Railroads: 4,915 km total; 4,250 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 665 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge; 159 km double track; 3,084 km electrified; government owned (1989) Highways: about 30,000 km (1989); 98.5% gravel, crushed stone, or earth surface; 1.5% paved Inland waterways: 2,253 km; mostly navigable by small craft only Pipelines: crude oil 37 km Ports: Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam, Namp'o, Wonsan, Songnim, Najin, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Kim Chaek Merchant marine: 78 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 543,033 GRT/804,507 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger-cargo, 67 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 4 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 container Airports: 55 total, 55 usable (est.); about 30 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 5 with runways over 3,659 m; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 30 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 18 AM, no FM, 11 TV; 200,000 TV sets; 3,500,000 radio receivers; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Korea, North Defense Forces Branches: Korean People's Army (including the Army, Navy, Air Force), Civil Security Forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 6,476,839; 3,949,568 fit for military service; 227,154 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - about $5 billion, 20-25% of GNP (1991 est.); note - the officially announced but suspect figure is $1.9 billion (1991) 8% of GNP (1991 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLEUS REPUBLIC OF (North Korea) - The United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea and has no third country representing U.S. interests there. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within North Korea. Before planning any travel to North Korea, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/566-2701). Visa information must be obtained from a consulate in a country that maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea. NORTH KOREA - TRAVEL WARNING November 13, 1992 U.S. citizens are warned against travel to North Korea, since the United States does not recognize the government of that country and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. There is no consular representation for U.S. citizens. All travel to North Korea should be avoided. Additional information can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on North Korea. No. 92-005 NORTH KOREA - CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET November 13, 1992 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to North Korea. The United States does not recognize the government of North Korea and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. Embassy Location: Because no third country represents United States interests in North Korea, the United States government is unable to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens in North Korea. U.S. citizens need a Treasury Department license to engage in any financial transactions with North Korea. Entry Requirements: Visa information is available only through a consulate in a country which maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea. U.S. passports are valid for travel to North Korea; however, a visa is required. Restricted Financial Transactions: Financial transactions by U.S. citizens in North Korea are restricted. All commercial transactions, with the exception of international trade in publications and other informational materials, require U.S. government licensing. Under the Foreign Assets Control Regulations administered by the Treasury Department, individuals may spend no more than U.S. $200.00 per day in North Korea to purchase items related to travel, such as hotel accommodations, meals and goods for personal consumption. International and inter-city transportation and international telecommunications are not included in the $200 limit. U.S. Customs Requirements: Visitors to North Korea may bring back into the United States as accompanied baggage merchandise valued up to U.S. $100. Informational materials are not limited. Receipts are required to document any goods purchased in North Korea and must be made available to the U.S. Customs Service upon entry into the United States. Credit Card Use: U.S. regulations prohibit use of credit and other charge cards in North Korea, even for living expenses or for the purchase of goods used by the traveler. U.S. Treasury Department Licenses: U.S. travel service providers are prohibited from arranging, promoting, or facilitating tours to North Korea unless specifically licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to provide travel services to groups or individuals involved in academic, sports, cultural, family reunion, or certain other noncommercial activities. The only transaction that a U.S. travel service provider is permitted to perform without a specific Treasury license is the booking of passage for an individual traveler to North Korea aboard a third-country "non-blocked carrier." A non-blocked carrier is any carrier other than a Libyan, Cuban, Iraqi, Yugoslav, Vietnamese, or North Korean carrier. No direct transportation services to North Korea are available from or authorized for U.S. carriers. Travelers are expected to check with the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department before signing up for a tour group destined for North Korea which is sponsored by or affiliated with a U.S. citizen. This information sheet provides only general guidance regarding applicable Treasury regulations. Individuals contemplating trade with North Korea can contact the Department of the Treasury for further information at: Licensing Division Office of Foreign Assets Control Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Treasury Annex Washington, D.C. 20220 Tel: (202) 622-2480 Fax: (202) 622-1657 Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in North Korea or who were at one time citizens of North Korea, and the children of such persons, may be considered dual nationals by North Korean authorities and may, therefore, be subject to North Korean laws. These laws may impose special obligations upon North Korean nationals, e.g., military service, taxes. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. (Phone: 202-647-3675). Travel Documents: U.S. citizens contemplating travel to North Korea should carry only U.S. passports with the proper visa affixed. Under no condition should U.S. citizens accept travel documents which identify them as citizens of North Korea. No. 92-108 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text KOREA__N Korea, South false marked Korea, South showNameProp Korea, South most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Korea, South Geography Total area: 98,480 km2 Land area: 98,190 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Indiana Land boundaries: 238 km; North Korea 238 km Coastline: 2,413 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 12 nm (3 nm in the Korea Strait) Disputes: Demarcation Line with North Korea; Liancourt Rocks claimed by Japan Climate: temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter Terrain: mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south Natural resources: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower Land use: arable land 21%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 67%; other 10%; includes irrigated 12% Environment: occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; earthquakes in southwest; air pollution in large cities Korea, South People Population: 44,149,199 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Korean(s);adjective - Korean Ethnic divisions: homogeneous; small Chinese minority (about 20,000) Religions: strong Confucian tradition; vigorous Christian minority (24.3% of the total population); Buddhism; pervasive folk religion (Shamanism); Chondogyo (religion of the heavenly way), eclectic religion with nationalist overtones founded in 19th century, about 0.1% of population Languages: Korean; English widely taught in high school Literacy: 96% (male 99%, female 94%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 16,900,000; 52% services and other; 27% mining and manufacturing; 21% agriculture, fishing, forestry (1987) Organized labor: 23.4% (1989) of labor force in government-sanctioned unions Korea, South Government Long-form name: Republic of Korea; abbreviated ROK Type: republic Capital: Seoul Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 6 special cities* (jikhalsi, singular and plural); Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, Inch'on-jikhalsi*, Kangwon-do, Kwangju-jikhalsi*, Kyonggi-do, Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo, Pusan-jikhalsi*, Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-jikhalsi*, Taejon-jikhalsi* Independence: 15 August 1948 Constitution: 25 February 1988 Legal system: combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought National holiday: Independence Day, 15 August (1948) Executive branch: president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, State Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Kuk Hoe) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President ROH Tae Woo (since 25 February 1988) Head of Government: Prime Minister CHUNG Won Shik (since 24 May 1991); Deputy Prime Minister CHOI Gak Kyu (since 19 February 1991) Political parties and leaders: ruling party: Democratic Liberal Party (DLP), ROH Tae Woo, president, KIM Young Sam, chairman; KIM Chong Pil and PAK Tae Chun, co-chairmen; note - the DLP resulted from a merger of the Democratic Justice Party (DJP), Reunification Democratic Party (RDP), and New Democratic Republican Party (NDRP) on 9 February 1990 opposition: Democratic Party (DP), result of a merger of the New Democratic Party and the Democratic Party formalized 16 September 1991; KIM Dae Jung, executive chairman; LEE Ki Taek, executive chairman; several smaller parties Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: President: last held on 16 December 1987 (next to be held December 1992); results - ROH Tae Woo (DJP) 35.9%, KIM Young Sam (RDP) 27.5%, KIM Dae Jung (PPD) 26.5%, other 10.1% National Assembly: last held on 26 April 1988 (next to be held around March 1992); results - DJP 34%, RDP 24%, PPD 19%, NDRP 15%, other 8%; seats - (296 total) DJP 125, PPD 70, RDP 59, NDRP 35, other 10; note - on 9 February 1990 the DJP, RDP, and NDRP merged to form the DLP; also the PPD, later renamed the NDP, merged with another party to form the DP in September 1991. The distribution of seats as of December 1991 was DLP 214, DP 72, independent 9, vacant 1 Korea, South Government Other political or pressure groups: Korean National Council of Churches; National Democratic Alliance of Korea; National Council of College Student Representatives; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National Council of Labor Unions; Federation of Korean Trade Unions; Korean Veterans' Association; Federation of Korean Industries; Korean Traders Association Member of: AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, COCOM, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador HYUN Hong Joo; Chancery at 2370 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-5600; there are Korean Consulates General in Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle US: Ambassador Donald P. GREGG; Embassy at 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul, AMEMB, Unit 15550 (mailing address is APO AP 96205-0001); telephone [82] (2) 732-2601 through 2618; FAX [82] (2) 738-8845; there is a US Consulate in Pusan Flag: white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field Korea, South Economy Overview: The driving force behind the economy's dynamic growth has been the planned development of an export-oriented economy in a vigorously entrepreneurial society. Real GNP has increased more than 10% annually over the past six years. This growth has led to an overheated situation characterized by a tight labor market, strong inflationary pressures, and a rapidly rising current account deficit. Policymakers have stated they will focus attention on slowing inflation. In any event, the economy will remain the envy of the great majority of the world's peoples. purchasing power equivalent - $273 billion, per capita $6,300; real growth rate 8.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.7% (1991) Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991) Budget: revenues $44 billion; expenditures $44 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $71.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: textiles, clothing, electronic and electrical equipment, footwear, machinery, steel, automobiles, ships, fish partners: US 26%, Japan 18% (1991) Imports: $81.6 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains partners: Japan 26%, US 23% (1991) External debt: $38.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 7.5% (1991 est.); accounts for about 45% of GNP Electricity: 24,000,000 kW capacity; 106,000 million kWh produced, 2,460 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing, chemicals, steel, electronics, automobile production, shipbuilding Agriculture: accounts for 8% of GNP and employs 21% of work force (including fishing and forestry); principal crops - rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; livestock and livestock products - cattle, hogs, chickens, milk, eggs; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat; fish catch of 2.9 million metric tons, seventh-largest in world Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.9 billion; non-US countries (1970-89), $3.0 billion Currency: South Korean won (plural - won); 1 South Korean won (W) = 100 chon (theoretical) Exchange rates: South Korean won (W) per US$1 - 766.66 (January 1992), 733.35 (1991), 707.76 (1990), 671.46 (1989), 731.47 (1988), 822.57 (1987) Korea, South Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Korea, South Communications Railroads: 3,106 km operating in 1983; 3,059 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 47 km 0.610-meter narrow gauge, 712 km double track, 418 km electrified; government owned Highways: 62,936 km total (1982); 13,476 km national highway, 49,460 km provincial and local roads Inland waterways: 1,609 km; use restricted to small native craft Pipelines: petroleum products 455 km Ports: Pusan, Inchon, Kunsan, Mokpo, Ulsan Merchant marine: 435 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,924,818 GRT/11,389,397 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 140 cargo, 53 container, 11 refrigerated cargo, 9 vehicle carrier, 42 petroleum tanker, 10 chemical tanker, 14 liquefied gas, 5 combination ore/oil, 145 bulk, 3 combination bulk, 1 multifunction large-load carrier Civil air: 93 major transport aircraft Airports: 105 total, 97 usable; 60 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 23 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate domestic and international services; 4,800,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 79 AM, 46 FM, 256 TV (57 of 1 kW or greater); satellite earth stations - 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT Korea, South Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Marines Corps, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 13,131,113; 8,456,428 fit for military service; 448,450 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $12.6 billion, 4.5% of GNP (1992 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (South Korea) - Passport required. Visa not required for a tourist stay up to 15 days. For longer stays and other types of travel, visa must be obtained in advance. Tourist visa for longer stay requires 1 application form and1 photo. Business visa requires application form, 1 photo and company letter. Multiple-entry visa normally valid 5 years for visits up to 90 days, requires 1 application form, 1 photo and affidavit of support. Fine imposed for overstaying visa and for long-term visa holders not registered within 60 days after entry. For further information check Embassy of the Republic of Korea, (Consular Division), 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W., Suite 208, Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/939-5660/63) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/385-9300 and 415/921-2251), GA (404/522-1611), IL (312/822-9485), MA (617/348-3660), NY (212/752-1700), TX (713/961-0186) or WA (206/441-1011). South Korea - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located at 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul - telephone (82-2) 397-4000/4008 and (82-2) 397-4114. The U.S. Consulate is located in Pusan at 24 2-Ka, Daechung Dong, Chung-ku - telephone (82-51) 246-7791. Country Description: The Republic of Korea is a highly developed stable democratic republic with powers shared between the president and the legislature. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourist stays of up to fifteen days. For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Specific requirements are available through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at 2600 Virginia Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 939-5660/63, or the nearest Consulate General in major U.S. cities. Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in the Republic of Korea are good. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the united states. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low. The Korean National Police (KNP) operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report incidents of crime. The CIC are available on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis, telephone 313-0842. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Passport Seizures/Exit Bans - Commercial Disputes: The Government of Korea sometimes seizes the passports of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. Under these circumstances, the U.S. Government will reissue a passport to an American citizen who applies for one. Even if a new U.S. passport is issued, the Government of South Korea may block departure. Demonstrations: Student demonstrations, sometimes confrontational, occasionally occur. It is unlikely that disturbances would be directed against U.S. citizen travelers. Teaching English: There have been numerous complaints from U.S. citizens who have gone to Korea to teach English under contract -- with promises of big salaries, furnished apartments, bonuses, and other amenities -- only to find some institutions reneging on the contracts. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-114 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... KOREA__S umerous complaints from U.S. citizens who have gone to Korea to teach English under contract -- with promises of big salaries, furnished apartments, bonuses, and other amenities -- only to Haiti Haiti showNameProp Haiti Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText textHeightProp false sharedText Haiti Geography Total area: 27,750 km2 Land area: 27,560 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 275 km; Dominican Republic 275 km Coastline: 1,771 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims US-administered Navassa Island Climate: tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds Terrain: mostly rough and mountainous Natural resources: bauxite Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 13%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 4%; other 45%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion Note: shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic Haiti People Population: 6,431,977 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 104 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 53 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Haitian(s); adjective - Haitian Ethnic divisions: black 95%, mulatto and European 5% Religions: Roman Catholic is the official religion; Roman Catholic 80% (of which an overwhelming majority also practice Voodoo), Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982) Languages: French (official) spoken by only 10% of population; all speak Creole Literacy: 53% (male 59%, female 47%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,300,000; agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%; shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1982) Organized labor: NA Haiti Government Long-form name: Republic of Haiti Type: republic Capital: Port-au-Prince Administrative divisions: 9 departments, (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est Independence: 1 January 1804 (from France) Constitution: 27 August 1983, suspended February 1986; draft constitution approved March 1987, suspended June 1988, most articles reinstated March 1989; October 1991, government claims to be observing the Constitution Legal system: based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 1 January (1804) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7 February 1991), ousted in a coup in September 1991, but still recognized by international community as Chief of State; President Joseph NERETTE installed by military on 7 October 1991 Head of Government: de facto Prime Minister Marc BAZIN (since June 1992) Political parties and leaders: National Front for Change and Democracy (FNCD) led by Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE, including Congress of Democratic Movements (CONACOM), Victor BENOIT; National Konbite Movement (MKN), Volvick Remy JOSEPH; National Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ANDP), a coalition - that broke up following elections - consisting of Movement for the Installation of Democracy in Haiti (MIDH), Marc BAZIN; National Progressive Revolutionary Party (PANPRA), Serge GILLES; and National Patriotic Movement of November 28 (MNP-28), Dejean BELIZAIRE; National Agricultural and Industrial Party (PAIN), Louis DEJOIE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MRN), Rene THEODORE; Haitian Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Joseph DOUZE; Assembly of Progressive National Democrats (RDNP), Leslie MANIGAT; National Party of Labor (PNT), Thomas DESULME; Mobilization for National Development (MDN), Hubert DE RONCERAY; Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Haiti (MODELH), Francois LATORTUE; Haitian Social Christian Party (PSCH), Gregoire EUGENE; Movement for the Organization of the Country (MOP), Gesner COMEAU Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 16 December 1990, with runoff held 20 January 1991 (next to be held by December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (83 total) FNCD 27, ANDP 17, PDCH 7, PAIN 6, RDNP 6, MDN 5, PNT 3, MKN 2, MODELH 2, MRN 1, independents 5, other 2 Haiti Government President: last held 16 December 1990 (next election to be held by December 1995); results - Rev. Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE 67.5%, Marc BAZIN 14.2%, Louis DEJOIE 4.9% Elections: Senate: last held 16 December 1990, with runoff held 20 January 1991 (next to be held December 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (27 total) FNCD 13, ANDP 6, PAIN 2, MRN 2, PDCH 1, RDNP 1, PNT 1, independent 1 Communists: United Party of Haitian Communists (PUCH), Rene THEODORE (roughly 2,000 members) Other political or pressure groups: Democratic Unity Confederation (KID), Roman Catholic Church, Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH), Federation of Workers Trade Unions (FOS), Autonomous Haitian Workers (CATH), National Popular Assembly (APN) Member of: ACCT, CARICOM (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jean CASIMIR; Chancery at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-4090 through 4092; there are Haitian Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US: Ambassador Alvin P. ADAMS, Jr.; Embassy at Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince (mailing address is P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince), telephone [509] 22-0354 or 22-0368, 22-0200, 22-0612 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength) Haiti Economy Overview: About 75% of the population live in abject poverty. Agriculture is mainly small-scale subsistence farming and employs nearly three-fourths of the work force. The majority of the population does not have ready access to safe drinking water, adequate medical care, or sufficient food. Few social assistance programs exist, and the lack of employment opportunities remains one of the most critical problems facing the economy, along with soil erosion and political instability. Trade sanctions applied by the Organization of American States in response to the September 1991 coup against President Aristide have further damaged the economy. exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion, per capita $440; real growth rate - 3.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 25-50% (1990 est.) Budget: revenues $300 million; expenditures $416 million, including capital expenditures of $145 million (1990 est.) Exports: $169 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: light manufactures 65%, coffee 19%, other agriculture 8%, other 8% partners: US 84%, Italy 4%, France 3%, other industrial countries 6%, less developed countries 3% (1987) Imports: $348 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machines and manufactures 34%, food and beverages 22%, petroleum products 14%, chemicals 10%, fats and oils 9% partners: US 64%, Netherlands Antilles 5%, Japan 5%, France 4%, Canada 3%, Germany 3% (1987) External debt: $838 million (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 0.3% (FY88); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 217,000 kW capacity; 468 million kWh produced, 74 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: sugar refining, textiles, flour milling, cement manufacturing, tourism, light assembly industries based on imported parts Agriculture: accounts for 28% of GDP and employs 74% of work force; mostly small-scale subsistence farms; commercial crops - coffee, mangoes, sugarcane and wood; staple crops - rice, corn, sorghum; shortage of wheat flour Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $700 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $770 million Currency: gourde (plural - gourdes); 1 gourde (G) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: gourdes (G) per US$1 - 5.0 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Haiti Communications Railroads: 40 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge, single-track, privately owned industrial line Highways: 4,000 km total; 950 km paved, 900 km otherwise improved, 2,150 km unimproved Inland waterways: negligible; less than 100 km navigable Ports: Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitien Civil air: 12 major transport aircraft Airports: 13 total, 10 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic facilities barely adequate, international facilities slightly better; 36,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 33 AM, no FM, 4 TV, 2 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Haiti Defense Forces Branches: Army (including Police), Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,313,044; 706,221 fit for military service; 59,060 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 1.5% of GDP (1988 est.) entryText textHeightProp false sharedText HAITI - Passport required. For further information consult Embassy of Haiti, 2311 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-4090-2) or nearest Consulate: CA (415/957-1189), FL (305/859-2003), IL (312/337-1603), MA (617/723-5211), NY (212/697-9767) or PR (809/766- 0758). Haiti - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Haiti is located on Harry Truman Blvd., P.O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince; telephone (509) 22-0200, 22-0354, 22- 0368, or 22-0612; fax 23-9007. The Consular Section is located on Rue Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince; telephone (509) 22-0200 or 23-8971. Country Description: Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout the country, there are disruptions in the flow of goods and services and shortages of gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, and electrical power, owing to an embargo by the Organization of American States. Tourist facilities vary according to price and location and have in many cases suffered because of the embargo. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens over the age of 18 can visit Haiti using evidence of citizenship and a document showing nationality which also bears a photo; however, application of this policy by Haitian officials is inconsistent. Most U.S. citizens avoid immigration problems by using a U.S. passport when entering and leaving Haiti. Children under the age of 18 must use a passport. Haiti also requires a departure tax of $20.00, payable in cash (U.S. dollars only). For additional information concerning entry and customs requirements for Haiti, travelers can contact the Embassy of Haiti at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 332-4090 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Boston, New York, or San Juan. Areas of Instability: The political situation in Haiti remains unstable. Although there does not appear to be a specific threat to U.S. citizens at this time, the potential exists throughout the country for random violence, sporadic disturbances, and isolated acts of criminality. Joining crowds or visiting areas of unrest pose particular risks. The police and judiciary are unable to provide adequate levels of security and due process. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Travelers to Haiti face the range of diseases normally found in a tropical country including malaria, typhoid, polio and dengue fever. HIV poses a significant health risk and is prevalent in tourist areas. The level of community sanitation is low. Public water sources often contain impurities that can cause severe intestinal disorders. Food purchased on the street may also pose a health hazard. In larger cities there are usually restaurants with generally sanitary conditions. Bottled water and bottled drinks are usually safe. Medical facilities outside the capital are few, far between, and often below U.S. standards. None of the medical facilities in Haiti have the equipment and expertise to which U.S. citizens may be accustomed, and life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Foreigners in Haiti are at risk from increased criminal attacks, particularly in urban areas, owing to their relative affluence. When assaulted, U.S. citizens are often frustrated by the lack of response and enforcement capabilities of the local police and judiciary. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: The Haitian Government permits a free market exchange of U.S. dollars for gourdes, the haitian monetary unit. Money can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses. Funds are regularly exchanged on the street although such exchange is technically illegal. Many vendors will accept either U.S. dollars or Haitian gourdes. Most prices are quoted, however, in "Haitian dollars" where a "Haitian dollar" is used to mean five gourdes. There are no restrictions on the amount or type of currency that can be brought into or taken out of Haiti. Owing to the risk of theft, however, most travelers have found it safer to bring travelers checks or to arrange for electronic transfers of funds. Other Information: There is a trade embargo against Haiti imposed by member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS), including the United States, which limits trade with Haiti. For more information on the U.S. embargo regulations, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Controls, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, tel. (202) 622-2480. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict. Those accused of drug-related crimes can expect lengthy legal proceedings, irregular application of Haitian law, and delayed due process. If convicted, offenders may face long jail sentences and substantial fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-076 Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Heard Island and McDonald Island false marked Heard Island and McDonald Island showNameProp Heard Island and McDonald Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Heard Island and McDonald Islands Geography Total area: 412 km2 Land area: 412 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 101.9 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: Heard Island - bleak and mountainous, with an extinct volcano; McDonald Islands - small and rocky Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: primarily used as research stations Note: located 4,100 km southwest of Australia in the southern Indian Ocean Heard Island and McDonald Islands People Population: uninhabited Heard Island and McDonald Islands Government Long-form name: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands Type: territory of Australia administered by the Antarctic Division of the Department of Science in Canberra (Australia) Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Heard Island and McDonald Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity Heard Island and McDonald Islands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Heard Island and McDonald Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text HEARD_IS Holy See (Vatican City) false marked Holy See (Vatican City) showNameProp Holy See (Vatican City) most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Holy See (Vatican City) Geography Total area: 0.438 km2 Land area: 0.438 km2 Comparative area: about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 3.2 km; Italy 3.2 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) Terrain: low hill Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: urban Note: landlocked; enclave of Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer residence) enjoy extraterritorial rights Holy See (Vatican City) People Population: 802 (July 1992), growth rate 1.2% (1992) Nationality: no noun or adjectival forms Ethnic divisions: primarily Italians but also Swiss and other nationalities Religions: Roman Catholic Languages: Italian, Latin, and various other languages Literacy: 100% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: high dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers who live outside the Vatican Organized labor: Association of Vatican Lay Workers, 1,800 members (1987) Holy See (Vatican City) Government Long-form name: State of the Vatican City; note - the Vatican City is the physical seat of the Holy See, which is the central government of the Roman Catholic Church Type: monarchical-sacerdotal state Capital: Vatican City Independence: 11 February 1929 (from Italy) Constitution: Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1 March 1968) National holiday: Installation Day of the Pope (John Paul II), 22 October (1978); note - Pope John Paul II was elected on 16 October 1978 Executive branch: pope Legislative branch: unicameral Pontifical Commission Judicial branch: none; normally handled by Italy Leaders: Chief of State: Pope JOHN PAUL II (Karol WOJTYA; since 16 October 1978) Head of Government: Secretary of State Archbishop Angelo SODANO Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: limited to cardinals less than 80 years old Elections: Pope: last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death of the current pope); results - Karol WOJTYA was elected for life by the College of Cardinals Other political or pressure groups: none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers) Member of: CSCE, IAEA, ICFTU, IMF (observer), INTELSAT, IOM (observer), ITU, OAS (observer), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation: Apostolic Pro-Nuncio Archbishop Agostino CACCIAVILLAN; 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-7121 US: Ambassador Thomas P. MELADY; Embassy at Villino Pacelli, Via Aurelia 294, 00165 Rome (mailing address is APO AE 09624); telephone [396] 639-0558 Flag: two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal tiara centered in the white band Holy See (Vatican City) Economy Overview: This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by contributions (known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to, or somewhat better than, those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome. Budget: revenues $92 million; expenditures $178 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Electricity: 5,000 kW standby capacity (1990); power supplied by Italy Industries: printing and production of a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities Currency: Vatican lira (plural - lire); 1 Vatican lira (VLit) = 100 centesimi Exchange rates: Vatican lire (VLit) per US$1 - 1,248.4 (March 1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1,372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988), 1,296.1 (1987); note - the Vatican lira is at par with the Italian lira which circulates freely Fiscal year: calendar year Holy See (Vatican City) Communications Railroads: 850 m, 750 mm gauge (links with Italian network near the Rome station of Saint Peter's) Highways: none; all city streets Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, no TV; 2,000-line automatic telephone exchange; no communications satellite systems Holy See (Vatican City) Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Italy; Swiss Papal Guards are posted at entrances to the Vatican City entryText false sharedText textHeightProp HOLY SEE, APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE OF THE - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 3 months. For further information consult Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, 3339 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/333-7121) or call Embassy of Italy (202/328-5500). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... HOLY_SEE Honduras false marked Honduras showNameProp Honduras most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Honduras Geography Total area: 112,090 km2 Land area: 111,890 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,520 km; Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922 km Coastline: 820 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: dispute with El Salvador over several sections of the land boundary; dispute over Golfo de Fonseca maritime boundary because of disputed sovereignty of islands; unresolved maritime boundary with Nicaragua Climate: subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains Terrain: mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains Natural resources: timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish Land use: arable land 14%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 30%; forest and woodland 34%; other 20%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; damaging hurricanes and floods along Caribbean coast; deforestation; soil erosion Honduras People Population: 5,092,776 (July 1992), growth rate 2.8% (1992) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 54 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Honduran(s); adjective - Honduran Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European) 90%, Indian 7%, black 2%, white 1% Religions: Roman Catholic about 97%; small Protestant minority Languages: Spanish, Indian dialects Literacy: 73% (male 76%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,300,000; agriculture 62%, services 20%, manufacturing 9%, construction 3%, other 6% (1985) Organized labor: 40% of urban labor force, 20% of rural work force (1985) Honduras Government Long-form name: Republic of Honduras Type: republic Capital: Tegucigalpa Administrative divisions: 18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982 Legal system: rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law; some influence of English common law; accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS Romero (since 26 January 1990) Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party (PLH) - faction leaders, Carlos FLORES Facusse (leader of Florista Liberal Movement), Carlos MONTOYA (Azconista subfaction), Ramon VILLEDA Bermudez and Jorge Arturo REINA (M-Lider faction); National Party (PNH), Jose Celin DISCUA, party president; PNH faction leaders - Oswaldo RAMOS Soto and Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS Romero (Monarca faction); National Innovation and Unity Party - Social Democrats (PINU-SD), Enrique AGUILAR Cerrato Paz; Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Jorge ILLESCAS; Democratic Action (AD), Walter LOPEZ Reyes Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: National Congress: last held on 26 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - PNH 51%, PLH 43%, PDCH 1.9%, PINU-SD 1.5%, other 2.6%; seats - (128 total) PNH 71, PLH 55, PINU-SD 2 President: last held on 26 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS (PNH) 51%, Carlos FLORES Facusse (PLH) 43.3%, other 5.7% Other political or pressure groups: National Association of Honduran Campesinos (ANACH), Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP), Confederation of Honduran Workers (CTH), National Union of Campesinos (UNC), General Workers Confederation (CGT), United Federation of Honduran Workers (FUTH), Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras (CODEH), Coordinating Committee of Popular Organizations (CCOP) Honduras Government Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jorge Ramon HERNANDEZ Alcerro; Chancery at 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 966-7702; there are Honduran Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Baton Rouge, Boston, Detroit, Houston, and Jacksonville US: Ambassador S. Crescencio ARCOS; Embassy at Avenida La Paz, Tegucigalpa (mailing address is APO AA 34022); telephone [504] 32-3120 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with five blue five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the word REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band Honduras Economy Overview: Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Agriculture, the most important sector of the economy, accounts for more than 25% of GDP, employs 62% of the labor force, and produces two-thirds of exports. Productivity remains low. Industry, still in its early stages, employs nearly 9% of the labor force, accounts for 15% of GDP, and generates 20% of exports. The service sectors, including public administration, account for 50% of GDP and employ nearly 20% of the labor force. Basic problems facing the economy include rapid population growth, high unemployment, sharply increased inflation, a lack of basic services, a large and inefficient public sector, and the dependence of the export sector mostly on coffee and bananas, which are subject to sharp price fluctuations. Despite government efforts at reform and large-scale foreign assistance, the economy still is unable to take advantage of its sizable natural resources. exchange rate conversion - $5.2 billion, per capita $1,050; real growth rate - 0.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 26% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% unemployed, 30-40% underemployed (1989) Budget: revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $511 million (1990 est.) Exports: $1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: bananas, coffee, shrimp, lobster, minerals, lumber partners: US 52%, Germany 11%, Japan, Italy, Belgium Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f. 1991) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemical products, manufactured goods, fuel and oil, foodstuffs partners: US 39%, Japan 9%, CACM, Venezuela, Mexico External debt: $2.8 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 2.9% (1989); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 575,000 kW capacity; 1,850 million kWh produced, 374 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (sugar and coffee), textiles, clothing, wood products Agriculture: most important sector, accounting for more than 25% of GDP, over 60% of the labor force, and two-thirds of exports; principal products include bananas, coffee, timber, beef, citrus fruit, shrimp; importer of wheat Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local consumption; transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion Currency: lempira (plural - lempiras); 1 lempira (L) = 100 centavos Honduras Economy Exchange rates: lempiras (L) per US$1 - 5.4 (fixed rate); 5.70 parallel black-market rate (November 1990) Fiscal year: calendar year Honduras Communications Railroads: 785 km total; 508 km 1.067-meter gauge, 277 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 8,950 km total; 1,700 km paved, 5,000 km otherwise improved, 2,250 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 465 km navigable by small craft Ports: Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo Merchant marine: 201 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 629,134 GRT/939,289 DWT; includes 2 passenger-cargo, 127 cargo, 17 refrigerated - cargo, - 7 - container, - 2 - roll-on/roll-off cargo, 19 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 3 specialized tanker, 1 vehicle carrier, 18 bulk, 2 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger; note - a flag of convenience registry; Republics of the former USSR own 10 ships under the Honduran flag Civil air: 6 major transport aircraft Airports: 171 total, 133 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: improved, but still inadequate; connection into Central American Microwave System; 35,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 176 AM, no FM, 28 TV, 7 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Honduras Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, Public Security Forces (FUSEP) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,148,376; 684,375 fit for military service; 57,028 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $43.4 million, about 1% of GDP (1992 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp HONDURAS - Passport required. For additional information contact Embassy of Honduras (Consular Section), Suite 927, 1511 K Street., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/638-4348) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/623-2301 and 415/392-0076), FL (305/358-3477), IL (312/772-7090), LA (504/522-3118), NY (212/269-3611) or TX (713/622-4572). Honduras - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is located on the Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 32-3120. Country Description: Honduras has a developing economy. Tourist facilities are generally adequate, but vary in quality. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Honduras, but U.S. citizens do not need visas. For additional information concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Honduras at 3007 Tilden Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 966-7702 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, New York, or Houston. Areas of Instability: Salvadoran guerrillas and cross-border bandit groups operate out of areas near the Honduran/Salvadoran border. Travel by road, even on main highways, between Nicaragua and Honduras is potentially hazardous. The presence of extensive minefields on both sides of the border, particularly along the Rio Coco and in the Atlantic coast region, presents a danger to anyone venturing close to the border at other than the El Espino, Las Manos, and Guasaule border crossings. (The El Espino crossing is known by the name La Fraternidad.) It can be hazardous to venture off main roads in the Honduran-Nicaraguan border area. The Las Manos and El Espino border crossings between Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the Agua Caliente border crossing between Honduras and Guatemala, are open only during daylight hours. The Guasaule border crossing is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Travelers can expect a lengthy and meticulous search of their vehicles and belongings at all crossings. The Mormon Church withdrew its personnel from Honduras in early September 1992 as a result of concerns for their security. Medical Facilities: Medical care varies in quality. Cholera is present in Honduras. Visitors who follow proper precautions are not usually at risk. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: There has been a significant increase in the number of reported street crime incidents (such as robberies and pickpocketings). Valuables left unattended in automobiles, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked and/or in an apparently safe area, may be in jeopardy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Currency Regulations: It is impossible to cash personal checks in Honduras. It is also extremely difficult to arrange for the transfer of funds from abroad to Honduras, and in particular to the Bay Islands, where banking facilities are limited. Adoption: Information on adoption in Honduras can be obtained by writing to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4807, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or by telephoning (202) 647-3712. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in the area. No. 92-077 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text HONDURAS Hong Kong false marked Hong Kong showNameProp Hong Kong most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Hong Kong Geography Total area: 1,040 km2 Land area: 990 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 30 km; China 30 km Coastline: 733 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 3 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall Terrain: hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north Natural resources: outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 12%; other 79%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: more than 200 islands; occasional typhoons Hong Kong People Population: 5,889,095 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 76 years male, 83 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: adjective - Hong Kong Ethnic divisions: Chinese 98%, other 2% Religions: eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10% Languages: Chinese (Cantonese), English Literacy: 77% (male 90%, female 64%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1971) Labor force: 2,800,000 (1990); manufacturing 28.5%, wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels 27.9%, services 17.7%, financing, insurance, and real estate 9.2%, transport and communications 4.5%, construction 2.5%, other 9.7% (1989) Organized labor: 16% of labor force (1990) Hong Kong Government Long-form name: none; abbreviated HK Type: dependent territory of the UK; scheduled to revert to China in 1997 Capital: Victoria Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK); the UK signed an agreement with China on 19 December 1984 to return Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997; in the joint declaration, China promises to respect Hong Kong's existing social and economic systems and lifestyle for 50 years after transition Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice; new Basic Law approved in March 1990 in preparation for 1997 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Liberation Day, 29 August (1945) Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief secretary of the Executive Council Legislative branch: Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Governor-designate Chris PATTEN (since July 1992); Chief Secretary Sir David Robert FORD (since February 1987) Suffrage: direct election - universal at age 21 as a permanent resident living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years; indirect election - limited to about 100,000 professionals of electoral college and functional constituencies Elections: Legislative Council: indirect elections last held 12 September 1991 and direct elections were held 15 September 1991 (next to be held for the first time in September 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total; 21 indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 18 directly elected, 18 appointed by governor, 3 ex officio members); indirect elections - number of seats by functional constituency NA; direct elections - UDHK 12, Meeting Point 3, ADPL 1, other 2 Communists: 5,000 (est.) cadres affiliated with Communist Party of China Other political or pressure groups: Federation of Trade Unions (pro-China), Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan), Confederation of Trade Unions (prodemocracy), Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China), Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union, Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China Member of: APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP (associate), GATT, ICFTU, IMO (associate), IOC, ISO (correspondent), WCL, WMO Hong Kong Government Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, the interests of Hong Kong in the US are represented by the UK US: Consul General Richard L. WILLIAMS; Consulate General at 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong (mailing address is Box 30, Hong Kong, or FPO AP 96522-0002); telephone [852] 239-011 Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with the Hong Kong coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a shield (bearing two junks below a crown) held by a lion (representing the UK) and a dragon (representing China) with another lion above the shield and a banner bearing the words HONG KONG below the shield Hong Kong Economy Overview: Hong Kong has a bustling free market economy with few tariffs or nontariff barriers. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. Manufacturing accounts for about 18% of GDP, employs 28% of the labor force, and exports about 90% of its output. Real GDP growth averaged a remarkable 8% in 1987-88, then slowed to 2.5-3.0% in 1989-90. Unemployment, which has been declining since the mid-1980s, is now about 2%. A shortage of labor continues to put upward pressure on prices and the cost of living. Short-term prospects remain solid so long as major trading partners continue to be reasonably prosperous. The crackdown in China in 1989-91 casts a shadow over the longer term economic outlook. exchange rate conversion - $80.9 billion, per capita $13,800; real growth rate 3.8% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1991 est.) Budget: $8.8 billion (FY90) Exports: $82.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990), including reexports of $53.1 billion commodities: clothing, textiles, yarn and fabric, footwear, electrical appliances, watches and clocks, toys partners: China 25%, US 24%, Germany 7%, Japan 6%, UK 2%, (1990) Imports: $82.4 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, transport equipment, raw materials, semimanufactures, petroleum partners: China 37%, Japan 16%, Taiwan 9%, US 8% (1990) External debt: $9.5 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4% 1991 (est) Electricity: 8,600,000 kW capacity; 25,637 million kWh produced, 4,378 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, clothing, tourism, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks Agriculture: minor role in the economy; rice, vegetables, dairy products; less than 20% self-sufficient; shortages of rice, wheat, water Illicit drugs: a hub for Southeast Asian heroin trade; transshipment and major financial and money-laundering center Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $152 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $923 million Currency: Hong Kong dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Hong Kong dollar (HK$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Hong Kong dollars (HK$) per US$ - 7.800 (1991), 7.790 (1990), 7.800 (1989), 7.810 (1988), 7.760 (1987); note - linked to the US dollar at the rate of about 7.8 HK$ per 1 US$ since 1985 Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Hong Kong Communications Railroads: 35 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned Highways: 1,484 km total; 794 km paved, 306 km gravel, crushed stone, or earth Ports: Hong Kong Merchant marine: 142 ships (1,000 GRT or over), totaling 5,035,223 GRT/8,598,134 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 15 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 26 container, 13 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 6 combination ore/oil, 5 liquefied gas, 68 bulk, 1 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry; ships registered in Hong Kong fly the UK flag, and an estimated 500 Hong Kong - owned ships are registered elsewhere Civil air: 16 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total; 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern facilities provide excellent domestic and international services; 3,000,000 telephones; microwave transmission links and extensive optical fiber transmission network; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 6 FM, 4 TV; 1 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) repeater station and 1 British Forces Broadcasting Service repeater station; 2,500,000 radio receivers; 1,312,000 TV sets (1,224,000 color TV sets); satellite earth stations - 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China; links to 5 international submarine cables providing access to ASEAN member nations, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe Hong Kong Defense Forces Branches: Headquarters of British Forces, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Hong Kong Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,732,360; 1,334,923 fit for military service; 46,285 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989 est.); this represents one-fourth of the total cost of defending itself, the remainder being paid by the UK Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Hong Kong - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Consulate Location: The American Consulate General is located at 26 Garden Road in Hong Kong. The mailing address is; Box 30, FPO AP 96522-0002; tel (852) 523-9011. Country Description: Hong Kong, a British Crown Colony, is made up of three geographic areas: The New Territories, Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong island. It is a cosmopolitan, and highly developed state. It will revert to China on July 1, 1997. Tourist facilities and services are widely available. Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return transportation by sea/air are required. A visa is not required for tourist visits of up to 30 days; the period of time may be extended. A departure tax of $19 must be paid at the airport. Visas are required to work or study. For other types of travel, the visitor can consult the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, (202)462-1340, or British Consulates in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York or Cleveland. Medical Facilities: Good medical facilities are available and there are many western-trained physicians. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Doctors and hospitals may not accept credit cards but require immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Information on Crime: Major crime is not a problem for most travelers in Hong Kong. Petty crime such as pickpocketing is common. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Quarantine for Pets: Hong Kong has strict regulations on the importation of animals into the colony. Dogs and cats must spend a minimum of six months in quarantine before admittance. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-098 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... HONG_KON Howland Island false marked Howland Island showNameProp Howland Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Howland Island Geography Total area: 1.6 km2 Land area: 1.6 km2 Comparative area: about 2.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 6.4 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until late 1800s) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 5%; other 95% Environment: almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats Note: remote location 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia Howland Island People Population: uninhabited Population: note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators Howland Island Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Howland Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Howland Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan - they left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable Note: Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart Howland Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text HOWLAND_ Hungary false marked Hungary showNameProp Hungary most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Hungary Geography Total area: 93,030 km2 Land area: 92,340 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana Land boundaries: 2,113 km; Austria 366 km, Slovenia 82 km, Czechoslovakia 676 km, Romania 443 km, Croatia 292 km, Serbia and Montenegro 151 km, Ukraine 103 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Gabcikovo Dam dispute with Czechoslovakia Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains Natural resources: bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils Land use: arable land 54%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 14%; forest and woodland 18%; other 11%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: levees are common along many streams, but flooding occurs almost every year Note: landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin Hungary People Population: 10,333,327 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Hungarian(s); adjective - Hungarian Ethnic divisions: Hungarian 96.6%, Gypsy 5.8%, German 1.6%, Slovak 1.1%, Southern Slav 0.3%, Romanian 0.2% Religions: Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20.0%, Lutheran 5.0%, atheist and other 7.5% Languages: Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8% Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 5.4 million; services, trade, government, and other 43.2%, industry 30.9%, agriculture 18.8%, construction 7.1% (1991) Organized labor: 45-55% of labor force; Central Council of Hungarian Trade Unions (SZOT) includes 19 affiliated unions, all controlled by the government; independent unions legal; may be as many as 12 small independent unions in operation Hungary Government Long-form name: Republic of Hungary Type: republic Capital: Budapest Administrative divisions: 19 counties (megyek, singular - megye) and 1 capital city* (fovaros); Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Budapest*, Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala Independence: 1001, unification by King Stephen I Constitution: 18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight Legal system: in process of revision, moving toward rule of law based on Western model National holiday: October 23 (1956); commemorates the Hungarian uprising Executive branch: president, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Orszaggyules) Judicial branch: Supreme Court, may be restructured as part of ongoing government overhaul Leaders: Chief of State: President Arpad GONCZ (since 3 August 1990; previously interim President from 2 May 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jozsef ANTALL (since 23 May 1990) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Forum, Jozsef ANTALL, chairman; Dr. Lajos FUR, acting president; Free Democrats, Peter TOLGYESSY, chairman; Independent Smallholders, Jozsef TORGYAN, president; Hungarian Socialist Party (MSP), Gyula HORN, chairman; Young Democrats, Gabor FODOR, head; Christian Democrats, Dr. Lazlo SURJAN, president; note - the Hungarian Socialist (Communist) Workers' Party (MSZMP) renounced Communism and became the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSP) in October 1989; there is still a small (fringe) MSZMP Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 3 August 1990 (next to be held August 1994); results - President GONCZ elected by popular vote; note - President GONCZ was elected by the National Assembly with a total of 294 votes out of 304 as interim President from 2 May 1990 until elected President National Assembly: last held on 25 March 1990 (first round, with the second round held 8 April 1990); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (386 total) Democratic Forum 162, Free Democrats 90, Independent Smallholders 45, Hungarian Socialist Party (MSP) 33, Young Democrats 22, Christian Democrats 21, independents or jointly sponsored candidates 13 Communists: fewer than 100,000 (December 1989) Hungary Government Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, ECE, FAO, G-9, GATT, HG, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Pal TAR; Chancery at 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 362-6730; there is a Hungarian Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Charles THOMAS; Embassy at V. Szabadsag Ter 12, Budapest (mailing address is APO AE 09213-5270); telephone [36] (1) 112-6450; FAX 132-8934 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green Hungary Economy Overview: Hungary is in the midst of a difficult transition between a command and a market economy. Agriculture is an important sector, providing sizable export earnings and meeting domestic food needs. Industry accounts for about 40% of GDP and 30% of employment. Hungary claims that less than 20% of foreign trade is now with former CEMA countries, while about 70% is with OECD members. Hungary's economic reform programs during the Communist era gave it a head start in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment. In 1990, Hungary received half of all foreign investment in Eastern Europe and in 1991 received the largest single share. The growing private sector accounts for one-quarter to one-third of national output according to unofficial estimates. Privatization of state enterprises is progressing, although excessive redtape, bureaucratic oversight, and uncertainties about pricing have slowed the process. Escalating unemployment and high rates of inflation may impede efforts to speed up privatization and budget reform, while Hungary's heavy foreign debt will make the government reluctant to introduce full convertability of the forint before 1993. purchasing power equivalent - $60.1 billion, per capita $5,700; real growth rate - 7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 34% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.0% (1991) Budget: revenues $12.7 billion; expenditures $13.6 billion (1992 planned) Exports: $10.2 billion (f.o.b. 1991) commodities: capital goods 25.9%, foods 23%, consumer goods 16.5%, fuels 2.4%, other 32.2% partners: USSR and Eastern Europe 31.9%, EC 32.2%, EFTA 12% (1990) Imports: $11.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: capital goods 31.6%, fuels 13.8%, manufactured consumer goods 14.6%, agriculture 6%, other 34.0% partners: USSR and Eastern Europe 34%, EC 31%, EFTA 15.4% External debt: $22.7 billion (January 1991) Industrial production: growth rate - 20% (1991 est.) Electricity: 6,967,000 kW capacity; 28,376 million kWh produced, 2,750 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: mining, metallurgy, engineering industries, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), trucks, buses Agriculture: including forestry, accounts for about 15% of GDP and 19% of employment; highly diversified crop-livestock farming; principal crops - wheat, corn, sunflowers, potatoes, sugar beets; livestock - hogs, cattle, poultry, dairy products; self-sufficient in food output Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southeast Asia heroin transiting the Balkan route Hungary Economy Economic aid: recipient - $9.1 billion in assistance from OECD countries (from 1st quarter 1990 to end of 2nd quarter 1991) Currency: forint (plural - forints); 1 forint (Ft) = 100 filler Fiscal year: calendar year Hungary Communications Railroads: 7,765 km total; 7,508 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 222 km narrow gauge (mostly 0.760-meter), 35 km 1.520-meter broad gauge; 1,147 km double track, 2,161 km electrified; all government owned (1991) Highways: 130,014 km total; 29,715 km national highway system - 26,834 km asphalt, 142 km concrete, 51 km stone and road brick, 2,276 km macadam, 412 km unpaved; 58,495 km country roads (66% unpaved), and 41,804 km (est.) other roads (70% unpaved) (1988) Inland waterways: 1,622 km (1988) Pipelines: crude oil 1,204 km; petroleum products 630 km; natural gas 3,895 km (1986) Ports: Budapest and Dunaujvaros are river ports on the Danube; maritime outlets are Rostock (Germany), Gdansk (Poland), Gdynia (Poland), Szczecin (Poland), Galati (Romania), and Braila (Romania) Merchant marine: 14 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) and 1 bulk totaling 85,489 GRT/119,520 DWT Civil air: 28 major transport aircraft Airports: 90 total, 90 usable; 20 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: automatic telephone network based on radio relay system; 1.9 million phones; telephone density is at 17 per 100 inhabitants; 49% of all phones are in Budapest; 12-15 year wait for a phone; 16,000 telex lines (June 1990); broadcast stations - 32 AM, 15 FM, 41 TV (8 Soviet TV repeaters); 4.2 million TVs (1990); 1 satellite ground station using INTELSAT and Intersputnik Hungary Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard, Territorial Defense Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,619,277; 2,092,867 fit for military service; 87,469 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 60.8 billion forints, 1.7% of GNP (1992 est.); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate would produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp HUNGARY - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 90 days. For business travel and other information check Embassy of the Republic of Hungary, 3910 Shoemaker Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/362-6730) or Consulate General, 8 East 75th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021 (212/879-4127). Hungary - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Hungary is located at V. Szabadsag Ter 12 in Budapest; telephone (36) (1) 112-6450. Country Description: Hungary is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound political and economic changes. Tourist facilities outside Budapest are not as developed as those found in western Europe, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other western countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Further information concerning entry requirements for Hungary, can be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary at 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington DC 20008, tel (202) 362-6730, or the Hungarian Consulate General in Los Angeles or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Hungary are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid overseas. In some cases, travelers have found it useful to obtain supplemental medical insurance that specifically covers treatment in a foreign country. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Hungary has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling is provided in the pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad , which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Other Information: The acceptance of traveler s checks and credit cards is not universal. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-024 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... HUNGARY Iceland false marked Iceland showNameProp Iceland most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Iceland Geography Total area: 103,000 km2 Land area: 100,250 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kentucky Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4,988 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area) Climate: temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers Terrain: mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords Natural resources: fish, hydroelectric and geothermal power, diatomite Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 1%; other 76% Environment: subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity Note: strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country Iceland People Population: 259,012 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 76 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Icelander(s); adjective - Icelandic Ethnic divisions: homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norwegians and Celts Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 96%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, none 1% (1988) Languages: Icelandic Literacy: 100% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) Labor force: 134,429; commerce, finance, and services 55.4%, other manufacturing 14.3%., agriculture 5.8%, fish processing 7.9%, fishing 5.0% (1986) Organized labor: 60% of labor force Iceland Government Long-form name: Republic of Iceland Type: republic Capital: Reykjavik Administrative divisions: 23 counties (syslar, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla, Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*, Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla, Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla Independence: 17 June 1944 (from Denmark) Constitution: 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 Legal system: civil law system based on Danish law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic, 17 June (1944) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Althing) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Haestirettur) Leaders: Chief of State: President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR (since 1 August 1980) Head of Government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: Independence Party (conservative), David ODDSSON; Progressive Party, Steingrimur HERMANNSSON; Social Democratic Party, Jon Baldvin HANNIBALSSON; People's Alliance (left socialist), Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON; Citizens Party (conservative nationalist), Julius SOLNES; Women's List Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: President: last held on 29 June 1980 (next scheduled for June 1992); results - there were no elections in 1984 and 1988 as President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR was unopposed Althing: last held on 20 April 1991 (next to be held by April 1995); results - Independence Party 38.6%, Progressive Party 18.9%, Social Democratic Party 15.5%, People's Alliance 14.4%, Womens List 8.13%, Liberals 1.2%, other 3.27% seats - (63 total) Independence 26, Progressive 13, Social Democratic 10, People's Alliance 9, Womens List 5 Iceland Government Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Tomas A. TOMASSON; Chancery at 2022 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-6653 through 6655; there is an Icelandic Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Charles E. COBB, Jr.; Embassy at Laufasvegur 21, Box 40, Reykjavik (mailing address is FPO AE 09728-0340); telephone [354] (1) 29100 Flag: blue with a red 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) Iceland Economy Overview: Iceland's prosperous Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, but with extensive welfare measures, low unemployment, and comparatively even distribution of income. The economy is heavily dependent on the fishing industry, which provides nearly 75% of export earnings. In the absence of other natural resources, Iceland's economy is vulnerable to changing world fish prices. The economic improvements resulting from climbing fish prices in 1990 and a noninflationary labor agreement probably will be reversed by tighter fish quotas and a delay in the construction of an aluminum smelting plant. The conservative government's economic priorities include reducing the budget and current account deficits, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and tying the krona to the EC's European currency unit in 1993. The fishing industries - notably the shrimp industry - are experiencing a series of bankruptcies and mergers. Inflation has continued to drop sharply from 20% in 1989 to about 7.5% in 1991 and possibly 3% in 1992, while unemployment is expected to increase to 2.5%. GDP is expected to contract by nearly 4% in 1992. purchasing power equivalent - $4.2 billion, per capita $16,200; real growth rate 0.3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.5% (1991) Unemployment rate: 1.8% (1991) Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1991 est.) Exports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fish and fish products, animal products, aluminum, diatomite partners: EC 67.7% (UK 25.3%, FRG 12.7%), US 9.9%, Japan 6% (1990) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, textiles partners: EC 49.8% (FRG 12.4%, Denmark 8.6%, UK 8.1%), US 14.4%, Japan 5.6% (1990) External debt: $3 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 1.75% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,063,000 kW capacity; 5,165 million kWh produced, 20,780 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferro-silicon production, hydropower Agriculture: accounts for about 25% of GDP (including fishing); fishing is most important economic activity, contributing nearly 75% to export earnings; principal crops - potatoes and turnips; livestock - cattle, sheep; self-sufficient in crops; fish catch of about 1.4 million metric tons in 1989 Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $19.1 million Currency: krona (plural - kronur); 1 Icelandic krona (IKr) = 100 aurar Iceland Economy Exchange rates: Icelandic kronur (IKr) per US$1 - 57.277 (January 1992), 58.996 (1991), 58.284 (1990), 57.042 (1989), 43.014 (1988), 38.677 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Iceland Communications Highways: 12,343 km total; 166 km bitumen and concrete; 1,284 km bituminous treated and gravel; 10,893 km earth Ports: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hafnarfjordhur, Keflavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Siglufjordhur, Vestmannaeyjar Merchant marine: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 37,969 GRT/57,060 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker Civil air: 20 major transport aircraft Airports: 94 total, 89 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate domestic service; coaxial and fiber-optical cables and radio relay for trunk network; 135,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 30 (43 repeaters) FM, 13 (132 repeaters) TV; 2 submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station carries majority of international traffic Iceland Defense Forces Branches: no armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik Manpower availability: males 15-49, 69,072; 61,556 fit for military service; no conscription or compulsory military service Defense expenditures: none entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ICELAND - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden.) For additional information call Embassy of Iceland, 2022 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-6653- 5) or Consulate General in New York (212/686-4100). Iceland - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik is located at Laufasvegur 21; telephone (354) (1) 29100. Country Description: Iceland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to three months (period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland). For further information concerning entry requirements for Iceland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Iceland at 2022 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Washington DC 20008, tel (202) 265-6653, or the Icelandic Consulate General in New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Iceland has a low crime rate. As in any major city, travelers can become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. An increase in muggings and disturbances has been reported in the Reykjavik city center, an area frequented by large numbers of adolescent youths during the summer months. The Reykjavik police emergency number is 11166. The fire/ambulance emergency number in Reykjavik is 11100. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious matter, and the local authorities treat it as such. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-025 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ICELAND India - Guinea-Bissau showNameProp Guinea-Bissau most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Guinea-Bissau Geography Total area: 36,120 km2 Land area: 28,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: 724 km; Guinea 386, Senegal 338 km Coastline: 350 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 12 November 1991 rendered its decision on the Guinea-Bissau/Senegal maritime boundary in favor of Senegal Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoon-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Terrain: mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east Natural resources: unexploited deposits of petroleum, bauxite, phosphates; fish, timber Land use: arable land 11%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest and woodland 38%; other 7% Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season Guinea-Bissau People Population: 1,047,137 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 124 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 45 years male, 48 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Guinea-Bissauan(s); adjective - Guinea-Bissauan Ethnic divisions: African about 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%); European and mulatto less than 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 30%, Christian 5% Languages: Portuguese (official); Criolo and numerous African languages Literacy: 36% (male 50%, female 24%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 403,000 (est.); agriculture 90%, industry, services, and commerce 5%, government 5%; population of working age 53% (1983) Organized labor: only one trade union - the National Union of Workers of Guinea-Bissau (UNTG) Guinea-Bissau Government Long-form name: Republic of Guinea-Bissau Type: republic; highly centralized multiparty since mid-1991; the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) held an extraordinary party congress in December 1990 and established a two-year transition program during which the constitution will be revised, allowing for multiple political parties and a presidential election in 1993 Capital: Bissau Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali Independence: 10 September 1974 (from Portugal; formerly Portuguese Guinea) Constitution: 16 May 1984 Legal system: NA National holiday: Independence Day, 10 September (1974) Executive branch: president of the Council of State, vice presidents of the Council of State, Council of State, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) Judicial branch: none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of Ministers Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President of the Council of State Brig. Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (assumed power 14 November 1980 and elected President of Council of State on 16 May 1984) Political parties and leaders: 3 parties - African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader; PAIGC is still the major party and controls all aspects of the Government, but 2 opposition parties registered in late 1991; Democratic Social Front (FDS), Rafael BARBOSA, leader; Bafata Movement, Domingos Fernandes GARNER, leader; Democratic Front, Aristides MENEZES, leader; other parties forming Suffrage: universal at age 15 Elections: National People's Assembly: last held 15 June 1989 (next to be held 15 June 1994); results - PAIGC is the only party; seats - (150 total) PAIGC 150, appointed by Regional Councils President of Council of State: last held 19 June 1989 (next to be held NA 1993); results - Brig. Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA was reelected without opposition by the National People's Assembly Member of: ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Alfredo Lopes CABRAL; Chancery at 918 16th Street NW, Mezzanine Suite, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 872-4222, Guinea-Bissau Government US: Ambassador William L. JACOBSEN, Jr.; Embassy at 17 Avenida Domingos Ramos, Bissau (mailing address is 1067 Bissau Codex, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau); telephone [245] 20-1139, 20-1145, 20-1113 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Cape Verde, which has the black star raised above the center of the red band and is framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell Guinea-Bissau Economy Overview: Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita GDP below $200. Agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities. Cashew nuts, peanuts, and palm kernels are the primary exports. Exploitation of known mineral deposits is unlikely at present because of a weak infrastructure and the high cost of development. The government's four-year plan (1988-91) has targeted agricultural development as the top priority. exchange rate conversion - $162 million, per capita $160; real growth rate 5.0% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $22.7 million; expenditures $30.8 million, including capital expenditures of $18.0 million (1989 est.) Exports: $14.2 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: cashews, fish, peanuts, palm kernels partners: Portugal, Senegal, France, The Gambia, Netherlands, Spain Imports: $68.9 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: capital equipment, consumer goods, semiprocessed goods, foods, petroleum partners: Portugal, Netherlands, Senegal, USSR, Germany External debt: $462 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 1.0% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP (1989 est.) Electricity: 22,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing, beer, soft drinks Agriculture: accounts for over 50% of GDP, nearly 100% of exports, and 90% of employment; rice is the staple food; other crops include corn, beans, cassava, cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, and cotton; not self-sufficient in food; fishing and forestry potential not fully exploited Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $615 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $41 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $68 million Currency: Guinea-Bissauan peso (plural - pesos); 1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Guinea-Bissauan pesos (PG) per US$1 - 1987.2 (1989), 1363.6 (1988), 851.65 (1987), 238.98 (1986) Fiscal year: calendar year Guinea-Bissau Communications Highways: 3,218 km; 2,698 km bituminous, remainder earth Inland waterways: scattered stretches are important to coastal commerce Ports: Bissau Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 34 total, 15 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor system of radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiocommunications; 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 1 TV Guinea-Bissau Defense Forces Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; including Army, Navy, Air Force), paramilitary force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 228,856; 130,580 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9.3 million, 5-6% of GDP (1987) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp GUINEA-BISSAU - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Visa valid up to 90 days, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, yellow fever immunization, financial guarantee for the stay and $12 fee. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by express maill. Apply Embassy of Guinea-Bissau, 918 16th St., N.W., Mezzanine Suite, Washington, D.C. 20006 (202/872-4222). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text GUINEA_B Guyana false marked Guyana showNameProp Guyana most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Guyana Geography Total area: 214,970 km2 Land area: 196,850 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Idaho Land boundaries: 2,462 km; Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km Coastline: 459 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: outer edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Kutari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne) Climate: tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January) Terrain: mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south Natural resources: bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 83%; other 8%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: flash floods a constant threat during rainy seasons; water pollution Guyana People Population: 739,431 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -20 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Guyanese (singular and plural); adjective - Guyanese Ethnic divisions: East Indian 51%, black and mixed 43%, Amerindian 4%, European and Chinese 2% Religions: Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1% Languages: English, Amerindian dialects Literacy: 95% (male 98%, female 96%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1990 est.) Labor force: 268,000; industry and commerce 44.5%, agriculture 33.8%, services 21.7%; public-sector employment amounts to 60-80% of the total labor force (1985) Organized labor: 34% of labor force Guyana Government Long-form name: Co-operative Republic of Guyana Type: republic Capital: Georgetown Administrative divisions: 10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Independence: 26 May 1966 (from UK; formerly British Guiana) Constitution: 6 October 1980 Legal system: based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970) Executive branch: executive president, first vice president, prime minister, first deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature Leaders: Chief of State: Executive President Hugh Desmond HOYTE (since 6 August 1985); First Vice President Hamilton GREEN (since 6 August 1985) Head of Government: Prime Minister Hamilton GREEN (since NA August 1985) Political parties and leaders: People's National Congress (PNC), Hugh Desmond HOYTE; People's Progressive Party (PPP), Cheddi JAGAN; Working People's Alliance (WPA), Eusi KWAYANA, Rupert ROOPNARINE; Democratic Labor Movement (DLM), Paul TENNASSEE; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Llewellyn JOHN; National Democratic Front (NDF), Joseph BACCHUS; United Force (UF), Manzoor NADIR; United Republican Party (URP), Leslie RAMSAMMY; National Republican Party (NRP), Robert GANGADEEN; Guyanese Labor Party (GLP), Nanda GOPAUL Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Executive President: last held on 9 December 1985 (next to be held 1992); results - Hugh Desmond HOYTE was elected president since he was leader of the party with the most votes in the National Assembly elections National Assembly: last held on 9 December 1985 (next to be held mid-1992); results - PNC 78%, PPP 16%, UF 4%, WPA 2%; seats - (65 total, 53 elected) PNC 42, PPP 8, UF 2, WPA 1 Other political or pressure groups: Trades Union Congress (TUC); Guyana Council of Indian Organizations (GCIO); Civil Liberties Action Committee (CLAC); the latter two organizations are small and active but not well organized; Guyanese Action for Reform and Democracy (GUARD) includes various labor groups, as well as several of the smaller political parties Guyana Government Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Cedric Hilburn GRANT; Chancery at 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-6900; there is a Guyanese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador George JONES; Embassy at 99-100 Young and Duke Streets, Georgetown; telephone [592] (2) 54900 through 54909 Flag: green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow white border between the yellow and the green Guyana Economy Overview: Guyana is one of the world's poorest countries with a per capita income less than one-fifth the South American average. After growing on average at less than 1% a year in 1986-87, GDP dropped by 5% a year in 1988-90. The decline resulted from bad weather, labor trouble in the canefields, and flooding and equipment problems in the bauxite industry. Consumer prices rose about 100% in 1989 and 75% in 1990, and the current account deficit widened substantially as sugar and bauxite exports fell. Moreover, electric power is in short supply and constitutes a major barrier to future gains in national output. The government, in association with international financial agencies, seeks to reduce its payment arrears and to raise new funds. The government's stabilization program - aimed at establishing realistic exchange rates, reasonable price stability, and a resumption of growth - requires considerable public administrative abilities and continued patience by consumers during a long incubation period. In 1991, buoyed by a recovery in mining and agriculture, the economy posted 6% growth, according to official figures. A large volume of illegal and quasi- legal economic activity is not captured in estimates of the country's total output. exchange rate conversion - $250 million, per capita $300; real growth rate 6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 75% (1990) Unemployment rate: 12-15% (1990 est.) Budget: revenues $126 million; expenditures $250 million (1990 est.) Exports: $189 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: bauxite, sugar, gold, rice, shrimp, molasses, timber, rum partners: UK 31%, US 23%, CARICOM 7%, Canada 6% (1988) Imports: $246 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: manufactures, machinery, food, petroleum partners: US 33%, CARICOM 10%, UK 9%, Canada 2% (1989) External debt: $2.0 billion, including arrears (1990) Industrial production: growth rate - 12.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 11% of GDP Electricity: 252,500 kW capacity; 647 million kWh produced, 863 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: bauxite mining, sugar, rice milling, timber, fishing (shrimp), textiles, gold mining Agriculture: most important sector, accounting for 24% of GDP and about half of exports; sugar and rice are key crops; development potential exists for fishing and forestry; not self-sufficient in food, especially wheat, vegetable oils, and animal products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $116 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $325 million; Communist countries 1970-89, $242 million Currency: Guyanese dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Guyanese dollar (G$) = 100 cents Guyana Economy Exchange rates: Guyanese dollars (G$) per US$1 - 124.1 (March 1992) 111.8 (1991), 39.533 (1990), 27.159 (1989), 10.000 (1988), 9.756 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Guyana Communications Railroads: 187 km total, all single track 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 7,665 km total; 550 km paved, 5,000 km gravel, 1,525 km earth, 590 km unimproved Inland waterways: 6,000 km total of navigable waterways; Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo Rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km, respectively Ports: Georgetown Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 54 total, 49 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; none with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system with radio relay network; over 27,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM, no TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Guyana Defense Forces Branches: Guyana Defense Force (GDF; includes Coast Guard and Air Corps), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana People's Militia (GPM), Guyana National Service (GNS) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 196,066; 149,045 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.5 million, 6% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp GUYANA - Passport and visa not required. Single-entry tourist/business visa for stay up to 3 months, no charge, requires 3 application forms and 3 photos. Business visa requires letter from company acknowledging responsibility and purpose of trip. For longer stays, multiple-entry visas and other information consult Embassy of Guyana, 2490 Tracy Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-6900-03) or Consulate General, 866 U.N. Plaza, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/527-3155/6). Guyana - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 99-100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown; telephone (592-02) 54900/9. Country description: Guyana is a developing nation. Adequate tourism facilities are limited, especially outside of Georgetown. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens. Single-entry tourist/business visas for a stay of up to three months are available for no charge; each visa requires three application forms and three photos. Business visas require a letter from one's company acknowledging responsibility for the traveler and stating the purpose of the trip. For longer stays, multiple-entry visas and other information, travelers can consult the Embassy of Guyana at 2490 Tracy Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 265-6900 or the consulate general in New York City. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Dengue fever is a potential health hazard. Malaria is endemic outside of Georgetown. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime information: Petty street crime occurs. Some visitors have been subjected to thefts and muggings. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may also obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-075 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... GUYANA ation with international financial agencies, seeks to reduce its payment arrears and to raise new funds. The government's stabilization program - aimed at establishing realistic exchange rates, reasonable price stability, and a resumption of growth - requires considerable public administrative abilities and continued patience by consumers during a long incu Egypt false marked Egypt showNameProp Egypt most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Egypt Geography Total area: 1,001,450 km2 Land area: 995,450 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico Land boundaries: 2,689 km; Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 255 km, Libya 1,150 km, Sudan 1,273 km Coastline: 2,450 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: undefined Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international boundary Climate: desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters Terrain: vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 95%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: Nile is only perennial water source; increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; water pollution; desertification Note: controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, shortest sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean; size and juxtaposition to Israel establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics Egypt People Population: 56,368,950 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 80 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 58 years male, 62 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Egyptian(s); adjective - Egyptian Ethnic divisions: Eastern Hamitic stock 90%; Greek, Italian, Syro-Lebanese 10% Religions: (official estimate) Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%; Coptic Christian and other 6% Languages: Arabic (official); English and French widely understood by educated classes Literacy: 48% (male 63%, female 34%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 15,000,000 (1989 est.); government, public sector enterprises, and armed forces 36%; agriculture 34%; privately owned service and manufacturing enterprises 20% (1984); shortage of skilled labor; 2,500,000 Egyptians work abroad, mostly in Iraq and the Gulf Arab states (1988 est.) Organized labor: 2,500,000 (est.) Egypt Government Long-form name: Arab Republic of Egypt Type: republic Capital: Cairo Administrative divisions: 26 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buchayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma`iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyu`t, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa`id, Dumyat, Janub Sina, Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina, Suhaj Independence: 28 February 1922 (from UK); formerly United Arab Republic Constitution: 11 September 1971 Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July (1952) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Majlis al-Cha'b); note - there is an Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) that functions in a consultative role Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (was made acting President on 6 October 1981 upon the assassination of President SADAT and sworn in as President on 14 October 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed Najib SEDKY (since 12 November 1986) Political parties and leaders: formation of political parties must be approved by government; National Democratic Party (NDP), President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK, leader, is the dominant party; legal opposition parties are Socialist Liberal Party (SLP), Kamal MURAD; Socialist Labor Party, Ibrahim SHUKRI; National Progressive Unionist Grouping (NPUG), Khalid MUHYI-AL-DIN; Umma Party, Ahmad al-SABAHI; New Wafd Party (NWP), Fu'd SIRAJ AL-DIN; Misr al-Fatah Party (Young Egypt Party), Ali al-Din SALIH; The Greens Party, Hasan RAJAB; Nasserist Arab Democratic Party, Dia' AL-DIN DAWOUD Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Advisory Council: last held 8 June 1989 (next to be held June 1995); results - NDP 100%; seats - (258 total, 172 elected) NDP 172 People's Assembly: last held 29 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995); results - NDP 78.4%, NPUG 1.4%, independents 18.7%; seats - (437 total, 444 elected) - including NDP 348, NPUG 6, independents 83; note - most opposition parties boycotted Egypt Government President: last held 5 October 1987 (next to be held October 1993); results - President Hosni MUBARAK was reelected Communists: about 500 party members Other political or pressure groups: Islamic groups are illegal, but the largest one, the Muslim Brotherhood, is tolerated by the government; trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned Member of: ACC, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AG (observer), AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador El Sayed Abdel Raouf EL REEDY; Chancery at 2310 Decatur Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-5400; there are Egyptian Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Robert PELLETREAU; Embassy at Lazougi Street, Garden City, Cairo (mailing address is APO AE 09839); telephone [20] (2) 355-7371; FAX [20] (2) 355-7375; there is a US Consulate General in Alexandria Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria that has two green stars and to the flag of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band Egypt Economy Overview: Egypt has one of the largest public sectors of all the Third World economies, most industrial plants being owned by the government. Overregulation holds back technical modernization and foreign investment. Even so, the economy grew rapidly during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but in 1986 the collapse of world oil prices and an increasingly heavy burden of debt servicing led Egypt to begin negotiations with the IMF for balance-of-payments support. As part of the 1987 agreement with the IMF, the government agreed to institute a reform program to reduce inflation, promote economic growth, and improve its external position. The reforms have been slow in coming, however, and the economy has been largely stagnant for the past four years. The addition of 1 million people every seven months to Egypt's population exerts enormous pressure on the 5% of the total land area available for agriculture. exchange rate conversion - $39.2 billion, per capita $720; real growth rate 2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $9.4 billion; expenditures $15.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $6 billion (FY90 est.) Exports: $4.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals partners: EC, Eastern Europe, US, Japan Imports: $11.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer goods, capital goods partners: EC, US, Japan, Eastern Europe External debt: $38 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: 13,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 820 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction, cement, metals Agriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP and employs more than one-third of labor force; dependent on irrigation water from the Nile; world's sixth-largest cotton exporter; other crops produced include rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruit, vegetables; not self-sufficient in food; livestock - cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats; annual fish catch about 140,000 metric tons Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $10.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.4 billion Egypt Economy Currency: Egyptian pound (plural - pounds); 1 Egyptian pound (#E) = 100 piasters Exchange rates: Egyptian pounds (#E) per US$1 - 3.3310 (January 1992), 2.7072 (1990), 2.5171 (1989), 2.2233 (1988), 1.5183 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Egypt Communications Railroads: 5,110 km total; 4,763 km 1,435-meter standard gauge, 347 km 0.750-meter gauge; 951 km double track; 25 km electrified Highways: 51,925 km total; 17,900 km paved, 2,500 km gravel, 13,500 km improved earth, 18,025 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 3,500 km (including the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in the delta); Suez Canal, 193.5 km long (including approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 meters of water Pipelines: crude oil 1,171 km; petroleum products 596 km; natural gas 460 km Ports: Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, Bur Safajah, Damietta Merchant marine: 150 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,019,182 GRT/1,499,880 DWT; includes 11 passenger, 5 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 86 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 15 roll-on/roll-off, 12 petroleum tanker, 15 bulk, 1 container Civil air: 50 major transport aircraft Airports: 92 total, 82 usable; 66 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 44 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 24 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: system is large but still inadequate for needs; principal centers are Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez and Tanta; intercity connections by coaxial cable and microwave; extensive upgrading in progress; 600,000 telephones (est.); broadcast stations - 39 AM, 6 FM, 41 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, 1 ARABSAT; 5 submarine coaxial cables; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; radio relay to Libya, Israel, and Jordan Egypt Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command Manpower availability: males 15-49, 13,911,006; 9,044,425 fit for military service; 563,321 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, 6.4% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp EGYPT - Passport and visa required. Transit visa for stay up to 48 hours available. Tourist visa, valid 3 months, requires $12 fee (cash or money order), 1 application form and1 photo. Visa may be issued at airport upon arrival for fee of $20. For business travel, need company letter stating purpose of trip. Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified mail. Proof of yellow fever immunization required if arriving from infected area. AIDS test required for workers and students staying over 30 days. Register with local authorities or at hotel within 7 days of arrival. Company letter is required for business travel. Travelers must declare foreign currency on Form RDS on arrival and show Form RDS and bank receipts upon departure. Individuals must present form RDS and bank receipts upon departure. Maximum Egyptian currency allowed into and out of Egypt is LE20. For additional information consult Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 2310 Decatur Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234- 3903) or nearest Consulate General: CA (415/346-9700), IL (312/443- 1190), NY (212/759-7120) or Houston (713/961-4915). Egypt - Caution November 18, 1992 U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Egypt because of recent acts of extremist violence, and should avoid travel in the governorates of Assiyut and Minya, which are located midway between Cairo and Luxor. Since May 1992, fundamentalist extremist in Upper Egypt have directed attacks against Egyptian citizens, police and security officials, and recently, foreign tourist. These attacks have occurred primarily in the governorates of Assiyut and Minya, and particularly in the town of Dairut and surrounding areas, but one serious incident did occur in the governorates of Qena. There is no information concerning specific threats against American citizens, but travelers should exercise caution. U.S. citizens are encouraged to consult with the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Cairo, at 8 Kamal El-Din Salah St. Telephone number 335- 7371, or the Consulate General in Alexandria at 110 Horreya Avenue, Unit 64904, tel. number 482-1911 (after hours: 482-8458), for further information. No. 92-178 The replaces the travel advisory of October 22, 1992 to advise travelers to exercise caution when traveling in Egypt and to reflect an incident of violence in the governorate of Qena. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... EGYPT El Salvador El Salvador showNameProp El Salvador Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText textHeightProp false sharedText El Salvador Geography Total area: 21,040 km2 Land area: 20,720 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Massachusetts Land boundaries: 545 km; Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km Coastline: 307 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm) Disputes: dispute with Honduras over several sections of the land boundary; dispute over Golfo de Fonseca maritime boundary because of disputed sovereignty of islands Climate: tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April) Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau Natural resources: hydropower, geothermal power, crude oil Land use: arable land 27%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest and woodland 6%; other 30%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: The Land of Volcanoes; subject to frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution Note: smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea El Salvador People Population: 5,574,279 (July 1992), growth rate 2.2% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Salvadoran(s); adjective - Salvadoran Ethnic divisions: mestizo 89%, Indian 10%, white 1% Religions: Roman Catholic about 75%, with extensive activity by Protestant groups throughout the country (more than 1 million Protestant evangelicals in El Salvador at the end of 1990) Languages: Spanish, Nahua (among some Indians) Literacy: 73% (male 76%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,700,000 (1982 est.); agriculture 40%, commerce 16%, manufacturing 15%, government 13%, financial services 9%, transportation 6%, other 1%; shortage of skilled labor and a large pool of unskilled labor, but manpower training programs improving situation (1984 est.) Organized labor: total labor force 15%; agricultural labor force 10%; urban labor force 7% (1987 est.) El Salvador Government Long-form name: Republic of El Salvador Type: republic Capital: San Salvador Administrative divisions: 14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate, Usulutan Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: 20 December 1983 Legal system: based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Executive branch: president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Alfredo CRISTIANI Buchard (since 1 June 1989); Vice President Jose Francisco MERINO (since 1 June 1989) Political parties and leaders: National Republican Alliance (ARENA), Armando CALDERON Sol; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Fidel CHAVEZ Mena; National Conciliation Party (PCN), Ciro CRUZ Zepeda; National Democratic Union (UDN), Mario AGUINADA Carranza; the Democratic Convergence (CD) is a coalition of three parties - the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Wilfredo BARILLAS; the National Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Victor VALLE; and the Popular Social Christian Movement (MPSC), Ruben ZAMORA; Authentic Christian Movement (MAC), Julio REY PRENDES; Democratic Action (AD), Ricardo GONZALEZ Camacho Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 10 March 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - ARENA 44.3%, PDC 27.96%, CD 12.16%, PCN 8.99%, MAC 3.23%, UDN 2.68%; seats - (84 total) ARENA 39, PDC 26, PCN 9, CD 8, UDN 1, MAC 1 President: last held 19 March 1989 (next to be held March 1994); results - Alfredo CRISTIANI (ARENA) 53.8%, Fidel CHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 36.6%, other 9.6% Other political or pressure groups: Business organizations: National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP), conservative; Productive Alliance (AP), conservative; National Federation of Salvadoran Small Businessmen (FENAPES), conservative El Salvador Government FMLN front organizations: Labor fronts include - National Union of Salvadoran Workers (UNTS), leftist umbrella front group, leads FMLN front network; National Federation of Salvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS), best organized of front groups and controlled by FMLN's National Resistance (RN); Social Security Institute Workers Union (STISSS), one of the most militant fronts, is controlled by FMLN's Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN) and RN; Association of Telecommunications Workers (ASTTEL); Centralized Union Federation of El Salvador (FUSS); Treasury Ministry Employees (AGEMHA); Nonlabor fronts include - Committee of Mothers and Families of Political Prisoners, Disappeared Persons, and Assassinated of El Salvador (COMADRES); Nongovernmental Human Rights Commission (CDHES); Committee of Dismissed and Unemployed of El Salvador (CODYDES); General Association of Salvadoran University Students (AGEUS); National Association of Salvadoran Educators (ANDES-21 DE JUNIO); Salvadoran Revolutionary Student Front (FERS), associated with the Popular Forces of Liberation (FPL); Association of National University Educators (ADUES); Salvadoran University Students Front (FEUS); Christian Committee for the Displaced of El Salvador (CRIPDES), an FPL front; The Association for Communal Development in El Salvador (PADECOES), controlled by the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP); Confederation of Cooperative Associations of El Salvador (COACES) Other political or pressure groups: Labor organizations: Federation of Construction and Transport Workers Unions (FESINCONSTRANS), independent; Salvadoran Communal Union (UCS), peasant association; Unitary Federation of Salvadoran Unions (FUSS), leftist; National Federation of Salvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS), leftist; Democratic Workers Central (CTD), moderate; General Confederation of Workers (CGT), moderate; National Unity of Salvadoran Workers (UNTS), leftist; National Union of Workers and Peasants (UNOC), moderate labor coalition of democratic labor organizations; United Workers Front (FUT) Leftist political parties: National Democratic Union (UDN), National Revolutionary Movement (MNR), and Popular Social Movement (MPSC) Leftist revolutionary movement: Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), leadership body of the insurgency, five factions - Popular Liberation Forces (FPL), Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN), People's Revolutionary Army (ERP), Salvadoran Communist Party/Armed Forces of Liberation (PCES/FAL), and Central American Workers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC)/Popular Liberation Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARLP) Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Miguel Angel SALAVERRIA; Chancery at 2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-9671 through 3482; there are Salvadoran Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador William G. WALKER; Embassy at 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230, San Salvador (mailing address is APO AA 34023); telephone [503] 26-7100; FAX [503] (26) 5839 El Salvador Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band El Salvador Economy Overview: The agricultural sector accounts for 25% of GDP, employs about 40% of the labor force, and contributes about 66% to total exports. Coffee is the major commercial crop, accounting for 45% of export earnings. The manufacturing sector, based largely on food and beverage processing, accounts for 18% of GDP and 15% of employment. Economic losses because of guerrilla sabotage total more than $2 billion since 1979. The costs of maintaining a large military seriously constrain the government's efforts to provide essential social services. Nevertheless, growth in national output during the period 1990-91 exceeded growth in population for the first time since 1987. exchange rate conversion - $5.5 billion, per capita $1,010; real growth rate 3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 19% (1990) Unemployment rate: 10% (1989) Budget: revenues $751 million; expenditures $790 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $580 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: coffee 45%, sugar, cotton, shrimp partners: US 49%, Germany 24%, Guatemala 7%, Costa Rica 4%, Japan 4% Imports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum products, consumer goods, foodstuffs, machinery, construction materials, fertilizer partners: US 40%, Guatemala 12%, Venezuela 7%, Mexico 7%, Germany 5%, Japan 4% External debt: $2.0 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 2.4% (1990); accounts for 22% of GDP Electricity: 682,000 kW capacity; 1,927 million kWh produced, 356 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, textiles, clothing, beverages, petroleum, tobacco products, chemicals, furniture Agriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP and 40% of labor force (including fishing and forestry); coffee most important commercial crop; other products - sugarcane, corn, rice, beans, oilseeds, beef, dairy products, shrimp; not self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $2.95 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $525 million Currency: Salvadoran colon (plural - colones); 1 Salvadoran colon (C) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Salvadoran colones (C) per US$1 - 8.1 (January 1992), floating rate since mid-1990); 5.0000 (fixed rate 1986 to mid-1990) Fiscal year: calendar year El Salvador Communications Railroads: 602 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track Highways: 10,000 km total; 1,500 km paved, 4,100 km gravel, 4,400 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: Rio Lempa partially navigable Ports: Acajutla, Cutuco Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 107 total, 77 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: nationwide trunk radio relay system; connection into Central American Microwave System; 116,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 77 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 2 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station El Salvador Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Police, Treasury Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,265,149; 809,419 fit for military service; 68,445 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $220 million, 3.6% of GDP (1991) entryText textHeightProp false sharedText EL SALVADOR - Passport and visa required. Visa, valid 3 months, requires $10 fee, 1 application form and 1 photo, letter from employment and police clearance to show no criminal record (first-time applicants only). Personal checks not accepted. Apply Embassy of El Salvador, 2308 California St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265- 9671 or 331-4032) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/387-5776 or 415/781- 7924), FL (305/371-8850), LA (504/522-4266), NY (212/889-3608) or TX (713/270-6239). El Salvador - Consular Information Sheet December 15, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador is located at Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan; telephone 78-4444. Country Description: El Salvador has a developing economy. Its tourism facilities are not fully developed. Credit cards are widely accepted. Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required for entry to El Salvador. There are no airport visas or tourist cards available for last- minute entry. For additional information, travelers can contact the consular section of the Embassy of El Salvador at 1010 16th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202)331-4032, or the nearest consulate in Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New Orleans, New York or Chicago. Security: The Peace accords signed on January 16, 1992 between the Government of El Salvador and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) have resulted in a cessation of hostilities and have been marked by increased travel throughout the country by Salvadorans and foreigners alike. --Although all of the accords have not been fulfilled within the timeframe originally prescribed, particularly the demobilization of the FMLN forces, there is no indication that hostilities will resume. Indiscriminate attacks by the FMLN against civilian targets should no longer pose a particular threat to travelers. --The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador advises its personnel to avoid travel on unpaved roads in the northern and eastern regions of El Salvador and all travel after dark outside of metropolitan areas because of poor road conditions, the unavailability of emergency services and random banditry. --Travelers into back country regions may risk injury from land mines which have caused numerous unintended casualties and which will continue to pose a threat until extensive demining occurs. --Former conflictive zones and safe conduct passes (Salvaconductos): Government of El Salvador regulations governing the issuance of Salvaconductos for travel to certain areas of the country are still in place. At present, however, these regulations are not being implemented and travel throughout the country is permitted without prior permission. Travel into the 15 zones of FMLN concentration prior to demobilization is risky and access to these areas may be impeded or controlled by FMLN security forces. Those planning to travel outside of major metropolitan areas may consult the Consular Section about the location of these zones. Crime Information: Common crime is prevalent throughout El Salvador, including the capital, the beach areas and the road from the capital to the international airport. United States citizens are not singled out for robberies or assaults. --The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to drive with their doors locked and windows partially raised, and strongly discourages travel via car on roads or highways outside of the capital or other metropolitan areas between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. because of the crime situation and general road safety conditions. Deserted park or beach areas in particular can be dangerous. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage may prove to be useful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy during a visit to El Salvador can also obtain current information on travel and security. Other Information: The Salvadoran constitution prohibits foreigners from participating in domestic political activities, including public demonstrations. The government of El Salvador considers such involvement to be a violation of the participant's tourist visa status. No. 92-126 This Consular Information Sheet replaces the one issued October 27, 1992 to provide updated information on the crime and security conditions. Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... Equatorial Guinea false marked 4)v2:3H4' Equatorial Guinea showNameProp Equatorial Guinea most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Equatorial Guinea Geography Total area: 28,050 km2 Land area: 28,050 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 539 km; Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km Coastline: 296 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Gabon because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay Climate: tropical; always hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic Natural resources: timber, crude oil, small unexploited deposits of gold, manganese, uranium Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 51%; other 33% Environment: subject to violent windstorms Note: insular and continental regions rather widely separated Equatorial Guinea People Population: 388,799 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 107 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s); adjective - Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean Ethnic divisions: indigenous population of Bioko, primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos; Rio Muni, primarily Fang; less than 1,000 Europeans, mostly Spanish Religions: natives all nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic; some pagan practices retained Languages: Spanish (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo Literacy: 50% (male 64%, female 37%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 172,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 66%, services 23%, industry 11% (1980); labor shortages on plantations; 58% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: no formal trade unions Equatorial Guinea Government Long-form name: Republic of Equatorial Guinea Type: republic in transition to multiparty democracy Capital: Malabo Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas Independence: 12 October 1968 (from Spain; formerly Spanish Guinea) Constitution: new constitution 17 November 1991 Legal system: partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom National holiday: Independence Day, 12 October (1968) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives of the People (Camara de Representantes del Pueblo) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal Leaders: Chief of State: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979) Head of Government: Prime Minister Cristino SERICHE BIOKO MALABO (since 15 August 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Isidoro Eyi MONSUY ANDEME (since 15 August 1989) Political parties and leaders: only party - Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, party leader; multipartyism legalized in new constitution of November 1991, promulgated January 1992 Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: Chamber of People's Representatives: last held 10 July 1988 (next to be held 10 July 1993); results - PDGE is the only party; seats - (41 total) PDGE 41 President: last held 25 June 1989 (next to be held 25 June 1996); results - President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO was reelected without opposition Member of: ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Damaso OBIANG NDONG; Chancery (temporary) 57 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553; telephone (914) 667-9664 US: Ambassador John E. BENNETT; Embassy at Calle de Los Ministros, Malabo (mailing address is P.O. Box 597, Malabo); telephone [240] (9) 2185, 2406, 2507; FAX [240] (9) 2164 Equatorial Guinea Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice) Equatorial Guinea Economy Overview: The economy, destroyed during the regime of former President Macias NGUEMA, is now based on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which account for about half of GDP and nearly all exports. Subsistence agriculture predominates, with cocoa, coffee, and wood products providing income, foreign exchange, and government revenues. There is little industry. Commerce accounts for about 8% of GDP and the construction, public works, and service sectors for about 38%. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Oil exploration, taking place under concessions offered to US, French, and Spanish firms, has been moderately successful. exchange rate conversion - $156 million, per capita $400; real growth rate 1.6% (1988 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $27 million; expenditures $29 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1990 est.) Exports: $37 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: coffee, timber, cocoa beans partners: Spain 38.2%, Italy 12.2%, Netherlands 11.4%, FRG 6.9%, Nigeria 12.4 (1988) Imports: $68.3 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinery partners: France 25.9%, Spain 21.0%, Italy 16%, US 12.8%, Netherlands 8%, Germany 3.1%, Gabon 2.9%, Nigeria 1.8 (1988) External debt: $213 million (1990) Industrial production: growth rate - 6.8% (1990 est.) Electricity: 23,000 kW capacity; 60 million kWh produced, 160 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fishing, sawmilling Agriculture: cash crops - timber and coffee from Rio Muni, cocoa from Bioko; food crops - rice, yams, cassava, bananas, oil palm nuts, manioc, livestock Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY81-89), $14 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89) $130 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $55 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Equatorial Guinea Economy Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Equatorial Guinea Communications Highways: Rio Muni - 2,460 km; Bioko - 300 km Ports: Malabo, Bata Merchant marine: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,413 GRT/6,699 DWT; includes 1 cargo and 1 passenger-cargo Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor system with adequate government services; international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; 2,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Equatorial Guinea Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 81,850; 41,528 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Embassy of Equatorial Guinea was temporarily closed at the time this publication went to press. U.S. citizens wishing to travel there must apply for a visa in another country where Equatorial Guinea maintains an open embassy or consulate. (Equatorial Guinea Embassy, 801 2nd Ave., Suite1403, New York, NY 10017). EQUATORIAL GUINEA - NOTICE March 11, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that the government of Equatorial Guinea has established stringent currency restrictions, applied both on arrival and departure from the country. Visitors bearing tourist passports must declare any currency in excess of 20,000 CFA local currency (approximately 80 U.S. dollars) immediately upon arrival. This requirement is not clearly posted: nevertheless, travelers who fail to declare their excess currency risk forfeiture of any amount over 20,000 CFA upon departure. Recovery of confiscated currency from the government of Equatorial Guinea is difficult at best. Special permits may be needed for some types of photography. Travelers should check with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Malabo for the latest regulations. In any case, travelers should avoid taking photographs of the Presidential Palace and its environs, military installations, airports, harbors, and other sensitive areas. U.S. citizens who wish to visit the Moka or Mount Pico areas must obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Tourism. In addition, the government routinely posts roadblocks, and may require a special permit for travel outside the two principal cities of Malabo and Bata. The U.S. Embassy cautions that some of the airlines and ferries which provide access to Equatorial Guinea do not observe applicable international safety standards, and routinely board more passengers than their craft are authorized to carry. American citizens are encouraged to register upon arrival with the U.S. Embassy in Malabo, at Calle de los Ministros, telephone numbers 2185, 2406 or 2507. No. 92-43 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... EQUATORI Estonia false marked -b;&< Estonia showNameProp Estonia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Estonia Geography Total area: 45,100 km2 Land area: 43,200 km2; (includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea) Comparative area: slightly larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combined Land boundaries: 557 km; Latvia 267 km, Russia 290 km Coastline: 1,393 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: NA meter depth Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Territorial sea: NA nm Disputes: international small border strips along the northern (Narva) and southern (Petseri) sections of eastern border with Russia ceded to Russia in 1945 by the Estonian SSR Climate: maritime, wet, moderate winters Terrain: marshy, lowlands Natural resources: shale oil, peat, phosphorite, amber Land use: 22% arable land; NA% permanent crops; 11% meadows and pastures; 31% forest and woodland; 21% other; includes NA% irrigated; 15% swamps and lakes Environment: coastal waters largely polluted Estonia People Population: 1,607,349 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Estonian(s); adjective - Estonian Ethnic divisions: Estonian 61.5%, Russian 30.3%, Ukrainian 3.17%, Byelorussian 1.8%, Finn 1.1%, other 2.13% (1989) Religions: Lutheran is primary denomination Languages: Estonian NA% (official), Latvian NA%, Lithuanian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 796,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 13%, other 45% (1990) Organized labor: NA Estonia Government Long-form name: Republic of Estonia Type: republic Capital: Tallinn Administrative divisions: none - all districts are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: 8 November 1917; occupied by Germany in March 1918 and restored to power in November 1918; annexed by USSR 6 August 1940; declared independence 20 August 1991 and regained independence from USSR 6 September 1991 Constitution: currently rewriting constitution, but readopted the constitution of 1938 Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 24 February (1918) Executive branch: prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman, Supreme Council Arnold R'UTEL (since April 1983) Head of Government: Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (since January 1992) Political parties and leaders: Popular Front of Estonia (Rahvarinne), NA chairman; Estonian Christian Democratic Party, Aivar KALA, chairman; Estonian Christian Democratic Union, Illar HALLASTE, chairman; Estonian Heritage Society (EMS), Trivimi VELLISTE, chairman; Estonian National Independence Party (ERSP), Lagle PAREK, chairman; Estonian Social Democratic Party, Marju LAURISTIN, chairman; Estonian Green Party, Tonu OJA; Independent Estonian Communist Party, Vaino VALJAS; People's Centrist Party, Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Congress of Estonia: last held March 1990 (next to be held NA); note - Congress of Estonia is a quasi-governmental structure; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (495 total) number of seats by party NA President: last held NA 1990; (next to be held NA); results - NA Supreme Council: last held 18 March 1990; (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (105 total) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE, IAEA, ICFTU, NACC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ernst JAAKSON, Legation of Estonia, Office of Consulate General, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1421, New York, NY 10020; telephone (212) 247-1450 Estonia Government US: Ambassador Robert C. FRASURE; Embassy at Kentmanni 20, Tallin EE 0001; telephone 011-[358] (49) 303-182 (cellular); FAX [358] (49) 306-817 (cellular); note - dialing to Baltics still requires use of an international operator unless you use the cellular phone lines Flag: pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990; flag is three equal horizontal bands of blue, black, and white Estonia Economy Overview: Starting in July 1991, under a new law on private ownership, small enterprises, such as retail shops and restaurants, were sold to private owners. The auctioning of large-scale enterprises is now in progress with the proceeds being held in escrow until the prior ownership (that is, Estonian or the Commonwealth of Independent States) can be established. Estonia ranks first in per capita consumption among the former Soviet republics. Agriculture is well developed, especially meat production, and provides a surplus for export. Only about one-fifth of the work force is in agriculture. The major share of the work force engages in manufacturing both capital and consumer goods based on raw materials and intermediate products from the other former Soviet republics. These manufactures are of high quality by ex-Soviet standards and are exported to the other republics. Estonia's mineral resources are limited to major deposits of shale oil (60% of old Soviet total) and phosphorites (400 million tons). Estonia has a large, relatively modern port and produces more than half of its own energy needs at highly polluting shale oil power plants. Like the other 14 successor republics, Estonia is suffering through a difficult transitional period - between a collapsed command economic structure and a still-to-be-built market structure. It has advantages in the transition, not having suffered so long under the Soviet yoke and having better chances of developing profitable ties to the Nordic and West European countries. $NA billion, per capita $NA; real growth rate -11% (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): approximately 200% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $186 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery 30%, food 17%, chemicals 11%, electric power 9% partners: Russia 50%, other former Soviet republics 30%, Ukraine 15%, West 5% Imports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery 45%, oil 13%, chemicals 12% partners: NA External debt: $650 million (end of 1991) Industrial production: growth rate -9% (1991) Electricity: 3,305,000 kW capacity; 17,200 million kWh produced, 10,865 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: accounts for 30% of labor force; oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates, electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles, paper, shoes, apparel Agriculture: employs 20% of work force; very efficient; net exports of meat, fish, dairy products, and potatoes; imports feedgrains for livestock; fruits and vegetables Estonia Economy Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: kroon; to be introduced in 1992 Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Estonia Communications Railroads: 1,030 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 30,300 km total (1990); 29,200 km hard surfaced; 1,100 km earth Inland waterways: 500 km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil NA km, refined products NA km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - Tallinn, Parnu; inland - Narva Merchant marine: 65 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 386,634 GRT/516,866 DWT; includes 51 cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 2 short-sea passenger, 6 bulk Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: telephone diversity - NA; broadcast stations - 3 TV (provide Estonian programs as well as Moscow Ostenkino's first and second programs); international traffic is carried to the other former USSR republics by landline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch, by the Finnish cellular net, and by an old copper submarine cable to Finland Estonia Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, Air Defense, and Border Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, total mobilized force projected 120,000-130,000; NA fit for military service; between 10,000-12,000 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ESTONIA - Passport required. Visas for entry or transit are issued at the Estonia border at time of entry. For further information check Embassy of the Republic of Estonia, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1421, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/247-1450). Estonia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Estonia is located at Kentmanni 20 in Tallinn; telephone (014-2) 455-313. Country Description: Estonia is a moderately developed European nation experiencing strong changes in its political and economic relationships. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: Visas are required and most travelers obtain them in advance. It is now possible to obtain single-entry visas at ports of entry, but the process can be time-consuming and requires proper documentation. Unexpired Estonian visas are valid for entry to Latvia and Lithuania, and visas issued by Latvia or Lithuania are likewise valid for entry to Estonia. For further information concerning entry requirements for Estonia, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia at 9 Rockefeller Plaza, J-1421, New York, N.Y. 10020, tel: (212) 247-1450. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Estonia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. There is adequate dental care in Tallinn. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on Crime: Estonia has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. Robberies have occurred on trains and in train stations. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Currency Regulations: Estonia is still a cash-only economy with the Estonian Crown (Kroon) the only currency. Credit cards are accepted in some major hotels in Tallinn; traveler s checks may be cashed with difficulty in only one bank in Tallinn. Street Demonstrations: Following 50 years of Soviet occupation, Estonia restored its independence in August 1991 and is in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. While there have been no significant street demonstrations in the past year, disturbances are possible, given the high level of tension. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No.92-016 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ESTONIA Ethiopia false marked CfDtE' Ethiopia showNameProp Ethiopia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Ethiopia Geography Total area: 1,221,900 km2 Land area: 1,101,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 5,141 km; Djibouti 459 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 2,221 km Coastline: 1,094 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a Provisional Administrative Line; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis; territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden; independence referendum in Eritrea scheduled for April 1992 Climate: tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation; some areas prone to extended droughts Terrain: high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley Natural resources: small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 41%; forest and woodland 24%; other 22%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; frequent droughts; famine Note: strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields Ethiopia People Population: 54,270,464 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 112 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ethiopian(s); adjective - Ethiopian Ethnic divisions: Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1% Religions: Muslim 40-45%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35-40%, animist 15-20%, other 5% Languages: Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, English (major foreign language taught in schools) Literacy: 62% (male NA%, female NA%) age 10 and over can read and write (1983 est.) Labor force: 18,000,000; agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%, industry and construction 8% (1985) Organized labor: All Ethiopian Trade Union formed by the government in January 1977 to represent 273,000 registered trade union members; was dissolved when the TGE came to power; labor code of 1975 is being redrafted Ethiopia Government Long-form name: none Type: on 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and took control in Addis Ababa; the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE), announced as a two-year transitional period; on 29 May 1991, Issayas AFEWORKE, secretary general of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), announced the formation of the Provisional Government in Eritrea (PGE), in preparation for an eventual referendum on independence for the province Capital: Addis Ababa Administrative divisions: 14 administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedader akababi) and 1 autonomous region* (rasgez akababi); Addis Ababa (Addis Ababa), Afar, Agew, Amhara, Benishangul, Ertra (Eritrea)*, Gambela, Gurage-Hadiya-Wolayta, Harer, Kefa, Omo, Oromo, Sidamo, Somali, Tigray Independence: oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at least 2,000 years Constitution: to be redrafted by 1993 Legal system: NA National holiday: National Revolution Day 12 September (1974) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: Council of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Interim President Meles ZENAWI (since 1 June 1991); transitional government Head of Government: Acting Prime Minister Tamirat LAYNE (since 6 June 1991) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Council of Representatives: last held 14 June 1987 (next to be held after new constitution drafted) President: last held 10 September 1987; next election planned after new constitution drafted; results - MENGISTU Haile-Mariam elected by the now defunct National Assembly, but resigned and left Ethiopia on 21 May 1991 Other political or pressure groups: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP); numerous small, ethnic-based groups have formed since Mengistu's resignation Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Counselor, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Girma AMARE; Chancery at 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-2281 or 2282 Ethiopia Government US: Charge d'Affaires Marc A. BAAS; Embassy at Entoto Street, Addis Ababa (mailing address is P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa); telephone [251] (01) 550666; FAX [251] (1) 551-166 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the pan-African colors Ethiopia Economy Overview: Ethiopia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Africa. Its economy is based on subsistence agriculture, which accounts for about 45% of GDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of total employment; coffee generates 60% of export earnings. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on inputs from the agricultural sector. Over 90% of large-scale industry, but less than 10% of agriculture, is state run; the government is considering selling off a portion of state-owned plants. Favorable agricultural weather largely explains the 4.5% growth in output in FY89, whereas drought and deteriorating internal security conditions prevented growth in FY90. In 1991 the lack of law and order, particularly in the south, interfered with economic development and growth. exchange rate conversion - $6.6 billion, per capita $130, real growth rate- 0.4% (FY90 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $1.8 billion; expenditures $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $842 million (FY88) Exports: $429 million (f.o.b., FY88) commodities: coffee 60%, hides partners: US, FRG, Djibouti, Japan, PDRY, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia Imports: $1.1 billion (c.i.f., FY88) commodities: food, fuels, capital goods partners: USSR, Italy, FRG, Japan, UK, US, France External debt: $2.6 billion (1988) Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP Electricity: 330,000 kW capacity; 650 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing, cement Agriculture: accounts for 45% of GDP and is the most important sector of the economy even though frequent droughts and poor cultivation practices keep farm output low; famines not uncommon; export crops of coffee and oilseeds grown partly on state farms; estimated 50% of agricultural production at subsistence level; principal crops and livestock - cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes and other vegetables, hides and skins, cattle, sheep, goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $504 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $8 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.0 billion Currency: birr (plural - birr); 1 birr (Br) = 100 cents Exchange rates: birr (Br) per US$1 - 2.0700 (fixed rate) Ethiopia Economy Fiscal year: 8 July - 7 July Ethiopia Communications Railroads: 988 km total; 681 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge (nonoperational) Highways: 44,300 km total; 3,650 km paved, 9,650 km gravel, 3,000 km improved earth, 28,000 km unimproved earth Ports: Aseb, Mitsiwa Merchant marine: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,627 GRT/88,909 DWT; includes 8 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll off, 1 livestock carrier, 2 petroleum tanker Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft Airports: 123 total, 86 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: open-wire and radio relay system adequate for government use; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; broadcast stations - 4 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 100,000 TV sets; 9,000,000 radios; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Ethiopia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 12,015,589; 6,230,680 fit for military service; 572,982 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $760 million, 12.8% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ETHIOPIA - Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visa valid for stay up to 30 days, fee $9.65 or transit visa for 48 hours, $4.85 requires 1 application, 1 photo and yellow fever immunization. Business visa requires company letter and approval from Foreign Ministry in Addis Ababa (allow extra time for processing). Send $2 postage for return of passport or $15 for express mail service. Personal checks not accepted. For longer stays and other information contact Embassy of Ethiopia, 2134 Kalorama Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-2281/2). ETHIOPIA - WARNING June 3, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer travel to the provinces of Hararghe and Wellega due to political tensions, and to exercise caution in general when traveling to Ethiopia. Increased political and ethnic tension and the absence of police authority have resulted in a general increase in crime. Highway travel has become increasingly hazardous due to banditry and the presence of land mines. U.S. citizens traveling to Asmara, in Eritrea, should be aware of difficulties in obtaining consular assistance. Seagoing vessels require permits issued in advance to enter Eritrean territorial waters. End Summary. U.S. citizens are urged to defer travel to the entire province of Hararghe, including the towns of Dire Dawa, Harar, and Jijiga, due to armed confrontations between opposing political groups. Relief organizations have suspended operations in this area due to the killing of relief workers, violence on roads, and tense relations between ethnic groups. U.S. citizens are further urged to defer travel to the western parts of the province of Wellega. Armed units owing allegiance to the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and forces of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPDRF), Ethiopia's national army, periodically clash. Other Provinces: Banditry has increased in Ethiopia. Travel by road outside major towns or cities may result in violent attack. Several foreigners have been attacked, and at least two have been killed, in recent incidents of highway violence. Highway travelers are advised that land mines and other anti-personnel devices litter the Ethiopian countryside, particularly alongside major roads. Many persons, including some foreigners, have been injured by these devices. Addis Ababa: Businesses, banks, embassies and offices in the capital continue to keep normal hours. Local and international schools are open and operating normally. The international airport has operated without interruption since the change of regimes. Violent crime is increasing, particularly armed robbery of homes in affluent neighborhoods, including embassy residences and missionary compounds. The 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. curfew has recently been lifted, but visitors should exercise caution when traveling at night. In the first week of April, bombs exploded in two hotels which cater to the Ethiopian middle class. Domestic and international air services generally operate on schedule. Four domestic flights have recently been hijacked to neighboring countries, but the incidents ended quickly without injuries or fatalities. Frequent fuel shortages can make travel difficult outside of Addis Ababa. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Ethiopia, so travelers should plan accordingly. U.S. citizens must obtain an Ethiopian visa at an Ethiopian embassy abroad prior to arrival. Airport visas are no longer available to travelers who start their travel in or pass through a country where an Ethiopian diplomatic mission is located. Travelers to Asmara in Eritrea should be cautioned that U.S. consular officials may not be able to provide the sort of assistance in cases involving arrests and welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens that is available in Addis Ababa or elsewhere in Ethiopia, nor provide it quickly. Eritrean authorities strictly enforce their rights in territiorial waters, and arrest those fishing illegally or entering restricted maritime zones. The provisional government of Eritrea has announced that it will confiscate any vessel found in Eritrean territorial waters without a permit issued in advance, and will prosecute the persons found aboard such vessels. Public telecommunications now link Eritrea to the U.S., but to no other countries. Travelers from the U.S. must obtain travel permits to Eritrea from the Washington, D.C. office of the EPLF. Daily flights between Addis Ababa and Asmara are heavily booked. All U.S. citizens are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Ethiopia to receive updated security information. The Embassy is located on Entoto Avenue, a ten minute taxi ride north of the city center and major hotels. Telephone numbers are 550-666, extension 316/317/336: emergency/after hours, 552-558. No. 92-118 This replaces the travel advisory dated May 6, 1992, to advise of the lifting of the curfew in Addis Ababa and to add a warning that vessels planning to enter Eritrean territorial waters require permits that must be obtained in advance. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... ETHIOPIA Europa Island false marked Europa Island showNameProp Europa Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Europa Island Geography Total area: 28 km2 Land area: 28 km2 Comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 22.2 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: NA Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; heavily wooded Environment: wildlife sanctuary Note: located in the Mozambique Channel 340 km west of Madagascar Europa Island People Population: uninhabited Europa Island Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (as of July 1991); resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion Europa Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Europa Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m Telecommunications: 1 meteorological station Europa Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text EUROPA_I Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas false marked Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas showNameProp Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Geography Total area: 12,170 km2 Land area: 12,170 km2; includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands Comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,288 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 100 meter depth Exclusive fishing zone: 150 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains Natural resources: fish and wildlife Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 99%; forest and woodland 0%; other 1% Environment: poor soil fertility and a short growing season Note: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) People Population: 1,900 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Falkland Islander(s); adjective - Falkland Island Ethnic divisions: almost totally British Religions: primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United Free Church; Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 15 (1988) Labor force: 1,100 (est.); agriculture, mostly sheepherding about 95% Organized labor: Falkland Islands General Employees Union, 400 members Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Government Long-form name: Colony of the Falkland Islands Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Stanley Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 3 October 1985 Legal system: English common law National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982) Executive branch: British monarch, governor, Executive Council Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Governor William Hugh FULLERTON (since NA 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (10 total, 8 elected) number of seats by party NA Member of: ICFTU Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Economy Overview: The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meet domestic consumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown are primarily those for providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of fish in the surrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far, efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees amount to more than $40 million per year and are a primary source of income for the government. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.4% (1980-87 average) Unemployment rate: NA%; labor shortage Budget: revenues $62.7 million; expenditures $41.8 million, excluding capital expenditures of $NA (FY90) Exports: at least $14.7 million commodities: wool, hides and skins, and other partners: UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.) Imports: at least $13.9 million commodities: food, clothing, fuels, and machinery partners: UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 9,200 kW capacity; 17 million kWh produced, 8,638 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: wool and fish processing Agriculture: predominantly sheep farming; small dairy herds; some fodder and vegetable crops Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million Currency: Falkland pound (plural - pounds); 1 Falkland pound (#F) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.5519 (January 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5604 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987); note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Communications Highways: 510 km total; 30 km paved, 80 km gravel, and 400 km unimproved earth Ports: Port Stanley Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 5 total, 5 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m Telecommunications: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands; 590 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station with links through London to other countries Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Defense Forces Branches: British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines); Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text FALKLAND Faroe Islands false marked Faroe Islands showNameProp Faroe Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Faroe Islands Geography Total area: 1,400 km2 Land area: 1,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than eight times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 764 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy Terrain: rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 98% Environment: precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands; archipelago of 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited islets Note: strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic about midway between Iceland and Shetland Islands Faroe Islands People Population: 48,588 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Faroese (singular and plural); adjective - Faroese Ethnic divisions: homogeneous Scandinavian population Religions: Evangelical Lutheran Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 17,585; largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce Organized labor: NA Faroe Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark Capital: Torshavn Administrative divisions: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) Independence: part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark Constitution: Danish Legal system: Danish National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) Executive branch: Danish monarch, high commissioner, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet (Landsstyri) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Lgting) Judicial branch: none Leaders: Chief of State: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Bent KLINTE (since NA) Head of Government: Prime Minister Atli P. DAM (since 15 January 1991) Political parties and leaders: opposition: Cooperation Coalition Party, Pauli ELLEFSEN; Republican Party, Signer HANSEN; Progressive and Fishing Industry Party-Christian People's Party (PFIP-CPP), leader NA; Progress Party, leader NA; Home Rule Party, Hilmar KASS two-party ruling coalition: Social Democratic Party, Atli P. DAM; People's Party, Jogvan SUND- STEIN Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: Danish Parliament: last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Social Democratic 1, People's Party 1; note - the Faroe Islands elects two representatives to the Danish Parliament Faroese Parliament: last held 17 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - Social Democratic 27.4%, People's Party 21.9%, Cooperation Coalition Party 18.9%, Republican Party 14.7%, Home Rule 8.8%, PFIP-CPP 5.9%, other 2.4%; seats - (32 total) two-party coalition 17 (Social Democratic 10, People's Party 7), Cooperation Coalition Party 6, Republican Party 4, Home Rule 3, PFIP-CPP 2 Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) Flag: white with a red cross outlined in blue 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) Faroe Islands Economy Overview: The Faroese, who have long been enjoying the affluent living standards of the Danes and other Scandinavians, now must cope with the decline of the all-important fishing industry and with an external debt twice the size of annual income. When the nations of the world extended their fishing zones to 200 nautical miles in the early 1970s, the Faroese no longer could continue their traditional long-distance fishing and subsequently depleted their own nearby fishing areas. The government's tight controls on fish stocks and its austerity measures have caused a recession, and subsidy cuts will force further reductions in the fishing industry, which has already been plagued with bankrupcies. An annual Danish subsidy of $140 million continues to provide roughly one-third of the islands' budget revenues. purchasing power equivalent - $662 million, per capita $14,000; real growth rate 3% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.0% (1988) Unemployment rate: 5-6% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $425 million; expenditures $480 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1991 est.) Exports: $386 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: fish and fish products 88%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment (1989) partners: Denmark 20%, Germany 18.3%, UK 14.2%, France 11.2%, Spain 7.9%, US 4.5% Imports: $322 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 24.4%, manufactures 24%, food and livestock 19%, fuels 12%, chemicals 6.5% partners: Denmark 43.8%, Norway 19.8%, Sweden 4.9%, Germany 4.2%, US 1.3% External debt: $1.3 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 80,000 kW capacity; 280 million kWh produced, 5,910 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fishing, shipbuilding, handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 27% of labor force; principal crops - potatoes and vegetables; livestock - sheep; annual fish catch about 360,000 metric tons Economic aid: none Currency: Danish krone (plural - kroner); 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 ore Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.116 (January 1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Faroe Islands Communications Highways: 200 km Ports: Torshavn, Tvoroyri Merchant marine: 10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,015 GRT/24,007 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 5 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 2 refrigerated cargo; note - a subset of the Danish register Airports: 1 with permanent surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international communications; fair domestic facilities; 27,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 (10 repeaters) FM, 3 (29 repeaters) TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables Faroe Islands Defense Forces Branches: no organized native military forces; only a small Police Force is maintained Note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text FAROE_IS false marked showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Fiji Geography Total area: 18,270 km2 Land area: 18,270 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,129 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin Natural resources: timber, fish, gold, copper; offshore oil potential Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 65%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: subject to hurricanes from November to January; includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited Note: located 2,500 km north of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean Fiji People Population: 749,946 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -10 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Fijian(s); adjective - Fijian Ethnic divisions: Indian 49%, Fijian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other 5% Religions: Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2%; note - Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslim minority (1986) Languages: English (official); Fijian; Hindustani Literacy: 86% (male 90%, female 81%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.) Labor force: 235,000; subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15% (1987) Organized labor: about 45,000 employees belong to some 46 trade unions, which are organized along lines of work and ethnic origin (1983) Fiji Government Long-form name: Republic of Fiji Type: military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987 Capital: Suva Administrative divisions: 4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western Independence: 10 October 1970 (from UK) Constitution: 10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new Constitution was proposed on 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990 Legal system: based on British system National holiday: Independence Day, 10 October (1970) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Great Councils of Chiefs (highest ranking members of the traditional chiefly system) Legislative branch: the bicameral Parliament, consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives, was dissolved following the coup of 14 May 1987; the Constitution of 23 September 1988 provides for a bicameral Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu GANILAU (since 5 December 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (since 5 December 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Josefata KAMIKAMICA (since October 1991); note - Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA served as prime minister from 10 October 1970 until the 5-11 April 1987 election; after a second coup led by Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA on 25 September 1987, Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA was reappointed as prime minister Political parties and leaders: Fijian Political Party (primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen. Sitivini RABUKA; National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian), Siddiq KOYA; Christian Fijian Nationalist Party (CFNP), Sakeasi BUTADROKA; Fiji Labor Party (FLP), Jokapeci KOROI; All National Congress (ANC), Apisai TORA; General Voters Party (GVP), Max OLSSON; Fiji Conservative Party (FCP), Isireli VUIBAU; Conservative Party of Fiji (CPF), Jolale ULUDOLE and Viliame SAVU; Fiji Indian Liberal Party, Swami MAHARAJ; Fiji Indian Congress Party, Ishwari BAJPAI; Fiji Independent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four Corners Party, David TULVANUAVOU Suffrage: none Elections: House of Representatives: last held 14 May 1987 (next to be held 23-29 May 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (70 total, with ethnic Fijians allocated 37 seats, ethnic Indians 27 seats, and independents and other 6 seats) number of seats by party NA Member of: ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Fiji Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Pita Kewa NACUVA; Chancery at Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 337-8320; there is a Fijian Consulate in New York US: Ambassador Evelyn I. H. TEEGEN; Embassy at 31 Loftus Street, Suva (mailing address is P. O. Box 218, Suva); telephone [679] 314-466; FAX [679] 300-081 Flag: light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove Fiji Economy Overview: Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural, with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports are a major source of foreign exchange, and sugar processing accounts for one-third of industrial output. Industry, including sugar milling, contributes 13% to GDP. Fiji traditionally had earned considerable sums of hard currency from the 250,000 tourists who visited each year. In 1987, however, after two military coups, the economy went into decline. GDP dropped by 7.8% in 1987 and by another 2.5% in 1988; political uncertainty created a drop in tourism, and the worst drought of the century caused sugar production to fall sharply. In contrast, sugar and tourism turned in strong performances in 1989, and the economy rebounded vigorously. In 1990 the economy received a setback from cyclone Sina, which cut sugar output by an estimated 21%. exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $1,700; real growth rate 3.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.0% (1991) Unemployment rate: 5.9% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $413 million; expenditures $464 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1992 est.) Exports: $646 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar 40%, gold, clothing, copra, processed fish, lumber partners: EC 31%, Australia 21%, Japan 8%, US 6% Imports: $840 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 32%, food 15%, petroleum products, consumer goods, chemicals partners: Australia 30%, NZ 17%, Japan 13%, EC 6%, US 6% External debt: $428 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 8.4% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP Electricity: 215,000 kW capacity; 330 million kWh produced, 430 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: sugar, tourism, copra, gold, silver, fishing, clothing, lumber, small cottage industries Agriculture: accounts for 23% of GDP; principal cash crop is sugarcane; coconuts, cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, and bananas; small livestock sector includes cattle, pigs, horses, and goats Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $815 million Currency: Fijian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Fijian dollars (F$) per US$1 - 1.4855 (January 1992), 1.4756 (1991), 1.4809 (1990), 1.4833 (1989), 1.4303 (1988), 1.2439 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Fiji Communications Railroads: 644 km 0.610-meter narrow gauge, belonging to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation Highways: 3,300 km total (1984) - 1,590 km paved; 1,290 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized soil surface; 420 unimproved earth Inland waterways: 203 km; 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges Ports: Lambasa, Lautoka, Savusavu, Suva Merchant marine: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 40,072 GRT/47,187 DWT; includes 2 roll-on/roll-off, 2 container, 1 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 cargo Civil air: 1 DC-3 and 1 light aircraft Airports: 25 total, 22 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio center; important COMPAC cable link between US-Canada and New Zealand-Australia; 53,228 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 1 FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Fiji Defense Forces Branches: Fiji Military Force (FMF; including a naval division, Police) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 192,056; 105,898 fit for military service; 7,564 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22.4 million, 1.7% of GDP (FY 91) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp FIJI - Passport, proof of sufficient funds and onward/return ticket required. Visa issued on arrival for stay up to 30 days and may be extended up to 6 months. For further information contact Embassy of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., #240, Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/337-8320) or Mission to the U.N., One United Nations Plaza, 26th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/355-7316). Fiji - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Fiji is located at 31 Loftus Street in the capital city of Suva. The telephone number is: (679) 314-466. Country Description: Fiji recently returned to parliamentary government in elections of May 1992. It has a developing economy. Tourist facilities are available. Entry Requirements: Passport, proof of sufficient funds and an onward/return ticket are required. A tourist visa is issued upon arrival for an initial stay of up to four months. The tourist permit may be extended upon application to the Fiji Immigration Department headquarters in Suva to allow a total stay of six months. A visa is required for those entering Fiji to work, study or reside. Information on specific requirements is available through the Embassy of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., #240, Washington, D.C. 20007 - telephone: (202) 337-8320 or the Fiji Mission to the U.N., New United Nations Plaza, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10017 - telephone (212) 355-7316. Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in Fiji are adequate for routine medical problems. Two major hospitals, the Lautoka hospital in the city of Lautoka and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, provide emergency and outpatient services. Other hospitals and clinics provide only a limited range of health services. Serious medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand or the United States. Medical practitioners and hospitals expect payment upon treatment or before release. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional health information is available through the international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: The crime rate in Fiji's resort and tourist areas is low, although criminal activity in major urban areas is on the rise. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs, including Indian hemp or marijuana, are strict. Convicted offenders receive a minimum of three months' imprisonment. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-097 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Finland false marked >l?z@' Finland showNameProp Finland most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Finland Geography Total area: 337,030 km2 Land area: 305,470 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Montana Land boundaries: 2,628 km; Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km Coastline: 1,126 km; excludes islands and coastal indentations Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 6 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: none Climate: cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes Terrain: mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills Natural resources: timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 76%; other 16%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: permanently wet ground covers about 30% of land; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain Note: long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent Finland People Population: 5,004,273 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Finn(s); adjective - Finnish Ethnic divisions: Finn, Swede, Lapp, Gypsy, Tatar Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1% Languages: Finnish 93.5%, Swedish (both official) 6.3%; small Lapp- and Russian-speaking minorities Literacy: 100% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 2,533,000; public services 30.4%; industry 20.9%; commerce 15.0%; finance, insurance, and business services 10.2%; agriculture and forestry 8.6%; transport and communications 7.7%; construction 7.2% Organized labor: 80% of labor force Finland Government Long-form name: Republic of Finland Type: republic Capital: Helsinki Administrative divisions: 12 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Ahvenanmaa, Hame, Keski-Suomi, Kuopio, Kymi, Lappi, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pohjois-Karjala, Turku ja Pori, Uusimaa, Vaasa Independence: 6 December 1917 (from Soviet Union) Constitution: 17 July 1919 Legal system: civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request legislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 6 December (1917) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of State (Valtioneuvosto) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Eduskunta) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Korkein Oikeus) Leaders: Chief of State: President Mauno KOIVISTO (since 27 January 1982) Head of Government: Prime Minister Esko AHO (since 26 April 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Ilkka KANERVA (since 26 April 1991) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Parliament: last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - Center Party 24.8%, Social Democratic Party 22.1%, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 19.3%, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 10.1%, Green League 6.8%, Swedish People's Party 5.5%, Rural 4.8%, Finnish Christian League 3.1%, Liberal People's Party 0.8%; seats - (200 total) Center Party 55, Social Democratic Party 48, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 40, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 19, Swedish People's Party 12, Green League 10, Finnish Christian League 8, Rural 7, Liberal People's Party 1 President: last held 31 January - 1 February and 15 February 1988 (next to be held January 1994); results - Mauno KOIVISTO 48%, Paavo VAYRYNEN 20%, Harri HOLKERI 18% Communists: 28,000 registered members; an additional 45,000 persons belong to People's Democratic League Other political or pressure groups: Finnish Communist Party-Unity, Yrjo HAKANEN; Constitutional Rightist Party; Finnish Pensioners Party; Communist Workers Party, Timo LAHDENMAKI Finland Government Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA (associate), FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jukka VALTASAARI; Chancery at 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016; telephone (202) 363-2430; there are Finnish Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York, and Consulates in Chicago and Houston US: Ambassador John H. KELLY (as of December 1991); Embassy at Itainen Puistotie 14A, SF-00140, Helsinki (mailing address is APO AE 09723); telephone [358] (0) 171931; FAX [358] (0) 174681 Flag: white with a blue cross 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) Finland Economy Overview: Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free market economy, with per capita output nearly three-fourths the US figure. Its main economic force is the manufacturing sector - principally the wood, metals, and engineering industries. Trade is important, with the export of goods representing about 30% of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imported raw materials, energy, and some components of manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic commodities. The economy, which experienced an average of 4.9% annual growth between 1987 and 1989, sank into a deep recession in 1991 as growth contracted by 6.2%. The recession - which is expected to bottom out in late 1992 - has been caused by economic overheating, depressed foreign markets, and the dismantling of the barter system between Finland and the former Soviet Union in which Soviet oil and gas had been exchanged for Finnish manufactured goods. The Finnish Government has proposed efforts to increase industrial competitiveness and efficiency by an increase in exports to Western markets, cuts in public expenditures, partial privatization of state enterprises, and foreign investment and exchange liberalization. Helsinki tied the markkaa to the EC's European Currency Unit to promote stability but was forced to devalue the markkaa by about 12% in November 1991. The devaluation should improve industrial competitiveness and business confidence in 1992. Finland, as a member of EFTA, negotiated a European Economic Area arrangement with the EC that allows for free movement of capital, goods, services, and labor within the organization as of January 1993. Finland applied for full EC membership in March 1992. purchasing power equivalent - $80.6 billion, per capita $16,200; real growth rate - 6.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1991) Unemployment rate: 7.6% (1991) Budget: revenues $35.8 billion; expenditures $41.5 billion, including capital expenditures of NA billion (1991) Exports: $22.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: timber, paper and pulp, ships, machinery, clothing and footwear partners: EC 50.25%, Germany 15.5%, UK 10.4%, EFTA 20.7%, Sweden 14%, US 6.1%, Japan 1.5%, USSR/EE 6.71% (1991) Imports: $21.6 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, fodder grains partners: EC 45.9% (Germany 16.9%), UK 7.7%, EFTA 19.9%, Sweden 12.3%, US 6.9%, Japan 6%, USSR/EE 10.7% External debt: $5.3 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate - 8.6% (1991 est.) Electricity: 13,324,000 kW capacity; 49,330 million kWh produced, 9,857 kWh per capita (1991) Finland Economy Industries: metal products, shipbuilding, forestry and wood processing (pulp, paper), copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing Agriculture: accounts for 8% of GDP (including forestry); livestock production, especially dairy cattle, predominates; forestry is an important export earner and a secondary occupation for the rural population; main crops - cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; 85% self-sufficient, but short of foodgrains and fodder grains; annual fish catch about 160,000 metric tons Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.7 billion Currency: markka (plural - markkaa); 1 markka (FMk) or Finmark = 100 pennia Exchange rates: markkaa (FMk) per US$1 - 4.2967 (January 1992), 4.0440 (1991), 3.8235 (1990), 4.2912 (1989), 4.1828 (1988), 4.3956 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Finland Communications Railroads: 5,924 km total; Finnish State Railways (VR) operate a total of 5,863 km 1.524-meter gauge, of which 480 km are multiple track and 1,445 km are electrified Highways: about 103,000 km total, including 35,000 km paved (bituminous, concrete, bituminous-treated surface) and 38,000 km unpaved (stabilized gravel, gravel, earth); additional 30,000 km of private (state-subsidized) roads Inland waterways: 6,675 km total (including Saimaa Canal); 3,700 km suitable for steamers Pipelines: natural gas 580 km Ports: Helsinki, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, Turku; 6 secondary, numerous minor ports Merchant marine: 80 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 794,094 GRT/732,585 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 9 short-sea passenger, 16 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 26 roll-on/roll-off, 12 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 7 bulk Civil air: 42 major transport Airports: 159 total, 156 usable; 58 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 23 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good service from cable and radio relay network; 3,140,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 105 FM, 235 TV; 1 submarine cable; INTELSAT satellite transmission service via Swedish earth station and a receive-only INTELSAT earth station near Helsinki Finland Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Coast Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,314,305; 1,087,286 fit for military service; 33,053 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp 4 4 FINLAND - Passport required. Tourist/business visa not required for stay up to 3 months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland.) Check Embassy of Finland, 3216 New Mexico Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016 (202/363-2430) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/203-9903) or New York (212/573- 6007). Finland - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki is located at Itainen Puistotie 14A; telephone (358) (0) 171931 or (358) (0) 605414 after hours. Country Description: Finland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A tourist or business visa is not required for stays of up to three months (the 90 day period begins when entering the Scandinavian area: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland). For further information concerning entry requirements for Finland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Finland at 3216 New Mexico Avenue N.W., Washington DC 20016, tel (202) 363-2430, or the nearest Finnish Consulate General in Los Angeles or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Finland has a low crime rate. The telephone number for police/emergency services throughout Finland is 000. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-017 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... FINLAND France F?VQdR France showNameProp France Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText textHeightProp false sharedText France Geography Total area: 547,030 km2 Land area: 545,630 km2; includes Corsica and the rest of metropolitan France, but excludes the overseas administrative divisions Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Colorado Land boundaries: 2,892.4 km; Andorra 60 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km Coastline: 3,427 km; mainland 2,783 km, Corsica 644 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12-24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; Seychelles claims Tromelin Island; Suriname claims part of French Guiana; Mexico claims Clipperton Island; territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land) Climate: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean Terrain: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east Natural resources: coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potash Land use: arable land 32%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 27%; other 16%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: most of large urban areas and industrial centers in Rhone, Garonne, Seine, or Loire River basins; occasional warm tropical wind known as mistral Note: largest West European nation France People Population: 57,287,258 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 82 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women); adjective - French Ethnic divisions: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, and Basque minorities Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim (North African workers) 1%, unaffiliated 6% Languages: French (100% of population); rapidly declining regional dialects (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish) Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 24,170,000; services 61.5%, industry 31.3%, agriculture 7.3% (1987) Organized labor: 20% of labor force (est.) France Government Long-form name: French Republic Type: republic Capital: Paris Administrative divisions: metropolitan France - 22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse, Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes; note - the 22 regions are subdivided into 96 departments; see separate entries for the overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) and the territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon) Independence: unified by Clovis in 486, First Republic proclaimed in 1792 Constitution: 28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962 Dependent areas: Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, New Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica Legal system: civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Constitutional Court (Cour Constitutionnelle) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister Pierre BEREGOVOY (since 2 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR, formerly UDR), Jacques CHIRAC; Union for French Democracy (UDF, federation of PR, CDS, and RAD), Valery Giscard d'ESTAING; Republican Party (PR), Gerard LONGUET; Center for Social Democrats (CDS), Pierre MEHAIGNERIE; Radical (RAD), Yves GALLAND; Socialist Party (PS), Laurent FABIUS; Left Radical Movement (MRG), Emile ZUCCARELLI; Communist Party (PCF), Georges MARCHAIS; National Front (FN), Jean-Marie LE PEN Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - Second Ballot PS-MRG 48. 7%, RPR 23.1%, UDF 21%, PCF 3.4%, other 3.8%; seats - (577 total) PS 272, RPR 127, UDF 91, UDC 40, PCF 26, independents 21 France Government President: last held 8 May 1988 (next to be held May 1995); results - Second Ballot Francois MITTERRAND 54%, Jacques CHIRAC 46% Elections: Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (321 total; 296 metropolitan France, 13 for overseas departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad) RPR 91, UDF 143 (PR 52, CDS 68, RAD 23), PS 66, PCF 16, independents 2, unknown 3 Communists: 700,000 claimed but probably closer to 150,000; Communist voters, 2.8 million in 1988 election Other political or pressure groups: Communist-controlled labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail) nearly 2.4 million members (claimed); Socialist-leaning labor union (Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail or CFDT) about 800,000 members est.; independent labor union (Force Ouvriere) 1 million members (est.); independent white-collar union (Confederation Generale des Cadres) 340,000 members (claimed); National Council of French Employers (Conseil National du Patronat Francais - CNPF or Patronat) Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CCC, CDB, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, FZ, GATT, G-5, G-7, G-10, IABD, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UN Trusteeship Council, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jacques ANDREANI; Chancery at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 944-6000; there are French Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US: Ambassador Walter J. P. CURLEY; Embassy at 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08, Unit 21551 (mailing address is APO AE 09777); telephone [33] (1) 42-96-12-02 or 42-61-80-75; FAX [33] (1) 42-66-97-83; there are US Consulates General in Bordeaux, Marseille, and Strasbourg Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Ivory Coast, and Luxembourg; the official flag for all French dependent areas France Economy Overview: One of the world's most developed economies, France has substantial agricultural resources and a highly diversified modern industrial sector. Large tracts of fertile land, the application of modern technology, and subsidies have combined to make it the leading agricultural producer in Western Europe. France is largely self-sufficient in agricultural products and is a major exporter of wheat and dairy products. The industrial sector generates about one-quarter of GDP, and the growing services sector has become crucial to the economy. After expanding at a rapid 3.8% pace during the period 1988-89, the economy slowed down in 1990, with growth of 1.5% in 1990 and 1.4% in 1991; growth in 1992 is expected to be about 2%. The economy has had difficulty generating enough jobs for new entrants into the labor force, resulting in a high unemployment rate, which rose to almost 10% in 1991. The steadily advancing economic integration within the European Community is a major force affecting the fortunes of the various economic sectors. purchasing power equivalent - $1,033.7 billion, per capita $18,300; real growth rate 1.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.8% (end 1991) Budget: revenues $229.8 billion; expenditures $246.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $36 billion (1992 budget) Exports: $209.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, agricultural products, iron and steel products, textiles and clothing partners: FRG 17.3%, Italy 11.4%, UK 9.2%, Spain 10.3%, Netherlands 9.0%, Belgium-Luxembourg 9.4%, US 6.1%, Japan 1.9%, former USSR 0.7% (1989 est.) Imports: $232.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: crude oil, machinery and equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, iron and steel products partners: FRG 18.9%, Italy 11.6%, Belgium-Luxembourg 8.8%, Netherlands 8.6%, US 8.0%, Spain 7.9%, UK 7.2%, Japan 4.0%, former USSR 1.4% (1989 est.) External debt: $59.3 billion (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1990); accounts for 26% of GDP Electricity: 109,972,000 kW capacity; 399,318 million kWh produced, 7,200 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: steel, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, mining, textiles, food processing, and tourism Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); one of the world's top five wheat producers; other principal products - beef, dairy products, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; self-sufficient for most temperate-zone foods; shortages include fats and oils and tropical produce, but overall net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 850,000 metric tons ranks among world's top 20 countries and is all used domestically France Economy Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.1 billion Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year France Communications Railroads: French National Railways (SNCF) operates 34,568 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 11,674 km electrified, 15,132 km double or multiple track; 2,138 km of various gauges (1.000-meter to 1.440-meter), privately owned and operated Highways: 1,551,400 km total; 33,400 km national highway; 347,000 km departmental highway; 421,000 km community roads; 750,000 km rural roads; 5,401 km of controlled-access divided autoroutes; about 803,000 km paved Inland waterways: 14,932 km; 6,969 km heavily traveled Pipelines: crude oil 3,059 km; petroleum products 4,487 km; natural gas 24,746 km Ports: maritime - Bordeaux, Boulogne, Brest, Cherbourg, Dunkerque, Fos-Sur-Mer, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Rouen, Sete, Toulon; inland - 42 Merchant marine: 128 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,222,539 GRT/5,117,091 DWT; includes 6 short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 18 container, 1 multifunction large-load carrier, 30 roll-on/roll-off, 34 petroleum tanker, 8 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 2 specialized tanker, 11 bulk, 1 refrigerated cargo; note - France also maintains a captive register for French-owned ships in the Kerguelen Islands (French Southern and Antarctic Lands) and French Polynesia Civil air: 195 major transport aircraft (1989 est.) Airports: 472 total, 460 usable; 251 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 36 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 136 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed; extensive cable and radio relay networks; large-scale introduction of optical-fiber systems; satellite systems for domestic traffic; 39,200,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 41 AM, 800 (mostly repeaters) FM, 846 (mostly repeaters) TV; 24 submarine coaxial cables; 2 INTELSAT earth stations (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for the Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 3 for the Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT); HF radio communications with more than 20 countries; INMARSAT service; EUTELSAT TV service France Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Air), Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 14,599,636; 12,225,969 fit for military service; 411,211 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $33.1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991) entryText textHeightProp false sharedText FRANCE - Passport required to visit France, Andorra, Monaco, Corsica and French Polynesia. All visas must be obtained in advance, with the following exceptions: Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months in France, Andorra, Monaco and Corsica, and 1 month in French Polynesia. For official/diplomatic travel a visa is required and must be obtained in advance. For further information consult Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/944-6000/6015) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/653-3120 or 415/397- 4330), FL (305/372-9798), HI (808/599-4458), IL (312/787-5359), LA (504/897-6381), MA (617/266-1680), MI (313/568-0990), NY (212/535- 0100), PR (809/753-1700) or TX (713/528-2183). France - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Avenue Gabriel; telephone (33) (1) 4296-1202. The Consular Section is located one block away, across the Place de la Concorde, at 2 Rue St. Florentin. There are also consulates in Bordeaux, at 22 Cours du Marechal Foch, telephone (33) (56) 52-65-95; in Marseille, at 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, telephone (33) (91) 549-200; and in Strasbourg, at 15 Avenue Alsace, telephone (33) (88) 35-31-04. Country Description: France is a highly developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for France, travelers can contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road N.W., Washington, DC 20007, tel: (202) 944-6000, or the nearest French Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: France has a very low rate of violent crime. Most crimes are of the petty larceny variety, such as pickpocketing. During the tourist season, pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles with out-of-town or foreign licenses are frequent occurences. Criminals often operate around popular tourist attractions, such as museums, monuments, restaurants, and hotels, and on transportation systems. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and fines. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to have also acquired French citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of French law while in France. Those who might be affected can inquire at a French embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad. Other Information: Certain Air France flights between France and various Middle Eastern points (usually Damascus or Amman) make en route stops in Beirut. (The State Department warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to or through Lebanon). Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder is rare in France. However, the Basque Separatist Party (ETA) is active in the south of France and has occasionally bombed government targets. Other terrorist groups have carried out a few closely targeted political killings and kidnappings over the last year. No Americans have been affected. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-018 Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... French Guiana false marked French Guiana showNameProp French Guiana most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp French Guiana Geography Total area: 91,000 km2 Land area: 89,150 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana Land boundaries: 1,183 km; Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km Coastline: 378 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa) Climate: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains Natural resources: bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar, kaolin, fish Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 82%; other 18% Environment: mostly an unsettled wilderness French Guiana People Population: 127,505 (July 1992), growth rate 4.6% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 24 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - French Guianese (singular and plural); adjective - French Guianese; note - they are a colony/department; they hold French passports Ethnic divisions: black or mulatto 66%; Caucasian 12%; East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%; other 10% Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic Languages: French Literacy: 82% (male 81%, female 83%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982) Labor force: 23,265; services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry 21.2%, agriculture 18.2% (1980) Organized labor: 7% of labor force French Guiana Government Long-form name: Department of Guiana Type: overseas department of France Capital: Cayenne Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French legal system National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French president, commissioner of the republic Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and a unicameral Regional Council Judicial branch: highest local court is the Court of Appeals based in Martinique with jurisdiction over Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner of the Republic Jean-Francois DICHIARA (since NA 1990) Political parties and leaders: Guianese Socialist Party (PSG), Gerard HOLDER; Rally for the Republic (RPR), Paulin BRUNE; Guianese Democratic Action (ADG), Andre LECANTE; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Claude Ho A CHUCK; National Front (FN), Guy MALON; Popular and National Party of Guiana (PNPG), Claude ROBO; National Anti-Colonist Guianese Party (PANGA), Michel KAPEL Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: French National Assembly: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PSG 1, RPR 1 French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PSG 1 Regional Council: last held 16 March 1986 (next to be held NA 1991); results - PSG 43%, RPR 27.7%, ADG 12.2%, UDF 8. 9%, FN 3.7%, PNPG 1.4%, other 3.1%; seats - (31 total) PSG 15, RPR 9, ADG 4, UDF 3 Member of: FZ, WCL, WFTU Diplomatic representation: as an overseas department of France, the interests of French Guiana are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used French Guiana Economy Overview: The economy is tied closely to that of France through subsidies and imports. Besides the French space center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities, with exports of fish and fish products (mostly shrimp) accounting for more than 60% of total revenue in 1987. The large reserves of tropical hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry that provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation of crops - rice, cassava, bananas, and sugarcane - are limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly among younger workers. exchange rate conversion - $186 million, per capita $2,240; real growth rate NA% (1985) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.1% (1987) Unemployment rate: 15% (1987) Budget: revenues $735 million; expenditures $735 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1987) Exports: $54.0 million (f.o.b., 1987) commodities: shrimp, timber, rum, rosewood essence partners: France 31%, US 22%, Japan 10% (1987) Imports: $394.0 million (c.i.f., 1987) commodities: food (grains, processed meat), other consumer goods, producer goods, petroleum partners: France 62%, Trinidad and Tobago 9%, US 4%, FRG 3% (1987) External debt: $1.2 billion (1988) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 92,000 kW capacity; 185 million kWh produced, 1,821 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining Agriculture: some vegetables for local consumption; rice, corn, manioc, cocoa, bananas, sugar; livestock - cattle, pigs, poultry Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.51 billion Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year French Guiana Communications Highways: 680 km total; 510 km paved, 170 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 460 km, navigable by small oceangoing vessels and river and coastal steamers; 3,300 km navigable by native craft Ports: Cayenne Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 10 total, 10 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair open-wire and radio relay system; 18,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 FM, 9 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station French Guiana Defense Forces Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49 37,467; 24,534 fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp FRENCH GUIANA - Proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID required for visit up to 3 months. For further information consult Embassy of France (202/944-6000). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text FRENCH_G French Polynesia false marked #v$:% French Polynesia showNameProp French Polynesia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp French Polynesia Geography Total area: 3,941 km2 Land area: 3,660 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 2,525 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderate Terrain: mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 19%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 31%; other 44% Environment: occasional cyclonic storm in January; includes five archipelagoes Note: Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru French Polynesia People Population: 205,620 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 15 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - French Polynesian(s); adjective - French Polynesian Ethnic divisions: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4% Religions: mainly Christian; Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 16% Languages: French and Tahitian (both official) Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 14 and over but definition of literacy not available (1977) Labor force: 76,630 employed (1988) Organized labor: NA French Polynesia Government Long-form name: Territory of French Polynesia Type: overseas territory of France since 1946 Capital: Papeete Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 5 archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent; note - Clipperton Island is administered by France from French Polynesia Independence: none (overseas territory of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: based on French system National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French president, high commissioner of the republic, president of the Council of Ministers, vice president of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981); High Commissioner of the Republic Jean MONTPEZAT (since November 1987) Head of Government: President of the Council of Ministers Gaston FLOSSE (since 10 May 1991); Vice President of the Council of Ministers Joel BUILLARD (since 12 September 1991) Political parties and leaders: People's Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira; Gaullist), Gaston FLOSSE; Polynesian Union Party (Te Tiarama; centrist), Alexandre LEONTIEFF; New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api), Emile VERNAUDON; Polynesian Liberation Front (Tavini Huiraatira), Oscar TEMARU; other small parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) People's Rally (Gaullist) 1, New Fatherland Party 1 French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) party NA Territorial Assembly: last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) People's Rally (Gaullist) 18, Polynesian Union Party 14, New Fatherland Party 5, other 4 Member of: FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO Diplomatic representation: as an overseas territory of France, French Polynesian interests are represented in the US by France French Polynesia Government Flag: the flag of France is used French Polynesia Economy Overview: Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. Tourism accounts for about 20% of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. exchange rate conversion - $1.2 billion, per capita $6,000; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1989) Unemployment rate: 14.9% (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $614 million; expenditures $957 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988) Exports: $88.9 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: coconut products 79%, mother-of-pearl 14%, vanilla, shark meat partners: France 54%, US 17%, Japan 17% Imports: $765 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: fuels, foodstuffs, equipment partners: France 53%, US 11%, Australia 6%, NZ 5% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 72,000 kW capacity; 265 million kWh produced, 1,390 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts Agriculture: coconut and vanilla plantations; vegetables and fruit; poultry, beef, dairy products Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $3.95 billion Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (plural - francs); 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 97.81 (January 1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30 (1988), 109.27 (1987); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: calendar year French Polynesia Communications Highways: 600 km (1982) Ports: Papeete, Bora-bora Merchant marine: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,128 GRT/6,710 DWT; includes 2 passenger-cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo; note - a captive subset of the French register Civil air: about 6 major transport aircraft Airports: 43 total, 41 usable; 23 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 33,200 telephones; 84,000 radio receivers; 26,400 TV sets; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 2 FM, 6 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station French Polynesia Defense Forces Branches: French forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 50,844; NA fit for military service Note: defense is responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text FRENCH_P French Southern & Antarctic Land false marked French Southern and Antarctic La showNameProp French Southern & Antarctic Lands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp French Southern and Antarctic Lands Geography Total area: 7,781 km2 Land area: 7,781 km2; includes Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Crozet; excludes Terre Adelie claim of about 500,000 km2 in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Delaware Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,232 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (Iles Kerguelen only) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Terre Adelie claim in Antarctica is not recognized by the US Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic Natural resources: fish, crayfish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes Note: located in the southern Indian Ocean about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia French Southern and Antarctic Lands People Population: summer (January 1991) - 200, winter (July 1992) - 150, growth rate 0.0% (1992); note - mostly researchers French Southern and Antarctic Lands Government Long-form name: Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Type: overseas territory of France since 1955; governed by High Administrator Bernard de GOUTTES (since May 1990), who is assisted by a 7-member Consultative Council and a 12-member Scientific Council Capital: none; administered from Paris, France Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 districts named Ile Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; excludes Terre Adelie claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US Flag: the flag of France is used French Southern and Antarctic Lands Economy Overview: Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations and French and other fishing fleets. The fishing catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion. Budget: $33.6 million (1990) French Southern and Antarctic Lands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Merchant marine: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 192,752 GRT/334,400 DWT; includes 1 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 2 bulk, 1 multifunction large load carrier; note - a captive subset of the French register Telecommunications: NA French Southern and Antarctic Lands Defense Forces Branches: French Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force) Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text FRENCH_S Gabon false marked Gabon showNameProp Gabon most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Gabon Geography Total area: 267,670 km2 Land area: 257,670 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Colorado Land boundaries: 2,551 km; Cameroon 298 km, Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km Coastline: 885 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay Climate: tropical; always hot, humid Terrain: narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south Natural resources: crude oil, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 78%; other 2% Environment: deforestation Gabon People Population: 1,106,355 (July 1992), growth rate 1.5% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 100 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Gabonese (singular and plural); adjective - Gabonese Ethnic divisions: about 40 Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Eshira, Bapounou, Bateke); about 100,000 expatriate Africans and Europeans, including 27,000 French Religions: Christian 55-75%, Muslim less than 1%, remainder animist Languages: French (official), Fang, Myene, Bateke, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi Literacy: 61% (male 74%, female 48%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 120,000 salaried; agriculture 65.0%, industry and commerce 30.0%, services 2.5%, government 2.5%; 58% of population of working age (1983) Organized labor: there are 38,000 members of the national trade union, the Gabonese Trade Union Confederation (COSYGA) Gabon Government Long-form name: Gabonese Republic Type: republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990) Capital: Libreville Administrative divisions: 9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem Independence: 17 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: 21 February 1961, revised 15 April 1975 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; compulsory ICJ jurisdiction not accepted National holiday: Renovation Day (Gabonese Democratic Party established), 12 March (1968) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2 December 1967) Head of Government: Prime Minister Casimir OYE-MBA (since 3 May 1990) Political parties and leaders: Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG, former sole party), El Hadj Omar BONGO, president; National Recovery Movement - Lumberjacks (Morena-Bucherons); Gabonese Party for Progress (PGP); National Recovery Movement (Morena-Original); Association for Socialism in Gabon (APSG); Gabonese Socialist Union (USG); Circle for Renewal and Progress (CRP); Union for Democracy and Development (UDD) Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held on 28 October 1990 (next to be held by NA); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (120 total, 111 elected) PDG 62, National Recovery Movement - Lumberjacks (Morena-Bucherons) 19, PGP 18, National Recovery Movement (Morena-Original) 7, APSG 6, USG 4, CRP 1, independents 3 President: last held on 9 November 1986 (next to be held December 1993); results - President Omar BONGO was reelected without opposition Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador-designate Alexandre SAMBAT; Chancery at 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 797-1000 Gabon Government US: Ambassador Keith L. WAUCHOPE; Embassy at Boulevard de la Mer, Libreville (mailing address is B. P. 4000, Libreville); telephone (241) 762003/4, or 743492 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue Gabon Economy Overview: The economy, dependent on timber and manganese until the early 1970s, is now dominated by the oil sector. During the period 1981-85, oil accounted for about 46% of GDP, 83% of export earnings, and 65% of government revenues on average. The high oil prices of the early 1980s contributed to a substantial increase in per capita income, stimulated domestic demand, reinforced migration from rural to urban areas, and raised the level of real wages to among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The three-year slide of Gabon's economy, which began with falling oil prices in 1985, was reversed in 1989 because of a near doubling of oil prices over their 1988 lows. In 1990 the economy posted strong growth despite serious strikes, but debt servicing problems are hindering economic advancement. The agricultural and industrial sectors are relatively underdeveloped, except for oil. exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion, per capita $3,090; real growth rate 13% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1989 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $277 million (1990 est.) Exports: $1.16 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: crude oil 70%, manganese 11%, wood 12%, uranium 6% partners: France 53%, US 22%, FRG, Japan Imports: $0.78 billion (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: foodstuffs, chemical products, petroleum products, construction materials, manufactures, machinery partners: France 48%, US 2.6%, FRG, Japan, UK External debt: $3.4 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -10% (1988 est.) Electricity: 315,000 kW capacity; 995 million kWh produced, 920 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, food and beverages, timber, cement, plywood, textiles, mining - manganese, uranium, gold Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cash crops - cocoa, coffee, palm oil; livestock not developed; importer of food; small fishing operations provide a catch of about 20,000 metric tons; okoume (a tropical softwood) is the most important timber product Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $66 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,225 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $27 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Gabon Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Gabon Communications Railroads: 649 km 1.437-meter standard-gauge single track (Transgabonese Railroad) Highways: 7,500 km total; 560 km paved, 960 km laterite, 5,980 km earth Inland waterways: 1,600 km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 270 km; petroleum products 14 km Ports: Owendo, Port-Gentil, Libreville Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,563 GRT/25,330 DWT Civil air: 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 70 total, 59 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate system of cable, radio relay, tropospheric scatter links and radiocommunication stations; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 6 FM, 3 (5 repeaters) TV; satellite earth stations - 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 12 domestic satellite Gabon Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Presidential Guard, National Gendarmerie, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 267,580; 134,665 fit for military service; 9,262 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $102 million, 3.2% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp GABON - Passport and visa required. Visa applicants must obtain visa before arrival. Single-entry visa valid up to 1 month, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, yellow fever vaccination and $20 fee. Multiple-entry visa valid for 2-4 months, $50 (no personal checks accepted). Also need detailed travel arrangements, including flight numbers, arrival and departure dates, accommodations and next destination. Business visa requires company letter stating purpose of trip and contacts in Gabon. Accompanying family must be included in letter. For longer stays and other information call Embassy of the Gabonese Republic, 2034 20th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/797-1000). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text GABON The Gambia false marked The Gambia showNameProp The Gambia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp The Gambia Geography Total area: 11,300 km2 Land area: 10,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Delaware Land boundaries: 740 km; Senegal 740 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm Continental shelf: not specific Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of boundary with Senegal is indefinite Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 16%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland 20%; other 55%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: deforestation Note: almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa The Gambia People Population: 902,089 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 129 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 47 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Gambian(s); adjective - Gambian Ethnic divisions: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%); non-Gambian 1% Religions: Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1% Languages: English (official); Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars Literacy: 27% (male 39%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 400,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 75.0%, industry, commerce, and services 18.9%, government 6.1%; 55% population of working age (1983) Organized labor: 25-30% of wage labor force The Gambia Government Long-form name: Republic of The Gambia Type: republic under multiparty democratic rule Capital: Banjul Administrative divisions: 5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Lower River, MacCarthy Island, North Bank, Upper River, Western Independence: 18 February 1965 (from UK); The Gambia and Senegal signed an agreement on 12 December 1981 (effective 1 February 1982) that called for the creation of a loose confederation to be known as Senegambia, but the agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989 Constitution: 24 April 1970 Legal system: based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA (since 24 April 1970); Vice President Bakary Bunja DARBO (since 12 May 1982) Political parties and leaders: People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dawda K. JAWARA, secretary general; National Convention Party (NCP), Sheriff DIBBA; Gambian People's Party (GPP), Hassan Musa CAMARA; United Party (UP), leader NA; People's Democratic Organization of Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), leader NA; People's Democratic Party (PDP), Jabel SALLAH Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 11 March 1987 (next to be held by March 1992); results - PPP 56.6%, NCP 27.6%, GPP 14.7%, PDOIS 1%; seats - (43 total, 36 elected) PPP 31, NCP 5 President: last held on 11 March 1987 (next to be held March 1992); results - Sir Dawda JAWARA (PPP) 61.1%, Sherif Mustapha DIBBA (NCP) 25.2%, Assan Musa CAMARA (GPP) 13.7% Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ousman A. SALLAH; Chancery at Suite 720, 1030 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 842-1356 or 842-1359 US: Ambassador Arlene RENDER; Embassy at Pipeline Road (Kairaba Avenue), Fajara, Banjul (mailing address is P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul); telephone Serrekunda [220] 92856 or 92858, 91970, 91971 The Gambia Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green The Gambia Economy Overview: The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a limited agricultural base. It is one of the world's poorest countries with a per capita income of about $230. About 75% of the population is engaged in crop production and livestock raising, which contribute 30% to GDP. Small-scale manufacturing activity - processing peanuts, fish, and hides - accounts for less than 10% of GDP. Tourism is a growing industry. The Gambia imports one-third of its food, all fuel, and most manufactured goods. Exports are concentrated on peanut products (about 75% of total value). exchange rate conversion - $207 million, per capita $235; real growth rate 3% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.0% (FY91) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $79 million; expenditures $84 million, including capital expenditures of $21 million (FY90) Exports: $116 million (f.o.b., FY90) commodities: peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels partners: Japan 60%, Europe 29%, Africa 5%, US 1, other 5% (1989) Imports: $147 million (f.o.b., FY90) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactures, raw materials, fuel, machinery and transport equipment partners: Europe 57%, Asia 25%, USSR/EE 9%, US 6%, other 3% (1989) External debt: $336 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6.7%; accounts for 5.8% of GDP (FY90) Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 65 million kWh produced, 75 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: peanut processing, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP and employs about 75% of the population; imports one-third of food requirements; major export crop is peanuts; the other principal crops - millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava, palm kernels; livestock - cattle, sheep, and goats; forestry and fishing resources not fully exploited Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $93 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $535 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $39 million Currency: dalasi (plural - dalasi); 1 dalasi (D) = 100 bututs Exchange rates: dalasi (D) per US$1 - 8.790 (March 1992), 8.803 (1991), 7.883 (1990), 7.5846 (1989), 6.7086 (1988), 7.0744 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June The Gambia Communications Highways: 3,083 km total; 431 km paved, 501 km gravel/laterite, and 2,151 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 400 km Ports: Banjul Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: adequate network of radio relay and wire; 3,500 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station The Gambia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, National Gendarmerie, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 194,480; 98,271 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - more than $1 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp GAMBIA - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa for stay up to 3 months, requires $12 fee, 1 application, 1 photo and yellow fever immunization certificates. Multi-entry visa available, $24. For business visa, need company letter stating purpose of visit and itinerary. Allow at least 2 working days for processing. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by mail. Apply Embassy of the Gambia, Suite 720, 1030 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/842-1356 and 1359) or Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the U.N., 820 2nd Ave., 9th floor, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/949-6640). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... THE_GAMB of food requirements; major export crop is peanuts; the other principal crops - millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava, palm kernels; livestock - cattle, sheep, and goats; forestry and fishing resources not c c!c"c#c$c%c&c'c(c)c*c+c,c-c.c/c0c1c2c3c4c5c6c7c8c9c:c;cc?c@c BcCcDcEcFcGcHcIcJcWc OcPcQcRc Cocos Islands false marked Cocos Islands showNameProp Cocos Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cocos Islands Geography Total area: 14 km2 Land area: 14 km2; main islands are West Island and Home Island Comparative area: about 24 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 2.6 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: pleasant, modified by the southeasttrade wind for about nine months of the year; moderate rain fall Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation Note: located 1,070 km southwest of Sumatra (Indonesia) in the Indian Ocean about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka Cocos Islands People Population: 597 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cocos Islander(s); adjective - Cocos Islander Ethnic divisions: mostly Europeans on West Island and Cocos Malays on Home Island Religions: almost all Sunni Muslims Languages: English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: none Cocos Islands Government Long-form name: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Type: territory of Australia Capital: West Island Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 Legal system: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws National holiday: NA Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, chairman of the Islands Council Legislative branch: unicameral Islands Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA); Chairman of the Islands Council Haji Wahin bin BYNIE (since NA) Suffrage: NA Elections: NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used Cocos Islands Economy Overview: Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $NA commodities: copra partners: Australia Imports: $NA commodities: foodstuffs partners: Australia External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra products Agriculture: gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts Economic aid: none Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Cocos Islands Communications Ports: none; lagoon anchorage only Airports: 1 airfield with permanent-surface runway, 1,220-2,439 m; airport on West Island is a link in service between Australia and South Africa Telecommunications: 250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile communications via satellite with Australia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV Cocos Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text COCOS_IS Colombia false marked Colombia showNameProp Colombia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Colombia Geography Total area: 1,138,910 km2 Land area: 1,038,700 km2; includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla Bank Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: 7,408 km; Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900, Venezuela 2,050 km Coastline: 3,208 km; Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank Climate: tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands Terrain: flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes mountains, eastern lowland plains Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest and woodland 49%; other 16%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; periodic droughts Note: only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea Colombia People Population: 34,296,941 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 31 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Colombian(s); adjective - Colombian Ethnic divisions: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: 87% (male 88%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 12,000,000 (1990); services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990) Organized labor: 984,000 members (1989), about 8.2% of labor force; the Communist-backed Unitary Workers Central or CUT is the largest labor organization, with about 725,000 members (including all affiliate unions) Colombia Government Long-form name: Republic of Colombia Type: republic; executive branch dominates government structure Capital: Bogota Administrative divisions: 23 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 5 commissariats* (comisarias, singular - comisaria), and 4 intendancies** (intendencias, singular - intendencia); Amazonas*, Antioquia, Arauca**, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare**, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia*, Guaviare*, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo**, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia**, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes*, Vichada*; note - there may be a new special district (distrito especial) named Bogota; the Constitution of 5 July 1991 states that the commissariats and intendancies are to become full departments and a capital district (distrito capital) of Santa Fe de Bogota is to be established by 1997 Independence: 20 July 1810 (from Spain) Constitution: 5 July 1991 Legal system: based on Spanish law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810) Executive branch: president, presidential designate, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of a nationally elected upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a nationally elected lower chamber or House of Representatives (Camara de Representantes) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990) Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party (PL), Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo, president; Social Conservative Party (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN), Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is headed by 19th of April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of small leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union (UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMERO Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (Liberal) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement) 24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative) 12% Senate: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal 58, Conservative 22, AD/M-19 9, MSN 5, UP 1, others 7 Colombia Government House of Representatives: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal 87, Conservative 31, AD/M-19 13, MSN 10, UP 3, other 17 Communists: 18,000 members (est.), including Communist Party Youth Organization (JUCO) Other political or pressure groups: three insurgent groups are active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), led by Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; National Liberation Army (ELN), led by Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recently demobilized People's Liberation Army (EPL) led by Francisco CARABALLO Member of: AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime GARCIA Parra; Chancery at 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-8338; there are Colombian Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Tampa US: Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY; Embassy at Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota (mailing address is P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038); telephone [57] (1) 285-1300 or 1688; FAX [571] 288-5687; there is a US Consulate in Barranquilla Flag: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center Colombia Economy Overview: Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth rates remain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies have kept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapid development of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries over the past four years has helped to offset the decline in coffee prices - Colombia's major export. The collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in the summer of 1989, a troublesome rural insurgency, and drug-related violence have dampened growth, but significant economic reforms are likely to facilitate a resurgent economy in the medium term. These reforms center on fiscal restraint, trade liberalization, and privatization of state utilities and commercial banks. exchange rate conversion - $45 billion, per capita $1,300; real growth rate 3.7% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 26.8% (1991) Unemployment rate: 10.5% (1991) Budget: revenues $4.39 billion; current expenditures $3.93 billion, capital expenditures $1.03 billion (1989 est.) Exports: $7.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum (19%), coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers partners: US 40%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3% Imports: $6.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, paper products partners: US 36%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3% External debt: $17.0 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1991 est.); accounts for 21% of GDP Electricity: 9,624,000 kW capacity; 38,856 million kWh produced, 1,150 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver, salt Agriculture: growth rate 3% (1991 est.) accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirds and livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit a wide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becoming more important Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, coca, and opium; about 37,500 hectares of coca under cultivation; major supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets Colombia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3 billion, Communist countries (1970-89), $399 million Currency: Colombian peso (plural - pesos); 1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 711.88 (January 1992), 633.08 (1991), 550.00 (1990), 435.00 (1989), 336.00 (1988), 242.61 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Colombia Communications Railroads: 3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km 1. 435-meter gauge Highways: 75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfaces Inland waterways: 14,300 km, navigable by river boats Pipelines: crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; natural gas liquids 125 km Ports: Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco Merchant marine: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 289,794 GRT/443,369 DWT; includes 9 cargo, 1 chemical tanker, 3 petroleum tanker, 8 bulk, 10 container; note - in addition, 2 naval tankers are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 83 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,167 total, 1,023 usable; 70 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 191 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 11 domestic satellite earth stations Colombia Defense Forces Branches: Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia), National Police (Policia Nacional) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 9,214,691; 6,240,601 fit for military service; 353,691 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $624 million, 1.4% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp COLOMBIA - Passport and proof of onward/return ticket required for stay up to 90 days. For information about longer stays, business and official travel contact Embassy of Colombia (Consulate), 1825 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/332-7476) or nearest Consulate General: CA (415/362-0080), FL (305/448-5558), IL (312/341- 0658), LA (504/525-5580), NY (212/949-9898), PR (809/754-1675) or TX (713/527-8919). Colombia - Consular Information Sheet November 26, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Colombia is located in Bogota at Calle 38 No. 8-61, at tel: (57-1) 320-1300. There is also a Consulate in Barranquilla at Calle 77, Carrera 68, Centro Comercial Mayorista, at tel: (57-58) 457-088. Country Description: Colombia is a medium income country with a diverse economy. Tourist facilities vary, depending on cost and area. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport and proof of an onward/return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent or in someone else's custody, must present written authorization from the absent parent, parents, or legal guardian signed before a notary and authenticated by the Colombian Embassy or consulate. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Colombia, travelers can contact the Colombian Embassy at 2118 Leroy Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 387-8338 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Houston, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Health problems in Colombia include the presence of cholera, though it is found largely in areas outside the cities and usual tourist areas. Visitors who follow proper precautions regarding food and drink are not generally at risk. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage is considered useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Minor crime is prevalent in cities, especially in the vicinity of hotels and airports. Airport theft of hand luggage and travel documents is not uncommon. Taking illegal taxis, which are sometimes characterized by two drivers and irregular markings, is considered risky. Attempts at extortion and kidnappings on rural buses are not unusual. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Areas of Instability: The entire country is currently experiencing daily and nightly power outages. Serious crimes (such as homicide, rape, assault and kidnapping) have greatly increased during these blackouts. The following particularly dangerous areas are off limits to U.S. government personnel because of security concerns. In addition, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from road travel outside of the Bogota metropolitan area. - Colombia east of the Andes except the cities of Villavicencio in Meta department and Leticia in the Amazonas Department and adjacent tourist areas in Amazonas. - All of Antioquia department (zone) including the city of Medellin. - Most of the north coast, except for the major tourist areas such as Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena, and San Andres. - The northern half of Choco Department, particularly the Uraba region, except for the tourist area of Capurgan. - The Magdelena Medio region: The Magdelena River valley south to Tolima, including western Boyaca, eastern Caldas, and northwestern Cundinamarca. - Rural Valle de Cauca Department and most of the Cauca River valley including the cities of Cali and Buenaventura, and the road between Cali and Buenaventura. - Tolima department south of Espinal, especially if traveling after dark. - Road travel in Huila and Cauca departments. The cities of Neiva and Popayan are considered to be safe if reached by air. Terrorist Activities: Several terrorist or guerrilla groups are active in Colombia; U.S. interests are included among their targets. Kidnapping for ransom or political purposes is increasingly common in Colombia and U.S. citizens have been held for ransom or for political purposes. Other Information: The Galeras Volcano, located near the city of Pasto, Narino Department, is active. Colombian government agencies are monitoring the volcano's activity. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: A pamphlet on "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or at the Consulate in Barranquilla can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-123 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 27, 1992 to note travel restrictions on U.S. government personnel. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text COLOMBIA Comoros false marked Comoros showNameProp Comoros most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Comoros Geography Total area: 2,170 km2 Land area: 2,170 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 340 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims French-administered Mayotte Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 35%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 16%; other 34% Environment: soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; cyclones possible during rainy season Note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel Comoros People Population: 493,853 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 84 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 59 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Comoran(s); adjective - Comoran Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Religions: Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% Languages: official languages are Arabic and French but majority of population speak Comoran, a blend of Swahili and Arabic Literacy: 48% (male 56%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 140,000 (1982); agriculture 80%, government 3%; 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: NA Comoros Government Long-form name: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros Type: independent republic Capital: Moroni Administrative divisions: three islands; Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mwali, formerly Grand Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli respectively; note - there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Mutsamudu Independence: 31 December 1975 (from France) Constitution: 1 October 1978, amended October 1982 and January 1985 Legal system: French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); coordinator of National Unity Government (de facto prime minister) - Mohamed Taki ABDULKARIM (1 January 1992) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Federal Assembly: last held 22 March 1987 (next to be held March 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total) Udzima 42 President: last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said Mohamed DJOHAR (Udzima) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45% Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMIN; Chancery (temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 972-8010 US: Ambassador Kenneth N. PELTIER; Embassy at address NA, Moroni (mailing address B. P. 1318, Moroni); telephone 73-22-03, 73-29-22 Flag: green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the crescent points to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are four white five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by the Comoros) Comoros Economy Overview: One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islands that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes about 34% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for 90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in 1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts for about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of 1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, and balance-of-payments difficulties. Preliminary estimates for 1991 show a moderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism, and government investment outlays. exchange rate conversion - $260 million, per capita $540; real growth rate 2.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: over 16% (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $88 million; expenditures $92 million, including capital expenditures of $13 million (1990 est.) Exports: $16 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylang partners: US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988) Imports: $41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods partners: Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988) External debt: $196 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.4% (1988 est.); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: 16,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials, soft drinks Agriculture: accounts for 34% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence agriculture and fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export - vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, and copra; principal food crops - coconuts, bananas, cassava; world's leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang (for perfumes) and second-largest producer of vanilla; large net food importer Comoros Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18 million Currency: Comoran franc (plural - francs); 1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987); note - linked to the French franc at 50 to 1 French franc Fiscal year: calendar year Comoros Communications Highways: 750 km total; about 210 km bituminous, remainder crushed stone or gravel Ports: Mutsamudu, Moroni Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 4 total, 4 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communication stations for interisland and external communications to Madagascar and Reunion; over 1,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV Comoros Defense Forces Branches: Comoran Security Forces (FCS), Federal Gendarmerie (GFC) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 105,022; 62,808 fit for military service Defense expenditures: $NA, NA of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp COMOROS ISLANDS - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa for up to 3 weeks (extendable) issued at airport upon arrival. For further information consult Embassy of the Federal and Islamic Republic of Comoros, 336 East 45th St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/972- 8010). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text COMOROS Congo false marked Congo showNameProp Congo most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Congo Geography Total area: 342,000 km2 Land area: 341,500 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Montana Land boundaries: 5,504 km; Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 km Coastline: 169 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: long section with Zaire along the Congo River is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made) Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin Natural resources: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest and woodland 62%; other 7% Environment: deforestation; about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, or along the railroad between them Congo People Population: 2,376,687 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 109 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 53 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Congolese (singular and plural); adjective - Congolese or Congo Ethnic divisions: about 15 ethnic groups divided into some 75 tribes, almost all Bantu; most important ethnic groups are Kongo (48%) in the south, Sangha (20%) and M'Bochi (12%) in the north, Teke (17%) in the center; about 8,500 Europeans, mostly French Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% Languages: French (official); many African languages with Lingala and Kikongo most widely used Literacy: 57% (male 70%, female 44%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 79,100 wage earners; agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25%; 51% of population of working age; 40% of population economically active (1985) Organized labor: 20% of labor force (1979 est.) Congo Government Long-form name: Republic of the Congo Type: republic Capital: Brazzaville Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha Independence: 15 August 1960 (from France; formerly Congo/Brazzaville) Constitution: 8 July 1979, currently being modified Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law National holiday: Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: a transitional National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 8 February 1979); stripped of most powers by National Conference in May 1991 Head of Government: Prime Minister Andre MILONGO (since May 1991) Political parties and leaders: Congolese Labor Party (PCT), President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, leader; note - multiparty system legalized, with over 50 parties established Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: transitional body selected by National Conference in May 1991; election for new legislative body to be held spring 1992 President: last held 26-31 July 1989 (next to be held June 1992); results - President SASSOU-NGUESSO unanimously reelected leader of the PCT by the Party Congress, which automatically made him president Communists: small number of Communists and sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: Union of Congolese Socialist Youth (UJSC), Congolese Trade Union Congress (CSC), Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women (URFC), General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students (UGEEC) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Roger ISSOMBO; Chancery at 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011; telephone (202) 726-5500 Congo Government US: Ambassador James Daniel PHILLIPS; Embassy at Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville (mailing address is B. P. 1015, Brazzaville, or Box C, APO AE 09828); telephone (242) 83-20-70; FAX [242] 83-63-38 Flag: red, divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Congo Economy Overview: Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, a beginning industrial sector based largely on oil, supporting services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. A reform program, supported by the IMF and World Bank, ran into difficulties in 1990-91 because of problems in changing to a democratic political regime and a heavy debt-servicing burden. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing about two-thirds of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oil revenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projects with growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. During the period 1987-91, however, growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5% annually, only half the population growth rate. exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $1,070; real growth rate 0.5% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.6% (1989 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $522 million; expenditures $767 million, including capital expenditures of $141 million (1989) Exports: $751 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: crude petroleum 72%, lumber, plywood, coffee, cocoa, sugar, diamonds partners: US, France, other EC Imports: $564 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, intermediate manufactures, capital equipment partners: France, Italy, other EC, US, FRG, Spain, Japan, Brazil External debt: $4.5 billion (December 1988) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 140,000 kW capacity; 315 million kWh produced, 135 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil, cement, sawmills, brewery, sugar mill, palm oil, soap, cigarettes Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cassava accounts for 90% of food output; other crops - rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables; cash crops include coffee and cocoa; forest products important export earner; imports over 90% of food needs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $60 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $15 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $338 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Congo Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Congo Communications Railroads: 797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are privately owned) Highways: 11,960 km total; 560 km paved; 850 km gravel and laterite; 5,350 km improved earth; 5,200 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of commercially navigable water transport; the rest are used for local traffic only Pipelines: crude oil 25 km Ports: Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port) Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft Airports: 46 total, 42 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 17 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: services adequate for government use; primary network is composed of radio relay routes and coaxial cables; key centers are Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; 18,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean satellite earth station Congo Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 526,058; 267,393 fit for military service; 23,884 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 4.6% of GDP (1987 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CONGO - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa fee $15 or multiple-entry $20, for tourist/business stay up to 3 months, requires yellow fever and cholera immunizations and onward/return ticket. First-time applicants need 3 application forms and 3 photos, returning visitors need only 2. For business visa must have company letter stating reason for trip. Include SASE for return of passport by mail. Letter of introduction stating reason for trip, 3 applications and 3 photos required. Apply Embassy of the People's Republic of the Congo, 4891 Colorado Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-5500/1). CONGO - CAUTION July 20, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Congo. Although the situation remains outwardly calm, tensions in the recently-named transition government have created the possibility of civil disturbances in Brazzaville, the capital. Elections scheduled for June have been postponed to mid-August at the earliest. Visitors should be aware that they may be caught up in mass demonstrations, which may obstruct normal services, including airport operations. Travelers to the Congo should register upon arrival with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville, on Avenue Amilcar Cabral, B.P. 1015, telephone 83-20-70. No. 92-146 This advisory replaces the previous advisory, issued March 18, 1992, to advise caution due to the possibility of civil disturbances in Brazzaville, and to inform of the postponement of elections. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CONGO Cook Islands false marked Cook Islands showNameProp Cook Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cook Islands Geography Total area: 240 km2 Land area: 240 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or minimum of 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 22%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 74% Environment: subject to typhoons from November to March Note: located 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean Cook Islands People Population: 17,977 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -10 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cook Islander(s); adjective - Cook Islander Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% Religions: Christian, majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian Church Languages: English (official); Maori Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 5,810; agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, and other 4% (1981) Organized labor: NA Cook Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultation with the Cook Islands Capital: Avarua Administrative divisions: none Independence: became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action Constitution: 4 August 1965 National holiday: Constitution Day, 4 August Executive branch: British monarch, representative of the UK, representative of New Zealand, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament; note - the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the UK Sir Tangaroa TANGAROA (since NA); Representative of New Zealand Adrian SINCOCK (since NA) Head of Government: Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Inatio AKARURU (since February 1989) Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Tumu Party, Vincent INGRAM; Democratic Party, Terepai MAOATE; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People's Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: Parliament: last held 19 January 1989 (next to be held by January 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (24 total) Cook Islands Party 12, Democratic Tumu Party 2, opposition coalition (including Democratic Party) 9, independent 1 Member of: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, IOC, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) Flag: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag Cook Islands Economy Overview: Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are fruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic development is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign markets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links. A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances from emigrants and from foreign aid. Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential and expanding the fishing industry. exchange rate conversion - $40.0 million, per capita $2,200 (1988 est.); real growth rate 5.3% (1986-88 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.0% (1988) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $33.8 million; expenditures $34.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $4.0 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing partners: NZ 80%, Japan Imports: $38.7 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber partners: NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 14,000 kW capacity; 21 million kWh produced, 1,170 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fruit processing, tourism Agriculture: export crops - copra, citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas; subsistence crops - yams, taro Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $128 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8502 (January 1992), 1.7266 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Cook Islands Communications Highways: 187 km total (1980); 35 km paved, 35 km gravel, 84 km improved earth, 33 km unimproved earth Ports: Avatiu Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, no TV; 10,000 radio receivers; 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station Cook Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand entryText false sharedText textHeightProp COOK ISLANDS - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not needed for visit up to 31 days. For longer stays and further information contact Consulate for the Cook Islands, Kamehameha Schools, #16, Kapalama Heights, Honolulu, HI 96817 (808/847-6377). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text COOK_ISL Coral Sea Islands false marked Coral Sea Islands showNameProp Coral Sea Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Coral Sea Islands Geography Total area: less than 3 km2 Land area: less than 3 km2; includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million km2, with Willis Islets the most important Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other, mostly grass or scrub cover 100%; Lihou Reef Reserve and Coringa-Herald Reserve were declared National Nature Reserves on 3 August 1982 Environment: subject to occasional tropical cyclones; no permanent fresh water; important nesting area for birds and turtles Note: the islands are located just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea Coral Sea Islands People Population: 3 meteorologists (1992) Coral Sea Islands Government Long-form name: Coral Sea Islands Territory Type: territory of Australia administered by the Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories Roslyn KELLY Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Flag: the flag of Australia is used Coral Sea Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity Coral Sea Islands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorages only Coral Sea Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CORAL_SE Costa Rica false marked Costa Rica showNameProp Costa Rica most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Costa Rica Geography Total area: 51,100 km2 Land area: 50,660 km2; includes Isla del Coco Comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: 639 km; Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km Coastline: 1,290 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November) Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains Natural resources: hydropower potential Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 45%; forest and woodland 34%; other 8%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes; deforestation; soil erosion Costa Rica People Population: 3,187,085 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Costa Rican(s); adjective - Costa Rican Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon Literacy: 93% (male 93%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 868,300; industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.) Organized labor: 15.1% of labor force Costa Rica Government Long-form name: Republic of Costa Rica Type: democratic republic Capital: San Jose Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: 9 November 1949 Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier (since 8 May 1990); First Vice President German SERRANO Pinto (since 8 May 1990); Second Vice President Arnoldo LOPEZ Echandi (since 8 May 1990) Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Party (PLN), Carlos Manuel CASTILLO Morales; Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP), Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC), Lenin CHACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose ECHEVERRIA Brealey Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (57 total) PUSC 29, PLN 25, PVP/PPC 1, regional parties 2 President: last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier 51%, Carlos Manuel CASTILLO 47% Communists: 7,500 members and sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD; Liberation Party affiliate), Confederated Union of Workers (CUT; Communist Party affiliate), Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD; Communist Party affiliate), Chamber of Coffee Growers, National Association for Economic Development (ANFE), Free Costa Rica Movement (MCRL; rightwing militants), National Association of Educators (ANDE) Costa Rica Government Member of: AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gonzalo FACIO Segreda; Chancery at Suite 211, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-2945 through 2947; there are Costa Rican Consulates General at Albuquerque, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and a Consulate in Buffalo US: Ambassador Luis GUINOT, Jr.; Embassy at Pavas Road, San Jose (mailing address is APO AA 34020); telephone [506] 20-39-39 FAX (506) 20-2305 Flag: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band Costa Rica Economy Overview: In 1991 the economy grew at an estimated 2.5%, down somewhat from the 3.6% gain of 1990 and below the strong 5.5% gain of 1989. Increases in agricultural production (on the strength of good coffee and banana crops) and in construction have been offset by lower rates of growth for industry. In 1991 consumer prices rose by 27%, about the same as in 1990. The trade deficit of $270 million was substantially below the 1990 deficit of $677 million. Unemployment is officially reported at 4.6%, but much underemployment remains. External debt, on a per capita basis, is among the world's highest. exchange rate conversion - $5.9 billion, per capita $1,900; real growth rate 2.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 27% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.6% (1991) Budget: revenues $831 million; expenditures $1.08 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar partners: US 75%, Germany, Guatemala, Netherlands, UK, Japan Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs partners: US 40%, Japan, Guatemala, Germany External debt: $4.5 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (1990 est.); accounts for 23% of GDP Electricity: 927,000 kW capacity; 3,408 million kWh produced, 1,095 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products Agriculture: accounts for 20-25% of GDP and 70% of exports; cash commodities - coffee, beef, bananas, sugar; other food crops include corn, rice, beans, potatoes; normally self-sufficient in food except for grain; depletion of forest resources resulting in lower timber output Illicit drugs: illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plots; transshipment country for cocaine from South America Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $935 million; Communist countries (1971-89), $27 million Currency: Costa Rican colon (plural - colones); 1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 136.35 (January 1992), 122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989), 75.805 (1988), 62.776 (1987) Costa Rica Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Costa Rica Communications Railroads: 950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified Highways: 15,400 km total; 7,030 km paved, 7,010 km gravel, 1,360 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: about 730 km, seasonally navigable Pipelines: petroleum products 176 km Ports: Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puntarenas Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,878 GRT/4,506 DWT Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 164 total, 149 usable; 28 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connection into Central American Microwave System; broadcast stations - 71 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Costa Rica Defense Forces Branches: Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard; note - Constitution prohibits armed forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 829,576; 559,575 fit for military service; 31,828 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp COSTA RICA - Valid passport required. Travelers are sometimes admitted with (original) certified U.S. birth certificate and photo ID for tourist stay up to 90 days. Tourist card issued upon arrival at airport. U.S. citizens must have onward/return ticket. For stays over 90 days, you must apply for an extension (within in first week of visit) with Costa Rican Immigration and, after 90 days, obtain exit visa and posses a valid U.S. passport. Visitors staying over 90 days must have an AIDS test performed in Costa Rica. For travel with pets and other information contact Embassy of Costa Rica, 1825 Conn. Ave., N.W., Suite 211, Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/328-6628 and 234-2495) or nearest Consulate General: CA (415/392-8488), FL (305/377-4242),IL (312/263-2772), LA (504/525-5445), NY (212/425-2620) or TX (713/785- 1315). Costa Rica - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is located in Pavas, San Jose at telephone (506)20-39-39. Country Description: Costa Rica is a developing country. Tourist facilities, particularly in the capital, are generally adequate. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a valid passport in order to enter the country. Travelers are sometimes admitted with the original copy of a certified U.S. birth certificate and photo I.D. for tourist stays up to 90 days. Tourist cards are issued upon arrival at the airport. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket to obtain a tourist card. To obtain additional information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Costa Rica at 1825 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 211, Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: (202) 234-2945 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, New York, or Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical care in the capital city of San Jose is adequate; however, in areas outside of San Jose, they are more limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty crime occurs. Thefts, especially in urban areas, and car break-ins are common. Thefts take place on the street, in hotel rooms and from cars. U.S. passports are a particular target. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Other Information: Costa Rica has a long history of investment and real estate scams and frauds perpetrated against Americans and international visitors. No. 92-066 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text COSTA_RI Croatia false marked Croatia showNameProp Croatia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Croatia Geography Total area: 56,538 km2 Land area: 56,410 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,843 km; Bosnia and Hercegovina (east) 751 km, Bosnia and Hercegovina (southeast) 91 km, Hungary 292 km, Serbia and Montenegro 254 km, Slovenia 455 km Coastline: 5,790 km; mainland 1,778 km, islands 4,012 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 200-meter depth or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Serbian enclaves in eastern Slavonia and along the western Bosnia and Hercegovinian border; dispute with Slovenia over fishing rights in Adriatic Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Terrain: geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islands Natural resources: oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, fruit, livestock Land use: 32% arable land; 20% permanent crops; 18% meadows and pastures; 15% forest and woodland; 9% other; includes 5% irrigated Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; damaged forest; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes Note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits Croatia People Population: 4,784,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.39% (for the period 1981-91) Birth rate: 12.2 births/1,000 population (1991) Death rate: 11.3 deaths/1,000 population (1991) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 74 years female (1980-82) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) Nationality: noun - Croat(s); adjective - Croatian Ethnic divisions: Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslims 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%, others 7.8% Religions: Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 1.4%, others and unknown 11% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 96% Literacy: 96.5% (male 98.6%, female 94.5%) age 10 and over can read and write (1991 census) Labor force: 1,509,489; industry and mining 37%, agriculture 4%, government NA%, other Organized labor: NA Croatia Government Long-form name: None Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Zagreb Administrative divisions: 102 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Independence: June 1991 from Yugoslavia Constitution: promulgated on 22 December 1990 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial/no judicial review of legislative acts; does/does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 30 May, Statehood Day (1990) Executive branch: president, prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Franjo TUDJMAN (since April 1990), Vice President NA (since NA) Head of Government: Prime Minister Franjo GREGURIC (since August 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Mila RAMLJAK (since NA ) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Union, TUDJMAN; Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan Mesic; Croatian National Party, Savka DABCEVIC-KUCAR; Croatian Christian Democratic Party (HKDS), Ivan CESAR; Croatian Party of Rights, Dobroslav Paraga; Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Drazen BUDISA Suffrage: at age 16 if employed, universal at age 18 Elections: Parliament: last held May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - HDZ won 205 seats; seats - 349 (total) President: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Franc Vinko GOLEM, Office of Republic of Croatia, 256 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 543-5586 US: Ambassador NA; Embassy at NA (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Flag: red, white, and blue with Croatian coat of arms (red and white checkered) Croatia Economy Overview: Before the political disintegration of Yugoslavia, the republic of Croatia stood next to Slovenia as the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a per capita output roughly comparable to that of Portugal and perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav average. Serbia and the Serb-dominated army of the old Yugoslavia, however, have seized Croatian territory, and the overriding determinant of Croatia's long-term economic prospects will be the final border settlement. Under the most favorable circumstances, Croatia will retain the Dalmatian coast with its major tourist attractions and Slavonia with its oilfields and rich agricultural land. Even so, Croatia would face monumental problems stemming from: the legacy of longtime Communist mismanagement of the economy; large foreign debt; damage during the fighting to bridges, factories, powerlines, buildings, and houses; and the disruption of economic ties to Serbia and the other former Yugoslav republics. At the minimum, extensive Western aid and investment, especially in the tourist and oil industries, would seem necessary to salvage a desperate economic situation. However, peace and political stability must come first. NA - $26.3 billion, per capita $5,600; real growth rate -25% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.3% (March 1992) Unemployment rate: 20% (December 1991) Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $2.9 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment (30%), other manufacturers (37%), chemicals (11%), food and live animals (9%), raw materials (6.5%), fuels and lubricants (5%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $4.4 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment (21%), fuels and lubricants (19%), food and live animals (16%), chemicals (14%), manufactured goods (13%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (9%), raw materials (6.5%), beverages and tobacco (1%) partners: principally other former Yugoslav republics External debt: $2.6 billion (may assume some part of foreign debt of former Yugoslavia) Industrial production: declined as much as 11% in 1990 and probably another 29% in 1991 Electricity: 3,570,000 kW capacity; 8,830 million kWh produced, 1,855 kWh per capita 1991) Industries: chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum reduction, paper, wood products (including furniture), building materials (including cement), textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food processing and beverages Croatia Economy Agriculture: Croatia normally produces a food surplus; most agricultural land in private hands and concentrated in Croat-majority districts in Slavonia and Istria; much of Slavonia's land has been put out of production by fighting; wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflowers, alfalfa, and clover are main crops in Slavonia; central Croatian highlands are less fertile but support cereal production, orchards, vineyards, livestock breeding, and dairy farming; coastal areas and offshore islands grow olives, citrus fruits, and vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: Croatian dinar(s) Exchange rates: Croatian dinar per US $1 - 60.00 (April 1992) Fiscal year: calendar year Croatia Communications Railroads: 2,698 km (34.5% electrified) Highways: 32,071 km total (1990); 23,305 km paved, 8,439 km gravel, 327 km earth Inland waterways: 785 km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 670 km, petroleum products 20 km, natural gas 310 km Ports: maritime - Rijeka, Split, Kardeljevo (Ploce); inland - Vukovar, Osijek, Sisak, Vinkovci Merchant marine: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 60,802 GRT/65,560 DWT; includes 1 cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 5 passenger ferries, 2 bulk carriers; note - also controlled by Croatian shipowners are 196 ships (1,000 GRT or over) under flags of convenience - primarily Malta and St. Vincent - totaling 2,593,429 GRT/4,101,119 DWT; includes 91 general cargo, 7 roll-on/ roll-off, 6 refrigerated cargo, 13 container ships, 3 multifunction large load carriers, 52 bulk carriers, 3 passenger ships, 11 petroleum tankers, 4 chemical tankers, 6 service vessels Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 8 total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m; 1 with runways 900 m Telecommunications: 350,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 8 FM, 12 (2 repeaters) TV; 1,100,000 radios; 1,027,000 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none Croatia Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Guard, Home Guard, Civil Defense Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,188,576; NA fit for military service; 42,664 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Croatia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is located at Andrije Hebranga 2, tel. (38)(41) 444-800. Country Description: Croatia is a developing nation which was formerly one of the Yugoslav republics. Facilities for tourism are not fully developed. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a visa which can be obtained at a port of entry. There is no charge for a business or tourist visa. Croatia has an Office in the United States which is expected to become an Embassy. Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Croatia at 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002, telephone (202) 543- 5580 or 543-5608. Areas of Instability: Sporadic warfare which can become intense continues along the borders with Serbia and Bosnia-Hercegovina, and in U.N. protected areas, certain parts of Slavonia, the Dalmatian hinterland and the southern Adriatic coast. The situation in Zagreb, the area north of Zagreb and the Istrian Peninsula has stabilized. However, the potential for violent incidents exists. Terrorist Activities: Zagreb has been the setting for numerous terrorist bombings, believed to be in connection with the civil war. On one occasion a large explosive device was detonated near the U.S. consulate, causing damage to the building. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the U.S. facility was specifically targeted. Medical Facilities: Health facilities in Croatia are limited and some medicines are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical coverage is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Information on Crime: Croatia has a relatively low crime rate. Foreigners do not appear to be singled out; however, displays of wealth increase chances of becoming the victim of a pickpocket or mugger. Such crimes often occur in bus or train stations. Violent crime is rare. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Information: Credit cards and traveler s checks are of limited utility. Other Information: The emergency police number is 92. Response time is generally good, though long waits may occur. Certain areas of Croatia are under the control of militia groups known to be less disciplined than police. Travelers are expected to be courteous and follow instructions, if stopped at a check point. Registration: American citizens can register at the U.S. Embassy and receive the latest information about specific regions of conflict. However, assistance to U.S. citizens is limited by reduced staffing and unsettled conditions. No. 92-012 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CROATIA showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText textHeightProp false sharedText Cuba Geography Total area: 110,860 km2 Land area: 110,860 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 29.1 km; US Naval Base at Guantanamo 29.1 km note: Guantanamo is leased and as such remains part of Cuba Coastline: 3,735 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: US Naval Base at Guantanamo is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast Natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica Land use: arable land 23%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 17%; other 31%; includes irrigated 10% Environment: averages one hurricane every other year Note: largest country in Caribbean; 145 km south of Florida Cuba People Population: 10,846,821 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cuban(s); adjective - Cuban Ethnic divisions: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1% Religions: 85% nominally Roman Catholic before Castro assumed power Languages: Spanish Literacy: 94% (male 95%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 3,578,800 in state sector; services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce 11%, construction 10%, transportation and communications 7% (June 1990); economically active population 4,620,800 (1988) Organized labor: Workers Central Union of Cuba (CTC), only labor federation approved by government; 2,910,000 members; the CTC is an umbrella organization composed of 17 member unions Cuba Government Long-form name: Republic of Cuba Type: Communist state Capital: Havana Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara Independence: 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898); administered by the US from 1898 to 1902 Constitution: 24 February 1976 Legal system: based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal theory; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953) Executive branch: president of the Council of State, first vice president of the Council of State, Council of State, president of the Council of Ministers, first vice president of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly of the People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular) Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Popular) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (became Prime Minister in February 1959 and President since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976) Political parties and leaders: only party - Cuban Communist Party (PCC), Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary Suffrage: universal at age 16 Elections: National Assembly of the People's Power: last held December 1986 (next to be held before December 1992); results - PCC is the only party; seats - (510 total) indirectly elected Communists: about 600,000 full and candidate members Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBEC, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: none; protecting power in the US is Switzerland - Cuban Interests Section; position vacant since March 1992; 2630 and 2639 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 797-8518 or 8519, 8520, 8609, 8610 Cuba Government US: protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland - US Interests Section, Swiss Embassy; Principal Officer Alan H. FLANIGAN; Calzada entre L Y M, Vedado Seccion, Havana (mailing address is USINT, Swiss Embassy, Havana, Calzada Entre L Y M, Vedado); telephone 32-0051, 32-0543 Flag: five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white five-pointed star in the center Cuba Economy Overview: The economy, centrally planned and largely state owned, is highly dependent on the agricultural sector and foreign trade. Sugar provided about two-thirds of export revenues in 1991, and over half was exported to the former Soviet republics. The economy has stagnated since 1985 under policies that have deemphasized material incentives in the workplace, abolished farmers' informal produce markets, and raised prices of government-supplied goods and services. In 1990 the economy probably fell 5% largely as a result of declining trade with the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Recently the government has been trying to increase trade with Latin America and China. Cuba has had difficulty servicing its foreign debt since 1982. The government currently is encouraging foreign investment in tourist facilities and in industrial plants idled by falling imports from the former Soviet Union. Other investment priorities include sugar, basic foods, and nickel. The annual Soviet subsidy dropped from $4 billion in 1990 to about $1 billion in 1991 because of a lower price paid for Cuban sugar and a sharp decline in Soviet exports to Cuba. The former Soviet republics have indicated they will no longer extend aid to Cuba beginning in 1992. Instead of highly subsidized trade, Cuba has been shifting to trade at market prices in convertible currencies. Because of increasingly severe shortages of fuels, industrial raw materials, and spare parts, aggregate output dropped by one-fifth in 1991. $17 billion, per capita $1,580; real growth rate -20% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Budget: revenues $12.46 billion; expenditures $14.45 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, nickel, medical products, shellfish, citrus, tobacco, coffee partners: former USSR 63%, China 6%, Canada 4%, Japan 4% (1991 est.) Imports: $3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, capital goods, industrial raw materials, food partners: former USSR 47%, Spain 8%, China 6%, Argentina 5%, Italy 4%, Mexico 3% (1991 est.) External debt: $6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989) Industrial production: growth rate 0%; accounts for 45% of GDP (1989) Electricity: 3,889,000 kW capacity; 16,272 million kWh produced, 1,516 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: sugar milling, petroleum refining, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals (particularly nickel), cement, fertilizers, consumer goods, agricultural machinery Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GNP (including fishing and forestry); key commercial crops - sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits; other products - coffee, rice, potatoes, meat, beans; world's largest sugar exporter; not self-sufficient in food (excluding sugar) Cuba Economy Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $710 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18.5 billion Currency: Cuban peso (plural - pesos); 1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Cuban pesos (Cu$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (linked to the US dollar) Fiscal year: calendar year Cuba Communications Railroads: 12,947 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,053 km of 1.435-meter gauge track; 151.7 km electrified; 7,742 km of sugar plantation lines of 0.914-m and 1.435-m gauge Highways: 26,477 km total; 14,477 km paved, 12,000 km gravel and earth surfaced (1989 est.) Inland waterways: 240 km Ports: Cienfuegos, Havana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7 secondary, 35 minor Merchant marine: 77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 537,464 GRT/755,824 DWT; includes 46 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 1 cargo/training, 11 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 4 bulk; note - Cuba beneficially owns an additional 45 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 574,047 DWT under the registry of Panama, Cyprus, and Malta Civil air: 88 major transport aircraft Airports: 189 total, 167 usable; 73 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios; 229,000 telephones; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Cuba Defense Forces Branches: Revolutionary Armed Forces (including Ground Forces, Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force[DAAFR]), Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense Special Troops, Border Guard Troops, Territorial Militia Troops, Youth Labor Army, Civil Defense, National Revolutionary Police Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 6,130,641; of the 3,076,276 males 15-49, 1,925,648 are fit for military service; of the 3,054,365 females 15-49, 1,907,281 are fit for military service; 97,973 males and 94,514 females reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.2-1.4 billion, 6% of GNP (1989 est.) entryText textHeightProp false sharedText CUBA - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa $26, business visa $36, valid up to 6 months, requires 1 application and photo. Send cash or money order only and SASE for return of passport. Apply Cuban Interests Section, 2639 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/797-8609 or 8518). AIDS test required for those staying longer than 90 days. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Cuba. Before planning any travel to Cuba, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/566-2701). Cuba - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 U.S. Representation: The United States does not maintain an embassy in Cuba. U.S. citizens who travel to Cuba can contact and register with the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy. The U.S. Interests Section is located in Havana at Calzada between L & M, Vedado; telephone 33-3550 through 33-3559. Country Description: Cuba is a developing country under the Communist rule of Fidel Castro. The United States has no direct diplomatic relations with Cuba. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Department license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Cuba. Information and the required license may be obtained by contacting the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Department of the Treasury (202/622-2480). Should a license be granted, a passport and a visa are also required for entry to Cuba. For current information on Cuban entry and customs requirements, travelers can contact the Cuban Interests Section, an office of the Cuban Government located at 2630 and 2639 16th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: (202) 797-8518. Medical Facilities: Medical care does not meet U.S. standards. Many U.S. medications are unavailable. It is useful for travelers to Cuba to bring with them any prescribed medicine which is for their personal use. A copy of the prescription and a letter from the physician explaining the need for prescription drugs will facilitate entry into the country. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance providing specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Due to the deteriorating economic situation in Cuba, robberies, including those resulting in injuries, are increasing. Even the low-budget traveler has many items, including currency, that are attractive to thieves. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations (Cuban): The Cuban Government prohibits currency exchange except at the official rate and at government offices. Failure to properly declare currency and foreign goods brought into Cuba upon entry is punishable under Cuban law by imprisonment for two to five years. Questions about Cuban currency and import regulations may be directed to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C. Currency Regulations (U.S.): Effective November 1, 1991, a limit of $500 was placed on funds that U.S. citizens or residents may pay to Cuba relating to fees imposed by the Cuban Government relating to travel to Cuba. A limit of $300 per three-month period has been placed on family remittances sent from the U.S. to relatives in Cuba. The Treasury Department has also prohibited returning Cubans from taking more non-Cuban currency home than they brought to the U.S. Currency Regulations (Credit Card Restrictions): U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens are prohibited from using credit cards in Cuba. U.S. credit card companies will not accept vouchers from Cuba, and Cuban shops, hotels, and other places of business do not accept U.S. credit cards. Personal checks drawn on U.S. banks may not be accepted in Cuba. Travelers checks may be acceptable, however. Currency Regulations (U.S. Treasury Department Restrictions): The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Cuba. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in prosecution upon return to the United States. For further information on the U.S. Treasury Department's licensing requirements, travelers can contact the Office of Foreign Assets Controls. Other Information (Dual Nationality): The Government of Cuba considers all Cuban-born U.S. citizens to be solely Cuban citizens. The Cuban Government does not recognize the right or obligation of the U.S. Government to protect dual U.S./Cuban citizens and has consistently denied U.S. consular officers the right to visit incarcerated dual U.S./Cuban nationals to ascertain their welfare and proper treatment under Cuban law. Dual U.S./Cuban nationals are required by Cuban law to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Using a Cuban passport for this purpose does not jeopardize one's U.S. citizenship; however, such persons must use their U.S. passports to enter and depart the U.S. and to transit any countries en route. Dual U.S./Cuban nationals may be subject to a range of restrictions and obligations, including military service, in Cuba. Other Information (Restriction on Photography): Photographing military or police installations or personnel, or harbor, rail and airport facilities is forbidden. Drug Penalties: Penalties for the possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. Those accused of drug-related and other crimes can expect lengthy legal proceedings and delayed due process. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean", which offers general information on travel to the area, is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Transportation and communication within Cuba, including Havana, can be extremely difficult. Telephone service within Cuba and between Cuba and the United States is very poor. It may therefore be very difficult for the U.S. Interests Section in Havana to assist distressed Americans, should an emergency arise. No. 92-067 Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Cyprus false marked Cyprus showNameProp Cyprus most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cyprus Geography Total area: 9,250 km2 Land area: 9,240 km2 Comparative area: about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 648 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: 1974 hostilities divided the island into two de facto autonomous areas - a Greek area controlled by the Cypriot Government (60% of the island's land area) and a Turkish-Cypriot area (35% of the island) that are separated by a narrow UN buffer zone; in addition, there are two UK sovereign base areas (about 5% of the island's land area) Climate: temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters Terrain: central plain with mountains to north and south Natural resources: copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment Land use: arable land 40%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 18%; other 25%; includes irrigated 10% (most irrigated lands are in the Turkish-Cypriot area of the island) Environment: moderate earthquake activity; water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, and most potable resources concentrated in the Turkish-Cypriot area) Cyprus People Population: 716,492 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cypriot(s); adjective - Cypriot Ethnic divisions: Greek 78%; Turkish 18%; other 4% Religions: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, and other 4% Languages: Greek, Turkish, English Literacy: 90% (male 96%, female 85%) age 10 and over can read and write (1976) Labor force: Greek area - 278,000; services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 14%; Turkish area - 71,500 (1990); services 21%, industry 30%, agriculture 27% Organized labor: 156,000 (1985 est.) Cyprus Government Long-form name: Republic of Cyprus Type: republic; a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began after the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified following the Turkish invasion of the island in July 1974, which gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot President Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which has been recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of intercommunal differences and creation of a new federal system of government Capital: Nicosia Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos Independence: 16 August 1960 (from UK) Constitution: 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own Constitution and governing bodies within the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, which was renamed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983; a new Constitution for the Turkish area passed by referendum in May 1985 Legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (15 November is celebrated as Independence Day in the Turkish area) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet); note - there is a president, prime minister, and Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish area Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon); note - there is a unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi) in the Turkish area Judicial branch: Supreme Court; note - there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish area Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President George VASSILIOU (since February 1988); note - Rauf R. DENKTASH has been president of the Turkish area since 13 February 1975 Political parties and leaders: Greek Cypriot: Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL; Communist Party), Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS; Democratic Rally (DESY), Glafkos KLERIDES; Democratic Party (DEKO), Spyros KYPRIANOU; United Democratic Union of the Center (EDEK), Vassos LYSSARIDES; Socialist Democratic Renewal Movement (ADESOK), Mikhalis PAPAPETROU; Liberal Party, Nikos ROLANDIS Cyprus Government Turkish area: National Unity Party (UBP), Dervis EROGLU; Communal Liberation Party (TKP), Mustafa AKINCI; Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozker OZGUR; New Cyprus Party (YKP), Alpay DURDURAN; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ergun VEHBI; New Birth Party (YDP), Ali Ozkan ALTINISHIK; Free Democratic Party (HDP), Ismet KOTAK; note - CTP, TKP, and YDP joined in the coalition Democratic Struggle Party (DMP) for the 22 April 1990 legislative election; the CTP and TKP boycotted the byelection of 13 October 1991, which was for 12 seats; the DMP was dissolved after the 1990 election; National Justice Party (MAP), Zorlu TORE; United Sovereignty Party, Arif Salih KIRDAG Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 14 February and 21 February 1988 (next to be held February 1993); results - George VASSILIOU 52%, Glafkos KLERIDES 48% House of Representatives: last held 19 May 1991; results - DESY 35.8%, AKEL (Communist) 30.6, DEKO 19.5%, EDEK 10. 9%; others 3.2% seats - (56 total) DESY 20, AKEL (Communist) 18, DEKO 11, EDEK 7 Turkish Area: President: last held 22 April 1990 (next to be held April 1995); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH 66%, Ismail BOZKURT 32.05% Turkish Area: Assembly of the Republic: last held 6 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - UBP (conservative) 54.4%, DMP 44.4% YKP .9%; seats - (50 total) UBP (conservative) 45, SDP 1, HDP 2, YDP 2; note - by-election of 13 October 1991 was for 12 seats Communists: about 12,000 Other political or pressure groups: United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON; Communist controlled); Union of Cyprus Farmers (EKA; Communist controlled); Cyprus Farmers Union (PEK; pro-West); Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation (PEO; Communist controlled) ; Confederation of Cypriot Workers (SEK; pro-West); Federation of Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions (Turk-Sen); Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions (Dev-Is) Member of: C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; note - the Turkish-Cypriot administered area of Cyprus has observer status in the OIC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Michael E. SHERIFIS; Chancery at 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-5772 US: Ambassador Robert E. LAMB; Embassy at the corner of Therissos Street and Dositheos Street, Nicosia (mailing address is APO AE 09836); telephone [357] (2) 465151; FAX [357] (2) 459-571 Flag: white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities; note - the Turkish cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top and bottom with a red crescent and red star on a white field Cyprus Economy Overview: The Greek Cypriot economy is small, diversified, and prosperous. Industry contributes 24% to GDP and employs 35% of the labor force, while the service sector contributes 44% to GDP and employs 45% of the labor force. Rapid growth in exports of agricultural and manufactured products and in tourism have played important roles in the average 6.4% rise in GDP between 1985 and 1990. In mid-1991, the World Bank "graduated" Cyprus off its list of developing countries. In contrast to the bright picture in the south, the Turkish Cypriot economy has less than half the per capita GDP and suffered a series of reverses in 1991. Crippled by the effects of the Gulf war, the collapse of the fruit-to-electronics conglomerate, Polly Peck, Ltd., and a drought, the Turkish area in late 1991 asked for a multibillion-dollar grant from Turkey to help ease the burden of the economic crisis. Turkey normally underwrites a substantial portion of the TRNC economy. purchasing power equivalent - Greek area: $5.5 billion, per capita $9,600; real growth rate 6.0%; Turkish area: $600 million, per capita $4,000; real growth rate 5.9% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): Greek area: 4.5%; Turkish area: 69.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: Greek area: 1.8%; Turkish area: 1.2% (1990) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $2.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $250 million (1991) Exports: $847 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoes partners: UK 23%, Greece 10%, Lebanon 10%, Germany 5% Imports: $2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains, machinery partners: UK 13%, Japan 12%, Italy 10%, Germany 9.1% External debt: $2.8 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 5.6% (1990); accounts for 24% of GDP Electricity: 620,000 kW capacity; 1,770 million kWh produced, 2,530 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood products Agriculture: accounts for 7% of GDP and employs 14% of labor force in the south; major crops - potatoes, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, and citrus fruits; vegetables and fruit provide 25% of export revenues Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $292 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $250 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $62 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $24 million Currency: Cypriot pound (plural - pounds) and in Turkish area, Turkish lira (plural - liras); 1 Cypriot pound (#C) = 100 cents and 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus Cyprus Economy Exchange rates: Cypriot pounds (#C) per US$1 - 0.4683 (March 1992), 0.4615 (1991), 0.4572 (1990), 0.4933 (1989), 0.4663 (1988), 0.4807 (1987); in Turkish area, Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 6,098.4 (March 1992), 4,173.9 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989), 1,422.3 (1988), 857.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Cyprus Communications Highways: 10,780 km total; 5,170 km paved; 5,610 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth Ports: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos Merchant marine: 1,228 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,053,213 GRT/35,647,964 DWT; includes 8 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 440 cargo, 83 refrigerated cargo, 22 roll-on/roll-off, 52 container, 5 multifunction large load carrier, 107 petroleum tanker, 3 specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 20 chemical tanker, 32 combination ore/oil, 394 bulk, 3 vehicle carrier, 49 combination bulk, 2 railcar carrier, 2 passenger, 1 passenger cargo; note - a flag of convenience registry; Cuba owns at least 30 of these ships, republics of the former USSR own 58, Latvia also has 5 ships, Yugoslavia owns 1, and Romania 3 Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft (Greek Cypriots); 2 (Turkish Cypriots) Airports: 14 total, 14 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent in both the area controlled by the Cypriot Government (Greek area), and in the Turkish-Cypriot administered area; 210,000 telephones; largely open-wire and radio relay; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 8 FM, 1 (34 repeaters) TV in Greek sector and 2 AM, 6 FM and 1 TV in Turkish sector; international service by tropospheric scatter, 3 submarine cables, and satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT earth stations Cyprus Defense Forces Branches: Greek area - Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; including air and naval elements), Greek Cypriot Police; Turkish area - Turkish Cypriot Security Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 183,899; 126,664 fit for military service; 5,030 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $209 million, 5% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CYPRUS - Passport required. Tourist/business visa issued on arrival for stay up to 3 months. Departure tax of $8 paid at airport. AIDS test required for certain entertainers; U.S. test accepted. For other information consult Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, 2211 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/462-5772) or nearest Consulate: San Francisco (415/893-1661), Chicago (312/677-9068), St. Louis (314/781- 7040) or New York (212/686-6016). Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus is located at the corner of Therissos and Dositheos Streets, Nicosia, near the Cyprus Hilton Hotel. The Consular Section may be reached at (357)(2) 465-151. Country Description: Cyprus is a developed Mediterranean island nation divided "de facto" into two areas. The government of the Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognized authority on the island but, in practice, its control extends only to the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island. The northern area operates under an autonomous Turkish Cypriot administrative zone supported by Turkish troops. In 1983, this section declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is recognized only by Turkey. Facilities for tourism in the southern sector are highly developed; those in the northern Turkish-controlled zone, while adequate, tend to be smaller and less modern. Entry Requirments: Tourist and business visas are issued at the port of entry for a stay of up to three months. Proof of an AIDS test is required of certain entertainers. For other information concerning entry requirements for Cyprus, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus at 2211 R Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 462-5772, or the nearest consulate in San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, or New York. Medical Facilities: Good medical facilities are available in Cyprus. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Cyprus has a low rate of crime. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activites: While civil disorder is uncommon in Cyprus, demonstrations sometimes occur, and there have been occasional violent incidents along the "green line". Terrorist groups from the Middle East have occasionally used Cyprus as a site for carrying out acts of terrorism against third country targets. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens whom the Cypriot government considers to be Cypriot citizens could be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Cypriot law while in Cyprus. Those who may be affected can inquire at the Cypriot Embassy regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality might hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad. Other Information: Since 1974, the Cyprus government has designated Larnaca and Paphos international airports, and the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Pahos as the only legal points of entry into and exit from Cyprus. These ports are all in the government-controlled southern part of the island. Entry or exit via any other air or seaport is not authorized by the Cyprus government. It is possible for visitors to arrive at non-designated air and seaports in the northern sector, but they should not expect to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the government controlled areas in the south. Such travel is not permitted by the government of Cyprus, even for transit purposes. Visitors arriving through designated ports of entry may be able to cross into the north for short day trips. Policy and procedures regarding such travel are subject to change. The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia can inform travellers of current requirements. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-013 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CYPRUS Czechoslovakia false marked Czechoslovakia showNameProp Czechoslovakia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Czechoslovakia Geography Total area: 127,870 km2 Land area: 125,460 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New York State Land boundaries: 3,438 km; Austria 548 km, Germany 815 km, Hungary 676 km, Poland 1,309 km, Ukraine 90 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Gabcikovo Nagymaros Dam dispute with Hungary Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Terrain: mixture of hills and mountains separated by plains and basins Natural resources: hard coal, timber, lignite, uranium, magnesite, iron ore, copper, zinc Land use: arable land 37%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 36%; other 13%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: infrequent earthquakes; acid rain; water pollution; air pollution Note: landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe Czechoslovakia People Population: 15,725,680 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Czechoslovak(s); adjective - Czechoslovak Ethnic divisions: Czech 62.9%, Slovak 31.8%, Hungarian 3.8%, Polish 0.5%, German 0.3%, Ukrainian 0.3%, Russian 0.1%, other 0.3% Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Orthodox 2%, other 28% Languages: Czech and Slovak (official), Hungarian Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) Labor force: 8,200,000 (1987); industry 36.9%, agriculture 12.3%, construction, communications, and other 50.8% (1982) Organized labor: Czech and Slovak Confederation of Trade Unions (CSKOS); several new independent trade unions established Czechoslovakia Government Long-form name: Czech and Slovak Federal Republic Type: federal republic in transition Capital: Prague Administrative divisions: 2 republics (republiky, singular - republika); Czech Republic (Ceska Republika), Slovak Republic (Slovenska Republika); note - 11 regions (kraj, singular); Severocesky, Zapadocesky, Jihocesky, Vychodocesky, Praha, Severomoravsky, Jihomoravsky, Bratislava, Zapadoslovensky, Stredoslovensky, Vychodoslovensky Independence: 28 October 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire) Constitution: 11 July 1960; amended in 1968 and 1970; new Czech, Slovak, and federal constitutions to be drafted in 1992 Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes, modified by Communist legal theory; constitutional court currently being established; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code in process of modification to bring it in line with Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory National holiday: National Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) and Founding of the Republic, 28 October (1918) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (Federalni Shromazdeni) consists of an upper house or Chamber of Nations (Snemovna Narodu) and a lower house or Chamber of the People (Snemovna Lidu) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Vaclav HAVEL; (interim president from 29 December 1989 and president since 5 July 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Marian CALFA (since 10 December 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Vaclav KLAUS (since 3 October 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Jiri DIENSTBIER (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Jozef MIKLOSKO (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Pavel RYCHETSKY (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Pavel HOFFMAN (since 3 October 1991); note - generally, "prime minister" is used at the federal level, "premier" at the republic level; Czech Premier - Petr PITHART; Slovak Premier - Jan CARNOGVRSKY Czechoslovakia Government Political parties and leaders: note - there are very few federation-wide parties; party affiliation is indicted as Czech (C) or Slovak (S); Civic Democratic Party, Vaclav KLAUS, chairman, (C/S); Civic Movement, Jiri DIENSTBIER, chairman, (C); Civic Democratic Alliance, Jan KALVODA, chairman; Christian Democratic Union Public Against Violence, Martin PORUBJAK, chairman, (S); Christian Democratic Party, Vaclav BENDA, (C); Christian Democratic Movement, Jan CARNOGURSKY,(S); Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, Juri SVOBODA, chairman; Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, Vladimir MECIAR, chairman - removed from power in November 1989 by massive antiregime demonstrations; Czechoslovak Social Democracy, Jiri HORAK, chairman, (C); Czechoslovak Socialist Party, Ladislav DVORAK, chairman, (C)(S); Movement for Self-Governing Democracy Society for Moravia and Silesia, Jan KRYCER, chairman, (C); Party of the Democratic Left, Peter WEISS, chairman (Slovakia's renamed Communists) (S); Slovak National Party, Jozef PROKES, chairman, (S); Democratic Party, Jan HOLCIK, chairman, (S); Coexistence, (C)(S) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Federal Assembly: last held 8-9 June 1990 (next to be held 5-6 June 1992); results - Civic Forum/Public Against Violence coalition 46%, KSC 13.6%; seats - (300 total) Civic Forum/Public Against Violence coalition 170, KSC 47, Christian and Democratic Union/Christian Democratic Movement 40, Czech, Slovak, Moravian, and Hungarian groups 43 President: last held 5 July 1990 (next to be held 3 July 1992); results - Vaclav HAVEL elected by the Federal Assembly Communists: 760,000 party members (September 1990); about 1,000,000 members lost since November 1989 Other political or pressure groups: Czechoslovak Socialist Party, Czechoslovak People's Party, Czechoslovak Social Democracy, Slovak Nationalist Party, Slovak Revival Party, Christian Democratic Party; over 80 registered political groups fielded candidates in the 8-9 June 1990 legislative election Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EC (associate) ECE, FAO, GATT, HG, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IFCTU, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Rita KLIMOVA; Chancery at 3900 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 363-6315 or 6316 US: Ambassador Shirley Temple BLACK; Embassy at Trziste 15, 125 48, Prague 1 (mailing address is Unit 25402; APO AE 09213-5630); telephone [42] (2) 536-641/6; FAX [42] (2) 532-457 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side Czechoslovakia Economy Overview: Czechoslovakia is highly industrialized by East European standards and has a well-educated and skilled labor force. GDP per capita has been the highest in Eastern Europe. Annual GDP growth slowed to less than 1 percent during the 1985-90 period. The country is deficient in energy and in many raw materials. Moreover, its aging capital plant lags well behind West European standards. In January 1991, Prague launched a sweeping program to convert its almost entirely state-owned and controlled economy to a market system. The koruna now enjoys almost full internal convertibility and over 90% of prices are set by the market. The government is planning to privatize all small businesses and roughly two-thirds of large enterprises by the end of 1993. New private-sector activity is also expanding. Agriculture - 95% socialized - is to be privatized by the end of 1992. Reform has taken its toll on the economy: inflation was roughly 50% in 1991, unemployment was nearly 70%, and GDP dropped an estimated 15%. In 1992 the government is anticipating inflation of 10-15%, unemployment of 11-12%, and a drop in GDP of up to 8%. As of mid-1992, the nation appears to be splitting in two - into the industrial Czech area and the more agarian Slovak area. purchasing power equivalent - $108.9 billion, per capita $6,900; real growth rate -15% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 52% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: officially 6.7% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $4.5 billion; expenditures $4.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $200 million (1992) Exports: $12.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 39.2%; fuels, minerals, and metals 8.1%; agricultural and forestry products 6.2%, other 46.5% partners: USSR, Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Italy, France, US, UK Imports: $13.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 37.3%; fuels, minerals, and metals 22.6%; agricultural and forestry products 7.0%; other 33.1% partners: USSR, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, UK, Italy External debt: $9.1 billion, hard currency indebtedness (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate -22% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 60% of GNP Electricity: 23,000,000 kW capacity; 90,000 million kWh produced, 5,740 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: iron and steel, machinery and equipment, cement, sheet glass, motor vehicles, armaments, chemicals, ceramics, wood, paper products, footwear Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP (includes forestry); largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop and livestock production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit, hogs, cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest products Czechoslovakia Economy Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and emerging as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine E Economic aid: donor - $4.2 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89) Currency: koruna (plural - koruny); 1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleru Exchange rates: koruny (Kcs) per US$1 - 28.36 (January 1992), 29.53 (1991), 17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989), 14.36 (1988), 13.69 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Czechoslovakia Communications Railroads: 13,103 km total; 12,855 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 102 km 1.520-meter broad gauge, 146 km 0.750- and 0.760-meter narrow gauge; 2,861 km double track; 3,798 km electrified; government owned (1988) Highways: 73,540 km total; including 517 km superhighway (1988) Inland waterways: 475 km (1988); the Elbe (Labe) is the principal river Pipelines: crude oil 1,448 km; petroleum products 1,500 km; natural gas 8,100 km Ports: maritime outlets are in Poland (Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin), Croatia (Rijeka), Slovenia (Koper), Germany (Hamburg, Rostock); principal river ports are Prague on the Vltava, Decin on the Elbe (Labe), Komarno on the Danube, Bratislava on the Danube Merchant marine: 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 290,185 GRT/437,291 DWT; includes 13 cargo, 9 bulk Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft Airports: 158 total, 158 usable; 40 with permanent-surface runways; 19 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 37 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: inadequate circuit capacity; 4 million telephones; Radrel backbone of network; 25% of households have a telephone; broadcast stations - 32 AM, 15 FM, 41 TV (11 Soviet TV repeaters); 4.4 million TVs (1990); 1 satellite earth station using INTELSAT and Intersputnik Czechoslovakia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Border Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,110,628; 3,142,457 fit for military service; 142,239 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 28 billion koruny, NA% of GNP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate would produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CZECH AND SLOVAK FEDERAL REPUBLIC - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up 30 days. For longer stays and other types of travel contact Embassy of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, 3900 Linnean Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/363-6315). Czechoslovakia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Prague is located at Trziste 15; telephone (42) (2) 536-641 or, after hours, (42) (2) 536-646. The U.S. Consulate General in Bratislava is located at Hviezdoslavovo Namesite 4; telephone (42) (7) 330-861. Country Description: Czechoslovakia is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in western Europe, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Czechoslovakia, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic at 3900 Linnean Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 363-6315. Medical Facilities: Medical facilties are available. Some facilities, particularly in remote areas, may be limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Czechoslovakia has a low rate of violent crime. However, there has been an increase in street crime (pickpocketing, for example), especially at night near major tourist sites. The Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy or the Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security in the country. No. 92-014 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... CZECHOSL Denmark false marked Denmark showNameProp Denmark most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Denmark Geography Total area: 43,070 km2 Land area: 42,370 km2; includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark, but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Massachusetts Land boundaries: 68 km; Germany 68 km Coastline: 3,379 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 4 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Iceland, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan Mayen Climate: temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers Terrain: low and flat to gently rolling plains Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone Land use: arable land 61%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 12%; other 21%; includes irrigated 9% Environment: air and water pollution Note: controls Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas Denmark People Population: 5,163,955 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Dane(s); adjective - Danish Ethnic divisions: Scandinavian, Eskimo, Faroese, German Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 91%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 2%, other 7% (1988) Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Eskimo dialect); small German-speaking minority Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 2,581,400; private services 36.4%; government services 30.2%; manufacturing and mining 20%; construction 6.8%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.9%; electricity/gas/water 0.7% (1990) Organized labor: 65% of labor force Denmark Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Denmark Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Copenhagen Administrative divisions: metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt) and 1 city* (stad); Arhus, Bornholm, Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kbenhavn, Nordjylland, Ribe, Ringkbing, Roskilde, Snderjylland, Staden Kbenhavn*, Storstrm, Vejle, Vestsjaelland, Viborg; note - see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which are part of the Danish realm and self-governing administrative divisions Independence: became a constitutional monarchy in 1849 Constitution: 5 June 1953 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) Executive branch: monarch, heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral parliament (Folketing) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen MARGRETHE II (since January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the Queen (born 26 May 1968) Head of Government: Prime Minister Poul SCHLUTER (since 10 September 1982) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party, Paul Nyrup RASMUSSEN; Conservative Party, Poul SCHLUTER; Liberal Party, Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN; Socialist People's Party, Holger K. NIELSEN; Progress Party, Pia KJAERSGAARD; Center Democratic Party, Mimi Stilling JAKOBSEN; Radical Liberal Party, Marianne JELVED; Christian People's Party, Jam SJURSEN; Left Socialist Party, Elizabeth BRUN-OLESEN; Justice Party, Poul Gerhard KRISTIANSEN; Socialist Workers Party, leader NA; Communist Workers' Party (KAP), leader NA; Common Course, Preben Meller HANSEN; Green Party, Inger BORLEHMANN Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: Parliament: last held 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results - Social Democratic Party 37.4%, Conservative Party 16.0%, Liberal 15.8%, Socialist People's Party 8.3%, Progress Party 6.4%, Center Democratic Party 5.1%, Radical Liberal Party 3.5%, Christian People's Party 2.3%, other 5.2%; seats - (179 total; includes 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands) Social Democratic 69, Conservative 30, Liberal 29, Socialist People's 15, Progress Party 12, Center Democratic 9, Radical Liberal 7, Christian People's 4 Denmark Government Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WM, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Peter Pedersen DYVIG; Chancery at 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-4300; there are Danish Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Richard B. STONE; Embassy at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen O (mailing address is APO AE 09716); telephone [45] (31) 42-31-44; FAX [45] (35) 43-0223 Flag: red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side, and that design element of the (Danish flag) was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden Denmark Economy Overview: This modern economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark probably will continue its successful economic recovery in 1992 with tight fiscal and monetary policies and export- oriented growth. Prime Minister Schluter's main priorities are to maintain a current account surplus in order to pay off extensive external debt and to continue to freeze public-sector expenditures in order to reduce the budget deficit. The rate of growth by 1993 - boosted by increased investment and domestic demand - may be sufficient to start to cut Denmark's high unemployment rate, which is expected to remain at about 11% in 1992. Low inflation, low wage increases, and the current account surplus put Denmark in a good competitive position for the EC's anticipated single market, although Denmark must cut its VAT and income taxes. purchasing power equivalent - $91.1 billion, per capita $17,700; real growth rate 2.0% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (1991) Unemployment rate: 10.6% (1991) Budget: revenues $44.1 billion; expenditures $50 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1991 est.) Exports: $37.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: meat and meat products, dairy products, transport equipment (shipbuilding), fish, chemicals, industrial machinery partners: EC 54.2% (Germany 22.5%, UK 10.3%, France 5.9%), Sweden 11.5%, Norway 5.8%, US 5.0%, Japan 3.6% (1991) Imports: $31.6 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: petroleum, machinery and equipment, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, textiles, paper partners: EC 52.8% (Germany 22.5%, UK 8.1%), Sweden 10.8%, US 6.3% (1991) External debt: $45 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1991 est.) Electricity: 11,215,000 kW capacity; 31,000 million kWh produced, 6,030 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture, and other wood products Agriculture: accounts for 4.5% of GDP and employs 6% of labor force (includes fishing and forestry); farm products account for nearly 15% of export revenues; principal products - meat, dairy, grain, potatoes, rape, sugar beets, fish; self-sufficient in food production Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89) $5.9 billion Currency: Danish krone (plural - kroner); 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 re Denmark Economy Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.116 (January 1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Denmark Communications Railroads: 2,675 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Danish State Railways (DSB) operate 2,120 km (1,999 km rail line and 121 km rail ferry services); 188 km electrified, 730 km double tracked; 650 km of standard- gauge lines are privately owned and operated Highways: 66,482 km total; 64,551 km concrete, bitumen, or stone block; 1,931 km gravel, crushed stone, improved earth Inland waterways: 417 km Pipelines: crude oil 110 km; petroleum products 578 km; natural gas 700 km Ports: Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia; numerous secondary and minor ports Merchant marine: 317 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,367,063 GRT/7,921,891 DWT; includes 13 short-sea passenger, 94 cargo, 21 refrigerated cargo, 38 container, 39 roll-on/roll-off, 1 railcar carrier, 42 petroleum tanker, 14 chemical tanker, 33 liquefied gas, 4 livestock carrier, 17 bulk, 1 combination bulk; note - Denmark has created its own internal register, called the Danish International Ship register (DIS); DIS ships do not have to meet Danish manning regulations, and they amount to a flag of convenience within the Danish register; by the end of 1990, 258 of the Danish-flag ships belonged to the DIS Civil air: 69 major transport aircraft Airports: 121 total, 108 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 9 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent telephone, telegraph, and broadcast services; 4,509,000 telephones; buried and submarine cables and radio relay support trunk network; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 50 TV; 19 submarine coaxial cables; 7 earth stations operating in INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, and INMARSAT Denmark Defense Forces Branches: Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, Home Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,372,878; 1,181,857 fit for military service; 38,221 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, 2% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp DENMARK (including GREENLAND) - Passport required. Tourist/business visa not required for stay up to 3 months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.) Special rules apply for entry into the U.S.-operated defense area in Greenland. For further information contact the Royal Danish Embassy, 3200 Whitehaven St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-4300) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/387-4277), Chicago (312/329-9644) or New York (212/223-4545). Denmark - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen is located at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24; telephone (45) (31) 42-31-44. Country Description: Denmark is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are extensive, and English is widely spoken. Entry Requirements: A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to three months (the 90-day period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland). For further information concerning entry requirements for Denmark, travelers can contact the Royal Danish Embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 234-4300, or the nearest Danish Consulate General in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: While Denmark has a low crime rate, travelers to Copenhagen and other major cities can become targets for pickpockets and sophisticated purse snatchers. Purses and luggage are particular targets for thieves in hotel lobbies, airports, and train stations. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: The nationwide police/fire/ambulance emergency telephone number is 112. Cyclists have the right-of-way over pedestrians and automobiles in Denmark. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-015 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... DENMARK Djibouti false marked Djibouti showNameProp Djibouti most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Djibouti Geography Total area: 22,000 km2 Land area: 21,980 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: 517 km; Ethiopia 459 km, Somalia 58 km Coastline: 314 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis Climate: desert; torrid, dry Terrain: coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains Natural resources: geothermal areas Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 91% Environment: vast wasteland Note: strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia Djibouti People Population: 390,906 (July 1992), growth rate 2.7% (1992) Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 47 years male, 50 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Djiboutian(s); adjective - Djiboutian Ethnic divisions: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5% Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6% Languages: French and Arabic (both official); Somali and Afar widely used Literacy: 48% (male 63%, female 34%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990) Labor force: NA, but a small number of semiskilled laborers at the port and 3,000 railway workers; 52% of population of working age (1983) Organized labor: 3,000 railway workers, General Union of Djiboutian Workers (UGTD), government affiliated; some smaller unions Djibouti Government Long-form name: Republic of Djibouti Type: republic Capital: Djibouti Administrative divisions: 5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); `Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura Independence: 27 June 1977 (from France; formerly French Territory of the Afars and Issas) Constitution: partial constitution ratified January 1981 by the National Assembly Legal system: based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law National holiday: Independence Day, 27 June (1977) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: President Hassan GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977) Head of Government: Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978) Political parties and leaders: only party - People's Progress Assembly (RPP), Hassan GOULED Aptidon Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: National Assembly: last held 24 April 1987 (next scheduled for May 1992 but post- poned); results - RPP is the only party; seats - (65 total) RPP 65 President: last held 24 April 1987 (next to be held April 1993); results - President Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected without opposition Other political or pressure groups: Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy and affiliates Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE; Chancery at Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 331-0270 US: Ambassador Charles R. BAQUET III; Embassy at Villa Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti (mailing address is B. P. 185, Djibouti); telephone [253] 35-39-95; FAX [253] 35-39-40 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center Djibouti Economy Overview: The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of over 30% continues to be a major problem. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over the last five years because of recession and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). exchange rate conversion - $340 million, $1,000 per capita; real growth rate -1.0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1989) Unemployment rate: over 30% (1989) Budget: revenues $131 million; expenditures $154 million, including capital expenditures of $25 million (1990 est.) Exports: $190 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: hides and skins, coffee (in transit) partners: Middle East 50%, Africa 43%, Western Europe 7% Imports: $311 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products partners: EC 36%, Africa 21%, Asia 12%, US 2% External debt: $355 million (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 0.1% (1989); manufacturing accounts for 4% of GDP Electricity: 115,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products and mineral-water bottling Agriculture: accounts for only 5% of GDP; scanty rainfall limits crop production to mostly fruit and vegetables; half of population pastoral nomads herding goats, sheep, and camels; imports bulk of food needs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $39 million; Western (non-US) countries, including ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $149 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $35 million Currency: Djiboutian franc (plural - francs); 1 Djiboutian franc (DF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Djiboutian francs (DF) per US$1 - 177.721 (fixed rate since 1973) Fiscal year: calendar year Djibouti Communications Railroads: the Ethiopian-Djibouti railroad extends for 97 km through Djibouti Highways: 2,900 km total; 280 km paved; 2,620 km improved or unimproved earth (1982) Ports: Djibouti Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 13 total, 11 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of urban facilities in Djibouti and radio relay stations at outlying places; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station and 1 ARABSAT; 1 submarine cable to Saudi Arabia Djibouti Defense Forces Branches: Djibouti National Army (including Navy and Air Force), National Security Force (Force Nationale de Securite), National Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 96,150; 56,077 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $29.9 million, NA% of GDP (1986) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp DJIBOUTI - Passport and visa required. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Single-entry visa valid for 30 days, extendable, requires $15 fee, 2 applications, 2 photos, yellow fever immunization, onward/return ticket and sufficient funds. Company letter needed for business visa. Send prepaid envelope for return of passport by registered, certified, or express mail. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, 1156 15th St., N.W., Suite 515, Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/331-0270) or the Djibouti Mission to the U.N., 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 4011, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/753-3163). DJIBOUTI - WARNING April 28, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Djibouti at this time, due to the occurrence of guerrilla activity in the areas outside of Djibouti City and the tense situation within the capital. The U.S. Embassy has instructed its personnel, and recommended to American residents there, to forego travel within Djibouti City after dark. In addition, U.S. citizens should note that travel in the outlying districts of Djibouti, especially along the Ethiopia/Djibouti border, continues to be unsafe because of the potential for guerrilla operations. There is a large police presence in the capital city at this time. However, many members of the police are young and inexperienced, do not speak English or French, and are unlikely to be able to offer appropriate assistance or security. U.S. citizens who must travel to Djibouti at this time are strongly encouraged to register their presence at the U.S. Embassy upon arrival. The U.S. Embassy is located at Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, telephone number 35-39-95. No. 92-091 This renews the previous travel advisory, dated November 29, 1991, without change. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... DJIBOUTI Dominica false marked Dominica showNameProp Dominica most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Dominica Geography Total area: 750 km2 Land area: 750 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 148 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Terrain: rugged mountains of volcanic origin Natural resources: timber Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 13%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 41%; other 34% Environment: flash floods a constant hazard; occasional hurricanes Note: located 550 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea Dominica People Population: 87,035 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Dominican(s); adjective - Dominican Ethnic divisions: mostly black; some Carib Indians Religions: Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 1%, other 5% Languages: English (official); French patois widely spoken Literacy: 94% (male 94%, female 94%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 25,000; agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28% (1984) Organized labor: 25% of labor force Dominica Government Long-form name: Commonwealth of Dominica Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Roseau Administrative divisions: 10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter Independence: 3 November 1978 (from UK) Constitution: 3 November 1978 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1978) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Sir Clarence Augustus SEIGNORET (since 19 December 1983) Head of Government: Prime Minister (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES (since 21 July 1980, elected for a third term 28 May 1990) Political parties and leaders: Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES; Dominica Labor Party (DLP), Pierre CHARLES; United Workers Party (UWP), Edison JAMES Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 28 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (30 total; 9 appointed senators and 21 elected representatives) DFP 11, UWP 6, DLP 4 President: last held 20 December 1988 (next to be held December 1993); results - President Sir Clarence Augustus SEIGNORET was reelected by the House of Assembly Other political or pressure groups: Dominica Liberation Movement (DLM), a small leftist group Member of: ACCT, ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: there is no Chancery in the US US: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados), but travels frequently to Dominica Dominica Government Flag: green with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white - the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10 green five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes) Dominica Economy Overview: The economy is dependent on agriculture and thus is highly vulnerable to climatic conditions. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Principal products include bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, and coconuts. In 1990, GDP grew by 7%, bouncing back from the 1.6% decline of 1989. The tourist industry remains undeveloped because of a rugged coastline and the lack of an international airport. purchasing power equivalent - $170 million, per capita $2,000; real growth rate 7.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.7% (1990) Unemployment rate: 10% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $48 million; expenditures $85 million, including capital expenditures of $41 million (FY90) Exports: $59.9 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: bananas, coconuts, grapefruit, soap, galvanized sheets partners: UK 72%, Jamaica 10%, OECS 6%, US 3%, other 9% Imports: $103.9 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: food, oils and fats, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment partners: US 23%, UK 18%, CARICOM 15%, OECS 15%, Japan 5%, Canada 3%, other 21% External debt: $73 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.5% in manufacturing (1988 est.); accounts for 11% of GDP Electricity: 7,000 kW capacity; 16 million kWh produced, 185 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: soap, beverages, tourism, food processing, furniture, cement blocks, shoes Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP; principal crops - bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, and coconuts; bananas provide the bulk of export earnings; forestry and fisheries potential not exploited Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $120 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Dominica Communications Highways: 750 km total; 370 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth Ports: Roseau, Portsmouth Civil air: NA Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 4,600 telephones in fully automatic network; VHF and UHF link to Saint Lucia; new SHF links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 1 cable TV Dominica Defense Forces Branches: Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (including Coast Guard) Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp DOMINICA - Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and return/onward ticket required for tourist stay up to 6 months. For longer stays and other information consult Consulate of the Commonwealth of Dominica, 820 2nd Ave., Suite 900, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/599-8478). Dominica - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The United States does not maintain an Embassy in Dominica. U.S. citizens requiring assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; telephone (809) 436-4950. The Consular Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown, telephone (809) 431-0225. Country Description: Dominica is a developing island nation. The tourist industry is not highly developed. Entry Requirements: For tourist stays up to six months, U.S. citizens may enter Dominica without a passport but in lieu of a passport must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship, as well as photo identification and a return/onward ticket. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Consulate of the Commonwealth of Dominica at 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900, New York, NY, 10017, telephone (212) 599-8478. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some instances, supplemental medical insurance specifically covering overseas services has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left on beaches are subject to theft. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling is provided in the State Department's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at Bridgetown can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-068 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text DOMINICA Dominican Republic false marked Dominican Republic showNameProp Dominican Republic most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Dominican Republic Geography Total area: 48,730 km2 Land area: 48,380 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire Land boundaries: 275 km; Haiti 275 km Coastline: 1,288 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: outer edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 6 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver Land use: arable land 23%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest and woodland 13%; other 14%; includes irrigated 4% Environment: subject to occasional hurricanes (July to October); deforestation Note: shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic) Dominican Republic People Population: 7,515,892 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 70 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Dominican(s); adjective - Dominican Ethnic divisions: mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: 83% (male 85%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,300,000 to 2,600,000; agriculture 49%, services 33%, industry 18% (1986) Organized labor: 12% of labor force (1989 est.) Dominican Republic Government Long-form name: Dominican Republic (no short-form name) Type: republic Capital: Santo Domingo Administrative divisions: 29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro De Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Valverde Independence: 27 February 1844 (from Haiti) Constitution: 28 November 1966 Legal system: based on French civil codes National holiday: Independence Day, 27 February (1844) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo (since 16 August 1986, fifth elected term began 16 August 1990); Vice President Carlos A. MORALES Troncoso (since 16 August 1986) Political parties and leaders: Major parties: Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC), Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo; Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), Jose Franciso PENA Gomez; Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Juan BOSCH Gavino; Independent Revolutionary Party (PRI), Jacobo MAJLUTA Minor parties: National Veterans and Civilian Party (PNVC), Juan Rene BEAUCHAMPS Javier; Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic (PLRD), Andres Van Der HORST; Democratic Quisqueyan Party (PQD), Elias WESSIN Chavez; National Progressive Force (FNP), Marino VINICIO Castillo; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Rogelio DELGADO Bogaert; Dominican Communist Party (PCD) Narciso ISA Conde; Dominican Workers' Party (PTD), Ivan RODRIGUEZ; Anti-Imperialist Patriotic Union (UPA), Ignacio RODRIGUEZ Chiappini Note: in 1983 several leftist parties, including the PCD, joined to form the Dominican Leftist Front (FID); however, they still retain individual party structures Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 or if married; members of the armed forces and police cannot vote Dominican Republic Government Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) PLD 44, PRSC 41, PRD 33, PRI 2 President: last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 35.7%, Juan BOSCH Gavino (PLD) 34.4% Senate: last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (30 total) PRSC 16, PLD 12, PRD 2 Communists: an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 members in several legal and illegal factions; effectiveness limited by ideological differences, organizational inadequacies, and severe funding shortages Member of: ACP, CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM (guest), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jose del Carmen ARIZA Gomez; Chancery at 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-6280; there are Dominican Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Charlotte Amalie (Virgin Islands), Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, Mobile, Ponce (Puerto Rico), and San Francisco US: Ambassador Robert S. PASTORINO; Embassy at the corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo (mailing address is APO AA 34041-0008); telephone (809) 5412171 Flag: a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is at the center of the cross Dominican Republic Economy Overview: The economy is largely dependent on trade; imported components average 60% of the value of goods consumed in the domestic market. Rapid growth of free trade zones has established a significant expansion of manufacturing for export, especially wearing apparel. Over the past decade, tourism has also increased in importance and is a major earner of foreign exchange and a source of new jobs. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy. The principal commercial crop is sugarcane, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and tobacco. Domestic industry is based on the processing of agricultural products, durable consumer goods, minerals, and chemicals. Unemployment is officially reported at about 30%, but there is considerable underemployment. A fiscal austerity program has brought inflation under control, but in 1991 the economy contracted for a second straight year. exchange rate conversion - $7 billion, per capita $950; real growth rate -2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues NA; expenditures $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1992 est.) Exports: $775 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, coffee, cocoa, gold, ferronickel partners: US 60%, EC 19%, Puerto Rico 8% (1990) Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals partners: US 50% External debt: $4.7 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA; accounts for 20% of GDP Electricity: 2,133,000 kW capacity; 4,410 million kWh produced, 597 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and employs 49% of labor force; sugarcane is the most important commercial crop, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and tobacco; food crops - rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; animal output - cattle, hogs, dairy products, meat, eggs; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $575 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $655 million Currency: Dominican peso (plural - pesos); 1 Dominican peso (RD$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Dominican pesos (RD$) per US$1 - 12.609 (January 1992), 12.692 (1991), 8.525 (1990), 6.340 (1989), 6.113 (1988), 3.845 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Dominican Republic Communications Railroads: 1,655 km total in numerous segments; 4 different gauges from 0.558 m to 1.435 m Highways: 12,000 km total; 5,800 km paved, 5,600 km gravel and improved earth, 600 km unimproved Pipelines: crude oil 96 km; petroleum products 8 km Ports: Santo Domingo, Haina, San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto Plata Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,587 GRT/1,165 DWT Civil air: 23 major transport aircraft Airports: 36 total, 30 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: relatively efficient domestic system based on islandwide microwave relay network; 190,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 120 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 6 shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Dominican Republic Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,013,294; 1,271,772 fit for military service; 80,117 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $70 million, 1% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship and tourist card or visa required. Tourist card for stay up to 60 days, available from Consulate or from airline serving the country, $10 fee. Visa issued by Consulate, valid up to 5 years, no charge. All persons are required to pay $20 departure fee. For business travel and other information call the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, 1715 22nd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-6280) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/858-7365), FL (305/358-3221), IL (312/772-6362), LA (504/522-1843), MA (617/482-8121), NY (212/768-2480), PA (215/923-3006) or PR (809/725-9550). Dominican Republic - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic is located at the corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro in Santo Domingo; telephone (809) 541-2171. The Consular Section is a half mile away at the corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Maximo Gomez. There is a Consular Agency in Puerto Plata at Calle Beller 51, 2nd floor, Office 6; telephone (809) 586-4204; office hours Monday, Friday, 8:30 - 12:00 a.m., Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Country Description: The Dominican Republic has a developing economy. Tourist facilities vary, depending on price and area. Entry Requirements: A passport or proof of U.S. citizenship and a tourist card or visa are required. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington, D.C., 1715 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 332- 6280 or the nearest Consulate General in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Malaria is prevalent in the rural, non-tourist areas near the Haitian border. Tuberculosis and typhoid are more common than in the U.S. HIV poses a significant health risk and is prevalent in tourist areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage is considered useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' Hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left on beaches are subject to theft. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: No more than $5000 may be taken out of the country at the time of departure. American tourists have been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in the country. No. 92-69 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text DOMINICR Ecuador false marked Ecuador showNameProp Ecuador most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Ecuador Geography Total area: 283,560 km2 Land area: 276,840 km2; includes Galapagos Islands Comparative area: slightly smaller than Nevada Land boundaries: 2,010 km; Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km Coastline: 2,237 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: claims continental shelf between mainland and Galapagos Islands Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: three sections of the boundary with Peru are in dispute Climate: tropical along coast becoming cooler inland Terrain: coastal plain (Costa), inter-Andean central highlands (Sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (Oriente) Natural resources: petroleum, fish, timber Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 17%; forest and woodland 51%; other 23%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; periodic droughts Note: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world Ecuador People Population: 10,933,143 (July 1992), growth rate 2.2% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 42 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Ecuadorian(s); adjective - Ecuadorian Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 55%, Indian 25%, Spanish 10%, black 10% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish (official); Indian languages, especially Quechua Literacy: 86% (male 88%, female 84%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,800,000; agriculture 35%, manufacturing 21%, commerce 16%, services and other activities 28% (1982) Organized labor: less than 15% of labor force Ecuador Government Long-form name: Republic of Ecuador Type: republic Capital: Quito Administrative divisions: 21 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe Independence: 24 May 1822 (from Spain; Battle of Pichincha) Constitution: 10 August 1979 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 10 August (1809, independence of Quito) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos (since 10 August 1988); Vice President Luis PARODI Valverde (since 10 August 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18; compulsory for literate persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters Elections: National Congress: last held 17 June 1990 (next to be held 17 May 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) PSC 16, ID 14, PRE 13, PSE 8, DP 7, CFP 3, PC 3, PLR 3, FADI 2, FRA 2, MPD 1 President: runoff election held 5 July 1992; results - Sixto DURAN elected as president and Alberto DAHIK elected as vice president Communists: Communist Party of Ecuador (PCE, pro-Moscow), Rene Mauge MOSQUERA, secretary general, 5,000 members; Communist Party of Ecuador/Marxist-Leninist (PCMLE, Maoist), 3,000 members; Socialist Party of Ecuador (PSE, pro-Cuba), 5,000 members (est.); National Liberation Party (PLN, Communist), less than 5,000 members (est.) Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime MONCAYO; Chancery at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-7200; there are Ecuadorian Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and a Consulate in San Diego Ecuador Government US: Ambassador vacant; Embassy at Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria; Quito (mailing address is P. O. Box 538, Quito, or APO AA 34039); telephone [593] (2) 562-890; FAX [593] (2) 502-052; there is a US Consulate General in Guayaquil Flag: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; similar to the flag of Colombia that is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms Ecuador Economy Overview: Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. Growth has been uneven because of natural disasters (for example, a major earthquake in 1987), fluctuations in global oil prices, and government policies designed to curb inflation. The government has not taken a supportive attitude toward either domestic or foreign investment, although its agreement to enter the Andean free trade zone is an encouraging move. As 1991 ended, Ecuador received a standby IMF loan of $105 million, which will permit the country to proceed with the rescheduling of Paris Club debt. exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion, per capita $1,070; real growth rate 2.5% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 49% (1991) Unemployment rate: 8.0% (1990) Budget: revenues $2.2 billion; expenditures $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $375 million (1991) Exports: $2.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum 47%, coffee, bananas, cocoa products, shrimp, fish products partners: US 60%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries Imports: $1.95 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: transport equipment, vehicles, machinery, chemicals partners: US 34%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC, Japan External debt: $12.4 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate -3.8% (1989); accounts for almost 40% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 2,344,000 kW capacity; 6,430 million kWh produced, 598 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal works, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, timber Agriculture: accounts for 18% of GDP and 35% of labor force (including fishing and forestry); leading producer and exporter of bananas and balsawood; other exports - coffee, cocoa, fish, shrimp; crop production - rice, potatoes, manioc, plantains, sugarcane; livestock sector - cattle, sheep, hogs, beef, pork, dairy products; net importer of foodgrains, dairy products, and sugar Illicit drugs: minor illicit producer of coca following the successful eradication campaign of 1985-87; significant transit country, however, for derivatives of coca originating in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $498 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.15 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $64 million Currency: sucre (plural - sucres); 1 sucre (S/) = 100 centavos Ecuador Economy Exchange rates: sucres (S/) per US$1 - 1,046.25 (1991), 869.54 (December 1990), 767.75 (1990), 526.35 (1989), 301.61 (1988), 170.46 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Ecuador Communications Railroads: 965 km total; all 1.067-meter-gauge single track Highways: 28,000 km total; 3,600 km paved, 17,400 km gravel and improved earth, 7,000 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 1,500 km Pipelines: crude oil 800 km; petroleum products 1,358 km Ports: Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Esmeraldas Merchant marine: 46 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 337,999 GRT/491,996 DWT; includes 2 passenger, 4 cargo, 17 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 15 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 2 bulk Civil air: 23 major transport aircraft Airports: 143 total, 142 usable; 43 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 6 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 23 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic facilities generally adequate; 318,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 272 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 39 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Ecuador Defense Forces Branches: Army (Ejercito Ecuatoriano), Navy (Armada Ecuatoriana), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana), National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,804,260; 1,898,401 fit for military service; 115,139 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ECUADOR - Passport and return/onward ticket required for stay up to 3 months. For additional information contact the Embassy of Ecuador, 2535 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/234-7166) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/628-3014 or 415/391-4148), FL (305/539- 8214), IL (312/642-8579), LA (504/523-3229), MA (617/227-7200), NY (212/683-7555), or TX (214/747-6329). Ecuador - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador is located in Quito at Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria (across from the Parque el Ejido), tel: (593-2) 562-890 or 561-749. There is also a U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil located at 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde), tel: 323-570 or 327-893, which has jurisdiction over the Galapagos Islands. Country Description: Ecuador has a developing economy. Facilities for tourism are adequate but vary in quality. Widespread civil disorder is rare, but demonstrations are common and often degenerate into rock throwing, car torching, looting and other random violence. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport and a return/onward ticket, and are granted up to a three-month stay. for such purposes no visa is required in advance of arrival. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Ecuador, travelers can contact the Ecuadoran Embassy at 2535 15th Street N.W., Washington, D.C.20009, tel: (202) 234-7200 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, or Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available, but varies in quality. Cholera is present in many parts of Ecuador. However, visitors who follow proper precautions in food and drink are not usually at risk. Malaria is also on the increase in the coastal area. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Pickpockets and muggings are common, with thieves often armed with guns or knives. There have been numerous incidents of robberies and sexual assaults on tourists, especially in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil, at tourist sites such as the famous Quito landmark known as El Panecillo in old Quito, the Guayaquil waterfront promenade known as El Malecon, and in popular hiking and climbing areas surrounding Quito. Bus travel throughout Ecuador can be very dangerous due to the high incidence of crime perpetrated against bus travelers. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and offenders can expect prolonged pretrial detention without bail, lengthy jail sentences and fines. Other Information: Maritime safety standards on some tour vessels to the Galapagos islands are deficient. Travelers have found it useful to verify credentials in advance. U.S. citizens regularly bring allegations of legal harassment stemming from business disputes to the attention of U.S. officials in Ecuador. Of particular concern have been several instances of U.S. business people traveling to Ecuador to resolve business disputes who have been jailed on criminal complaints in situations which would normally be handled by civil litigation in the U.S. These U.S. citizens have secured their release from jail only upon the payment of large sums. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Quito or Consulate General in Guayaquil can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-070 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ECUADOR cluding petroleum Electricity: 2,344,000 kW capacity; 6,430 million kWh produced, 598 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum, food processing, texti Burkina false marked +P,^-' Burkina showNameProp Burkina most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Burkina Geography Total area: 274,200 km2 Land area: 273,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Colorado Land boundaries: 3,192 km; Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Ivory Coast 584 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast Natural resources: manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 37%; forest and woodland 26%; other 27%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural activities, population distribution, economy; overgrazing; deforestation Note: landlocked Burkina People Population: 9,653,672 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 117 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burkinabe (singular and plural); adjective - Burkinabe Ethnic divisions: more than 50 tribes; principal tribe is Mossi (about 2.5 million); other important groups are Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani Religions: indigenous beliefs about 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% Languages: French (official); tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken by 90% of the population Literacy: 18% (male 28%, female 9%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 3,300,000 residents; 30,000 are wage earners; agriculture 82%, industry 13%, commerce, services, and government 5%; 20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (1984); 44% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: four principal trade union groups represent less than 1% of population Burkina Government Long-form name: Burkina Faso Type: military; established by coup on 4 August 1983 Capital: Ouagadougou Administrative divisions: 30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France; formerly Upper Volta) Constitution: June 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) Executive branch: President, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved on 25 November 1980 Judicial branch: Appeals Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) Political parties and leaders: Organization for Popular Democracy (ODP/MT), ruling party; Coordination of Democratic Forces (CFD), composed of opposition parties Suffrage: none Elections: the National Assembly was dissolved 25 November 1980; presidential election held December 1991 and legislative election scheduled for 24 May 1992 Communists: small Communist party front group; some sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: committees for the defense of the revolution, watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Paul Desire KABORE; Chancery at 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-5577 or 6895 US: Ambassador Edward P. BYRNN; Embassy at Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou (mailing address is 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou); telephone [226] 30-67- 23 through 25 and [226] 33-34-22; FAX [226] 31-23-68 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Burkina Economy Overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP. exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, per capita $320 (1988); real growth rate 1.3% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): --0.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $275 million; expenditures $287 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $262 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: oilseeds, cotton, live animals, gold partners: EC 42% (France 30%, other 12%), Taiwan 17%, Ivory Coast 15% (1985) Imports: $619 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: grain, dairy products, petroleum, machinery partners: EC 37% (France 23%, other 14%), Africa 31%, US 15% (1985) External debt: $962 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.7% (1990 est.), accounts for about 15% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 120,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not self-sufficient in food grains Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Burkina Communications Railroads: 620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Ivory Coast border and 100 km Ouagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single track Highways: 16,500 km total; 1,300 km paved, 7,400 km improved, 7,800 km unimproved (1985) Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 48 total, 38 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: all services only fair; radio relay, wire, and radio communication stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Burkina Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, Peoples' Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,904,647; 971,954 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 2.7% of GDP (1988 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BURKINA FASO - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa valid 3 months for visit up to 1 month, extendable, requires $20 fee, 2 application forms, 2 photos and yellow fever vaccination (cholera immunization recommended). Send passport by registered mail and include postage or prepaid envelope for return. Cash or money order only. For further information call Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-5577) or Honorary Consulate in Decatur, GA (404/378-7278, Los Angeles, CA (213/824-5100) or New Orleans, LA (504/945-3152). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BURKINA Burma false marked 0z<>=L>' Burma showNameProp Burma most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Burma Geography Total area: 678,500 km2 Land area: 657,740 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,876 km; Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km Coastline: 1,930 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) Terrain: central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands Natural resources: crude oil, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas Land use: arable land 15%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 49%; other 34%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); deforestation Note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes Burma People Population: 42,642,418 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 57 years male, 61 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burmese (singular and plural); adjective - Burmese Ethnic divisions: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% Languages: Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages Literacy: 81% (male 89%, female 72%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 16,036,000; agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1% (FY89 est.) Organized labor: Workers' Asiayone (association), 1,800,000 members; Peasants' Asiayone, 7,600,000 members Burma Government Long-form name: Union of Burma; note - the local official name is Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw, which has been translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar Type: military regime Capital: Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon) Administrative divisions: 7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular - pyine); Chin State, Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State, Kayah State, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine State, Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tenasserim* Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK) Constitution: 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988) Legal system: martial law in effect throughout most of the country; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948) Executive branch: chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, State Law and Order Restoration Council Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) was dissolved after the coup of 18 September 1988 Judicial branch: Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18 September 1988 Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE; National Coalition of Union of Burma (NCGUB), SEIN WIN - consists of individuals legitimately elected but not recognized by military regime; fled to border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: People's Assembly: last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats - (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79 Communists: several hundred (est.) in Burma Communist Party (BCP) Other political or pressure groups: Kachin Independence Army (KIA), United Wa State Army (UWSA), Karen National Union (KNU) , several Shan factions, including the Shan United Army (SUA) (all ethnically based insurgent groups) Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Burma Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador U THAUNG; Chancery at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9044 through 9046; there is a Burmese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador (vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.; Embassy at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (mailing address is GPO Box 521, AMEMB Box B, APO AP 96546); telephone [95] (1) 82055, 82181; FAX [95] (1) 80409 Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions Burma Economy Overview: Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $500. The nation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in export earnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports. For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world prices has been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In 1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold this position. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, which generates about 40% of GDP and provides employment for 65% of the work force. Burma has been largely isolated from international economic forces and has been trying to encourage foreign investment, so far with little success. exchange rate conversion - $22.2 billion, per capita $530; real growth rate 5.6% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1991) Unemployment rate: 9.6% in urban areas (FY89 est.) Budget: revenues $7.2 billion; expenditures $9.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $6 billion (1991) Exports: $568 million commodities: teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gems partners: Southeast Asia, India, Japan, China, EC, Africa Imports: $1.16 billion commodities: machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products partners: Japan, EC, China, Southeast Asia External debt: $4.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 2.6% (FY90 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 950,000 kW capacity; 2,900 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products; petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops - paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% of export revenues; fish catch of 740,000 metric tons (FY90) Illicit drugs: world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $424 million Burma Economy Currency: kyat (plural - kyats); 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.0963 (January 1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989), 6.46 (1988), 6.6535 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Burma Communications Railroads: 3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track Highways: 27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel, 6,100 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels Pipelines: crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km Ports: Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein Merchant marine: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,036,018 GRT/1,514,121 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 19 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 3 vehicle carrier, 3 container, 2 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 27 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-off Civil air: 17 major transport aircraft (including 3 helicopters) Airports: 85 total, 82 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service; international service is good; 53,000 telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Burma Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 21,447,878; of the 10,745,530 males 15-49, 5,759,840 are fit for military service; of the 10,702,348 females 15-49, 5,721,868 are fit for military service; 424,474 males and 410,579 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.28 billion, FY(91-92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Myanmar (Burma) - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The telephone number is (95-1) 82055. Country Description: Burma, renamed Myanmar in 1989, experienced major political unrest in 1988. A military government has been in power since that time. Entry Requirements: Travel to and within Myanmar is strictly controlled by that country's government. Passport and visas are required. Single entry visas, for a stay up to 14 days, requires a $16 fee for a tourist visa and $30 fee for business visa. Tourists must be part of a tour group. There is limited entry at three border posts, including Tachillk, for tourists who come by land from Thailand. Myanmar visas will be issued at the point of entry to individual tourists and certain group travelers beginning in early 1993. For further information, the traveler may contact the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 2300 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, (202) 332- 9044/6), or the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the U.N., 10 East 77th St., New York, N.Y. 10021, (212) 535-1311. Areas of Instability: Insurgents are active in the highland regions of Myanmar, but the central lowland area is generally safe. Medical Facilities: Hospital and medical services are available in Rangoon. Elsewhere, medical care is limited. Cholera, tuberculosis, plague, leprosy, and typhoid are all endemic to Myanmar. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Security in tourist areas is generally good. The level of violent crime and crime against property is low. There are occasional reports of pickpocketing. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Other Information: Roads are poor in Myanmar. Trains are not punctual and their safety record is poor. Myanmar Airways (formerly Burma Airways Corporation) also has a poor safety record. Photographing persons in uniform or any military installation is discouraged by Myanmar authorities. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-105 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BURMA Burma Egypt Faroe Islands Rwanda Malta OSAC organization ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIB Burundi false marked Burundi showNameProp Burundi most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Burundi Geography Total area: 27,830 km2 Land area: 25,650 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 974 km; Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands Terrain: mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium Land use: arable land 43%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 35%; forest and woodland 2%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestation Note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed Burundi People Population: 6,022,341 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 106 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burundian(s); adjective - Burundi Ethnic divisions: Africans - Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%; other Africans include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians; non-Africans include about 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 South Asians Religions: Christian about 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% Languages: Kirundi and French (official); Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) Literacy: 50% (male 61%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,900,000 (1983 est.); agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services 1.5%; 52% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: sole group is the Union of Burundi Workers (UTB); by charter, membership is extended to all Burundi workers (informally); active membership figures NA Burundi Government Long-form name: Republic of Burundi Type: republic Capital: Bujumbura Administrative divisions: 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) Constitution: 20 November 1981; suspended following the coup of 3 September 1987; a constitutional committee was charged with drafting a new constitution created in February 1991; a referendum on the new constitution scheduled for March 1992 Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Executive branch: president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved following the coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from 27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for National Salvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition to constitutional government Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Major Pierre BUYOYA, President (since 9 September 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988) Political parties and leaders: only party - National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), Nicolas MAYUGI, secretary general; note - although Burundi is still officially a one-party state, at least four political parties were formed in 1991 in anticipation of proposed constitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU), Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party of Burundi (PSB), Movement for Peace and Democracy (MPD) - the Party for the Liberation of the Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early 1980s, is an ethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule; the government has long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnic politics and fomenting violence against the state. PALIPEHUTU's exclusivist charter makes it an unlikely candidate for legalization under the new constitution that will require party membership open to all ethnic groups Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: National Assembly: dissolved after the coup of 3 September 1987; note - The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991 Burundi Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Julien KAVAKURE; Chancery at Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2574 US: Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRY; B. P. 1720, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura; telephone [257] (222) 454; FAX [257] (222) 926 Flag: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) Burundi Economy Overview: A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability to pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its export agriculture capability and attract foreign investment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatized via public auction in September 1991. exchange rate conversion - $1.13 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.4% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $158 million; expenditures $204 million, including capital expenditures of $131 million (1989 est.) Exports: $74.7 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: coffee 88%, tea, hides, and skins partners: EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2% Imports: $234.6 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3% External debt: $1.0 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: real growth rate 5.1% (1986); accounts for about 10% of GDP Electricity: 55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports; public works construction; food processing Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton, tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock - meat, milk, hides, and skins Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175 million Currency: Burundi franc (plural - francs); 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 193.72 (January 1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988), 123. 56 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Burundi Communications Highways: 5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improved or unimproved earth Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika Ports: Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and Zaire Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m Telecommunications: sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity radio relay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Burundi Defense Forces Branches: Army (includes naval and air units); paramilitary Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,306,611; 681,050 fit for military service; 59,676 reach military age (16) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BURUNDI - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival to avoid long airport delay. Multi-entry visa valid for 2 months (must be used within 2 months of date of issue) requires $11 fee, 3 application forms, 3 photos, yellow fever and cholera immunizations and return/onward ticket. Company letter needed for business travel. Send cash or U.S. postal money order only and SASE for return of passport by mail. For further information consult Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/342-2574) or Permanent Mission of Burundi to the U.N. (212/687- 1180). BURUNDI - CAUTION August 18, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Burundi. Burundi is passing through a period of political change, and though the situation is calm at present, the possibility of unexpected disruptions exists. Borders with Burundi's neighbors are open, but can be closed without notice. At certain border crossings prior notification to the government of Burundi has been necessary. Street crime in Bujumbura, the capital, poses high risks for visitors, particularly during evening and late-night hours. End summary. The Department of State advises all U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Burundi. Burundi is passing through a period of political change which includes the formation of political parties and the holding of free elections, expected in 1993. Travelers are advised to avoid political gatherings and to refrain from participation in public events. Radical political activists have fomented violence in the recent past and the possibility of renewed violence always exists. Burundi's borders with Zaire, Rwanda and Tanzania are currently open. Burundi has periodically closed its borders with Rwanda and Zaire without notice as a result of disturbances in the northwest part of Burundi. There remains the possibility for unanticipated closures in the future. U.S. citizens traveling to Rwanda via the Luhwa-Ruwa crossing in Cibitoke province (the principal tourist route to Bukavu, Zaire for gorilla viewing) must notify the government of Burundi of their intention to cross prior to traveling, although this requirement is subject to change. Public transportation through all border regions is infrequent, and travelers are advised to travel by air or to use private or rented vehicles. Street crime in Burundi poses high risks for visitors. Most crime involves muggings, purse-snatchings, pickpocketing, burglary, and auto break-ins. Criminals tend to operate individually or in small groups. There have been reports of muggings of persons jogging or walking alone in all sections of Bujumbura, and especially on public roads bordering Lake Tanganyike. Visitors should exercise common sense in protecting wallets, jewelry and other valuables. All U.S. citizens traveling to Burundi are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura for further information and to register their presence in the country. The Embassy is located at Avenue des Etats-Unis, telephone number: 22-34-54. No. 92-158 This replaces the travel advisory dated February 14, 1992, to alert U.S. citizens that the possibility for disruptions exists, i.e., unanticipated border closings and the potential for violence. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BURUNDI Cambodia false marked Cambodia showNameProp Cambodia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cambodia Geography Total area: 181,040 km2 Land area: 176,520 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oklahoma Land boundaries: 2,572 km; Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km Coastline: 443 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined Climate: tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December to March); little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north Natural resources: timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential Land use: arable land 16%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 76%; other 4%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle Sap Note: buffer between Thailand and Vietnam Cambodia People Population: 7,295,706 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 121 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cambodian(s); adjective - Cambodian Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Chinese 5%, other 5% Religions: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% Languages: Khmer (official), French Literacy: 35% (male 48%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2.5-3.0 million; agriculture 80% (1988 est.) Organized labor: Kampuchea Federation of Trade Unions (FSC); under government control Cambodia Government Long-form name: none Type: currently administered by the Supreme National Council (SNC), a body set up under United Nations' auspices, in preparation for an internationally supervised election in 1993 and including representatives from each of the country's four political factions Capital: Phnom Penh Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (khet, singular and plural) and 2 autonomous cities* Banteay Meanchey, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Saom City*, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnom Phen City*, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev Independence: 8 November 1949 (from France) Constitution: a new constitution will be drafted after the national election in 1993 National holiday: NGC - Independence Day, 17 April (1975); SOC - Liberation Day, 7 January (1979) Executive branch: a twelve-member Supreme National Council (SNC), chaired by Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, composed of representatives from each of the four political factions; faction names and delegation leaders are: State of Cambodia (SOC) - HUN SEN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK or Khmer Rouge) - KHIEU SAMPHAN; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) - SON SANN; National United Front for an Independent, Peaceful, Neutral, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) - Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH Legislative branch: pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's National Assembly is the only functioning national legislative body Judicial branch: pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's Supreme People's Court is the only functioning national judicial body Leaders: Chief of State: SNC - Chairman Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, under United Nations's supervision Head of Government: NGC - vacant, formerly held by SON SANN (since July 1982); will be determined following the national election in 1993; SOC - Chairman of the Council of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHAN; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) (name changed and HENG SAMRIN replaced in October 1991) under CHEA SIM; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN; National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANNARIDH Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: UN-supervised election for a 120-member constituent assembly based on proportional representation within each province will be held nine months after UN-organized voter registration is complete; the election is not anticipated before April 1993; the assembly will draft and approve a constitution and then transform itself into a legislature that will create a new Cambodian Government Cambodia Government Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: the Supreme National Council (SNC) represents Cambodia in international organizations - it filled UN seat in September 1991 US: Charles TWINNING is the US representative to Cambodia Flag: SNC - blue background with white map of Cambodia in middle; SOC - two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in the center Cambodia Economy Overview: Cambodia is a desperately poor country whose economic development has been stymied by deadly political infighting. The economy is based on agriculture and related industries. Over the past decade Cambodia has been slowly recovering from its near destruction by war and political upheaval. The food situation remains precarious; during the 1980s famine was averted only through international relief. In 1986 the production level of rice, the staple food crop, was able to meet only 80% of domestic needs. The biggest success of the nation's recovery program has been in new rubber plantings and in fishing. Industry, other than rice processing, is almost nonexistent. Foreign trade has been primarily with the former USSR and Vietnam, and both trade and foreign aid are being adversely affected by the breakup of the USSR. Statistical data on the economy continue to be sparse and unreliable. Foreign aid from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has virtually stopped. exchange rate conversion - $930 million, per capita $130; real growth rate NA (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 53% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $178 million expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $32 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: natural rubber, rice, pepper, wood partners: Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India Imports: $147 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinery partners: Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India External debt: $600 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 140,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining Agriculture: mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice, rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flour Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-US countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8 billion Currency: riel (plural - riels); 1 riel (CR) = 100 sen Exchange rates: riels (CR) per US$1 - 714 (May 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560 (1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Cambodia Communications Railroads: 612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned Highways: 13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepair Inland waterways: 3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable to craft drawing 1.8 meters Ports: Kampong Saom, Phnom Penh Airports: 16 total, 8 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: service barely adequate for government requirements and virtually nonexistent for general public; international service limited to Vietnam and other adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV Cambodia Defense Forces Branches: SOC - Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF); Communist resistance forces - National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge); non-Communist resistance forces - Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI), which is sometimes anglicized as National Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC), and Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF) - under the Paris peace agreement of October 1991, all four factions are to observe a cease-fire and prepare for UN-supervised cantonment, disarmament, and 70% demobilization before the election, with the fate of the remaining 30% to be determined by the newly elected government - the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) will verify the cease-fire and disarm the combatants Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,877,339; 1,032,102 fit for military service; 61,807 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CAMBODIA - (formerly Kampuchea) - The United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with Cambodia and has no third country representing U.S. interests there. Travel by U.S. citizens is not recommended. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Cambodia. Before planning any travel to Cambodia, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/566-2701). Visa information must be obtained from a consulate in a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Cambodia. Cambodia - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Mission in Phnom Penh is located at 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The telephone number is (855) 23-26436 or (855) 23-26438. As of October 1992, the Mission is able to perform emergency services for U.S. citizens. However, due to reduced staff and unsettled conditions in the country, non-emergency services are limited. Country Description: Cambodia has experienced a long period of war and unrest. Four factions contending for power recently signed a settlement agreement, including a comprehensive cease-fire, and agreed to participate in a Supreme National Council (which is not a government but does represent Cambodia externally). No single faction controls the entire country and many areas of the country remain divided. Entry Requirements: Visa information must be obtained from a Cambodian Consulate or Embassy in a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Cambodia. There is no Cambodian Consulate in the United States. Areas of Instability: Sporadic military activity and widespread banditry continue to exist outside the capital of Phnom Penh. Many areas are considered unsafe and travel to these areas may be restricted. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are not widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved helpful in some instances. Questions on health matters can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Major crime is not a problem for travelers, although there are numerous incidents of petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Lifting of the Trade Embargo: The U.S. trade embargo against Cambodia was lifted on January 3, 1992 in conjunction with the implementation of the Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia conflict. This removes all mandatory restrictions on exports, imports, financial transactions (other than the continued freeze on blocked accounts), telecommunications, and travel occurring after January 1992. The lifting of the embargo permits U.S. travel agents to book travel to Cambodia. Exporters are still required to apply to the Department of Commerce for authorization to export certain high technology products which can be diverted for military use. Blocked Assets: Assets of the Government of Cambodia and those of Cambodian nationals within U.S. jurisdiction, blocked as of January 2, 1992, remain blocked. For further information, travelers can contact the Blocked Assets Division (tel, (202) 622-2440), Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20220. Adoptions: The state of Cambodia has banned, with few exceptions, the adoption of Cambodian orphans by foreign citizens. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who were born in Cambodia, or who were at one time citizens of Cambodia and the children of such persons, may, under Cambodian laws, be considered dual nationals, and may therefore be subject to laws pertaining to Cambodian citizens. These laws may impose special obligations upon Cambodian nationals, e.g. military service, taxes, etc. Specific questions on dual nationality can be directed to a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate, or to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Mission can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-094 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... CAMBODIA Cameroon false marked +h8,9 Cameroon showNameProp Cameroon most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cameroon Geography Total area: 475,440 km2 Land area: 469,440 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 4,591 km; Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km Coastline: 402 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 50 nm Disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission created with Nigeria to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries - has not yet convened Climate: varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Terrain: diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north Natural resources: crude oil, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential Land use: arable land 13%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 54%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification Note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa Cameroon People Population: 12,658,439 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 81 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 60 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cameroonian(s); adjective - Cameroonian Ethnic divisions: over 200 tribes of widely differing background; Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16% Languages: English and French (official), 24 major African language groups Literacy: 54% (male 66%, female 43%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA; agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2% (1983); 50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985) Organized labor: under 45% of wage labor force Cameroon Government Long-form name: Republic of Cameroon Type: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990) Capital: Yaounde Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest Independence: 1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration; formerly French Cameroon) Constitution: 20 May 1972 Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 20 May (1972) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) Head of Government: interim Prime Minister Sadou HAYATOU (since 25 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC), Paul BIYA, president, is government-controlled and was formerly the only party; numerous small parties formed since opposition parties were legalized in 1990 Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: National Assembly: next to be held 1 March 1992 President: last held 24 April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results - President Paul BIYA reelected without opposition Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Paul PONDI; Chancery at 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-8790 through 8794 US: Ambassador Frances D. COOK; Embassy at Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde (mailing address is B. P. 817, Yaounde); telephone [237] 234014; FAX [237] 230753; there is a US Consulate General in Douala Cameroon Government Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Cameroon Economy Overview: Because of its offshore oil resources, Cameroon has one of the highest incomes per capita in tropical Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986 precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-92, with support from the IMF and World Bank, the government has begun to introduce reforms designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, and recapitalize the nation's banks. Nationwide strikes organized by opposition parties in 1991, however, undermined these efforts. exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion, per capita $1,040; real growth rate 0.7% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.6% (FY88) Unemployment rate: 25% (1990 est.) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA million (FY89) Exports: $2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum products 56%, coffee, cocoa, timber, manufactures partners: EC (particularly France) about 50%, US 10% Imports: $2.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machines and electrical equipment, transport equipment, chemical products, consumer goods partners: France 41%, Germany 9%, US 4% External debt: $4.9 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDP Electricity: 755,000 kW capacity; 2,940 million kWh produced, 270 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil products, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, sawmills Agriculture: the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority of the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degree of self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops include coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock, root starches Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $440 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125 million Cameroon Economy Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Cameroon Communications Railroads: 1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gauge Highways: about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km paved, 32,318 km gravel and improved earth, and 30,000 km of unimproved earth Inland waterways: 2,090 km; of decreasing importance Ports: Douala Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 56 total, 50 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 21 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and radio relay; 26,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Cameroon Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including naval infantry), Air Force; National Gendarmerie, Presidential Guards Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,753,059; 1,385,706 fit for military service; 120,011 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $219 million, 1.7% of GDP (1990 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CAMEROON - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival to avoid difficulty at airport. Multiple-entry tourist visa for stay up to 90 days, requires $44.44 fee, 2 application forms, 2 photos, yellow fever and cholera immunizations, proof of onward/return transportation and bank statement. If invited by family or friends, visa available for up to 3 months, may be extended 1 month. Invitation must be signed by authorities in Cameroon. Multiple-entry business visa, valid 12 months, requires company letter to guarantee financial and legal responsibility; include exact dates of travel. Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by registered, certified or express mail. For additional information contact Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon, 2349 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-8790 to 8794). CAMEROON - CAUTION September 29, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in Cameroon. Disruptions may occur during the presidential elections, scheduled for October 11. While foreigners are not likely to be the targets of politically motivated attacks, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings. Banditry and petty crime are increasing problems in many areas of the country, including the major cities and towns. Travel on rural highways at night, and even travel on the highway between Nsimalen Airport and downtown Yaounde, is dangerous. To curb banditry, security forces have established checkpoints throughout the country. All persons must show their passports, residence cards, drivers' licenses, or vehicle registration documents at these checkpoints. Photocopies of these important documents should be kept in a secure location separate from the originals. While taking of photographs is not officially forbidden, security officials are sensitive about the photography of government buildings and military installations, many of which are unmarked. Photography of these subjects may result in seizure of photographic equipment by Cameroon authorities. U.S. citizens are advised to seek prior permission before taking a photograph of a specific subject or location. U.S. citizens traveling to Cameroon may contact the U.S. Embassy or the Consulate immediately upon arrival to register their presence and to receive updated security information. The U.S. Embassy is located in Yaounde on Rue Nachtigal, telephone 222589 or 234014. The U.S. Consulate in Douala is located at 21 Avenue du General De Gaulle, telephone 425331 or 420303. No. 92-167 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated March 25, 1992, to advise U.S. citizens of the potential for disruptions during the period surrounding the October 11 presidential elections and of the deteriorating crime situation in Cameroon. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CAMEROON Canada false marked Canada showNameProp Canada most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Canada Geography Total area: 9,976,140 km2 Land area: 9,220,970 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than US Land boundaries: 8,893 km with US (includes 2,477 km with Alaska) Coastline: 243,791 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary disputes with the US Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast Natural resources: nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, crude oil, natural gas Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 35%; other 57%; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: 80% of population concentrated within 160 km of US border; continuous permafrost in north a serious obstacle to development Note: second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route Canada People Population: 27,351,509 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Canadian(s); adjective - Canadian Ethnic divisions: British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5% Religions: Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10% Languages: English and French (both official) Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.) Labor force: 13,380,000; services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%, other 4% (1988) Organized labor: 30.6% of labor force; 39.6% of nonagricultural paid workers Canada Government Long-form name: none Type: confederation with parliamentary democracy Capital: Ottawa Administrative divisions: 10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* Independence: 1 July 1867 (from UK) Constitution: amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982; charter of rights and unwritten customs Legal system: based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or House of Commons (Chambre des Communes) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Raymond John HNATSHYN (since 29 January 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister (Martin) Brian MULRONEY (since 4 September 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Donald Frank MAZANKOWSKI (since June 1986) Political parties and leaders: Progressive Conservative Party, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Commons: last held 21 November 1988 (next to be held by November 1993); results - Progressive Conservative Party 43.0%, Liberal Party 32%, New Democratic Party 20%, other 5%; seats - (295 total) Progressive Conservative Party 159, Liberal Party 80, New Democratic Party 44, independents 12 Communists: 3,000 Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB, COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Canada Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Derek BURNEY; Chancery at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001; telephone (202) 682-1740; there are Canadian Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle US: Ambassador Peter TEELEY; Embassy at 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa (mailing address is P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430); telephone (613) 238-5335 or (613) 238-4470; FAX (613) 238-5720; there are US Consulates General in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver Flag: three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band Canada Economy Overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of production. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canada registered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations, averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. However, the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation; foreign investors are becoming edgy. purchasing power equivalent - $521.5 billion, per capita $19,400; real growth rate -1.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (November 1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 10.3% (November 1991) Budget: revenues $111.8 billion; expenditures $138.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90 est.) Exports: $124.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas, aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China Imports: $118 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: crude petroleum, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea External debt: $247 billion (1987) Industrial production: growth rate -3.8% (August 1991); accounts for 34% of GDP Electricity: 106,464,000 kW capacity; 479,600 million kWh produced, 17,872 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas Agriculture: accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers and exporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agricultural imports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is exported Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroin and cocaine entering the US market Canada Economy Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billion Currency: Canadian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.1565 (January 1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988), 1.3260 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Canada Communications Railroads: 93,544 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems - Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passenger service - VIA (government operated) Highways: 884,272 km total; 712,936 km surfaced (250,023 km paved), 171,336 km earth Inland waterways: 3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence Seaway Pipelines: crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km Ports: Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's (Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver Merchant marine: 70 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 500,904 GRT/727,118 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 3 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 10 cargo, 2 railcar carrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 28 petroleum tanker, 5 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 8 bulk; note - does not include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes Civil air: 636 major transport aircraft; Air Canada is the major carrier Airports: 1,416 total, 1,168 usable; 455 with permanent-surface runways; 4 with runways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 338 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones; broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxial submarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems Canada Defense Forces Branches: Canadian Armed Forces (including Mobile Command, Maritime Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Canadian Forces Europe, Training Commands), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 7,366,675; 6,387,459 fit for military service; 190,752 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $11.4 billion, 1.7% of GDP (FY91); $10.5 billion, NA% of GDP (FY 92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CANADA - Proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID required. Visa not required for tourists entering from the U.S. for a stay up to 180 days. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport or official U.S. travel document. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (202/682-1740) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/687-7432 and 415/541-7708), GA (404/577-6810), IL (312/427- 1031), MA (617/262-3760), MI (313/567-2340), MN (612/336-4641), NY (212/586-2400), OH (216/771-1660), TX (214/922-9806) or WA (206/443- 1777). Canada - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Canada is located at 100 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario; telephone (613) 238-5335. There are also Consulates in Calgary, Alberta, at 615 Macleod Trail SE, (403) 266- 8962; in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at Suite 910, Cogswell Tower, Scotia Square, (902) 429-2480; in Montreal, Quebec, at 1155 St. Alexander Street (514) 398- 9695; in Quebec city, Quebec, at Place Terrasse Dufferin (418) 692-2095; in Toronto, Ontario, at 360 University Avenue, (416) 595-1700, and in Vancouver, British Columbia, at 1095 West Pender Street, (604) 685-4311. Country Description: Canada is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities in southern Canada are widely available; in northern and wilderness areas, facilities are less developed and can be vast distances apart. Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification are required for travel to Canada. Visas are not required for tourists entering from the United States for stays up to 180 days. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport or an official U.S. travel document. For further information, including information on student or business travel, travelers can contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington DC 20001, (202) 682-1740 or the nearest Canadian Consulate General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. U.S. medical and auto insurance may not be valid in Canada. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental auto or medical insurance with specific Canadian coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Canada has a higher incidence of criminal activity in urban areas than in the countryside. Violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape occur infrequently. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: (a) Canadians consider driving under the influence of alcohol a serious offense. Penalties are heavy and any prior conviction (no matter how long ago or how minor the infraction) is grounds for exclusion from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be obtained from Canadian Consulates in the United States, but requires several weeks. (b) Firearms are strictly controlled. In general, handguns are not permitted in Canada. Anyone wishing to take hunting rifles into Canada can contact in advance the nearest Canadian Consulate for detailed information and instructions. In all cases, travelers must declare to Canadian Customs authorities any firearms in their possession when entering Canada. If a traveler is denied permission to take the firearm into Canada, there are in many cases facilities near the border crossing where firearms may be stored pending the traveler s return to the U.S. Canadian law requires that officials confiscate guns from those crossing the border who deny having guns in their possession. Confiscated guns are never returned. (c) It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba or into the Northwest Territories. The police will confiscate radar detectors and impose fines up to one thousand dollars. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section at the Embassy or Consulate may obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-011 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CANADA Cape Verde false marked Cape Verde showNameProp Cape Verde most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cape Verde Geography Total area: 4,030 km2 Land area: 4,030 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: 965 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erratic Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 85%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility; volcanically and seismically active; deforestation; overgrazing Note: strategic location 500 km from African coast near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site Cape Verde People Population: 398,276 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 8 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cape Verdean(s); adjective - Cape Verdean Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) about 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs Languages: Portuguese and Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words Literacy: 66% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.) Labor force: 102,000 (1985 est.); agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981); 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: Trade Unions of Cape Verde Unity Center (UNTC-CS) Cape Verde Government Long-form name: Republic of Cape Verde Type: republic Capital: Praia Administrative divisions: 14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal Independence: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal) Constitution: 7 September 1980; amended 12 February 1981, December 1988, and 28 September 1990 (legalized opposition parties) National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1975) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy minister, secretaries of state, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia) Leaders: Chief of State: President Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (since 22 March 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA (since 13 January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and chairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: People's National Assembly: last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note - this multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rule President: last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results - Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (MPD) received 72.6% of vote Member of: ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVA; Chancery at 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 965-6820; there is a Cape Verdean Consulate General in Boston US: Ambassador Francis T. (Terry) McNAMARA; Embassy at Rua Hoji Ya Henda Yenna 81, Praia (mailing address is C. P. 201, Praia); telephone [238] 61-43-63 or 61-42-53; FAX [238] 61-13-55 Cape Verde Government Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; in the upper portion of the red band is a black five-pointed star framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Guinea-Bissau, which is longer and has an unadorned black star centered in the red band Cape Verde Economy Overview: Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, a 17-year drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 65% of GDP during the period 1985-88. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, agriculture's share of GDP is only 16%; the fishing sector accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. In 1988 fishing represented only 3.5% of GDP. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreign aid. Economic reforms launched by the new democratic government in February 1991 are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. exchange rate conversion - $310 million, per capita $800; real growth rate 4% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 25% (1988) Budget: revenues $98.3 million; expenditures $138.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988 est.) Exports: $10.9 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: fish, bananas, salt partners: Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.) Imports: $107.8 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: petroleum, foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products partners: Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%, Netherlands, US (1990 est.) External debt: $150 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 15,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, construction materials, food and beverage production Agriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; bananas are the only export crop; other crops - corn, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee; growth potential of agricultural sector limited by poor soils and limited rainfall; annual food imports required; fish catch provides for both domestic consumption and small exports Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-89), $88 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $537 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $36 million Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (plural - escudos); 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos Cape Verde Economy Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 71.28 (March 1992), 71.41 (1991), 64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988), 72.5 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Cape Verde Communications Ports: Mindelo, Praia Merchant marine: 7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: interisland radio relay system, high-frequency radio to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 1 TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Cape Verde Defense Forces Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) - Army and Navy are separate components of FARP; Security Service Manpower availability: males 15-49, 72,916; 43,010 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CAPE VERDE - Passport and visa required. Single-entry tourist visa (must be used within 120 days of issue), requires $12 fee, 1 application form, 1 photo and yellow fever immunization if arriving from infected area. Include SASE for return of passport by mail. For further information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde, 3415 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/965-6820) or Consulate General, 535 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116 (617/353-0014). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... CAPE_VER Cayman Islands false marked Cayman Islands showNameProp Cayman Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Cayman Islands Geography Total area: 260 km2 Land area: 260 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and woodland 23%; other 69% Environment: within the Caribbean hurricane belt Note: important location between Cuba and Central America Cayman Islands People Population: 29,139 (July 1992), growth rate 4.4% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 33 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Caymanian(s); adjective - Caymanian Ethnic divisions: 40% mixed, 20% white, 20% black, 20% expatriates of various ethnic groups Religions: United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations Languages: English Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 8,061; service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979) Organized labor: Global Seaman's Union; Cayman All Trade Union Cayman Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: George Town Administrative divisions: 8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 Legal system: British common law and local statutes National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July) Executive branch: British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Michael GORE (since May 1992) Head of Government: Governor and President of the Executive Council Alan James SCOTT (since NA 1987) Political parties and leaders: no formal political parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) Member of: CARICOM (observer), CDB, IOC Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US are represented by the UK US: none Flag: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS Cayman Islands Economy Overview: The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of export earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region. exchange rate conversion - $384 million, per capita $14,500 (1989); real growth rate 8% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $83.6 million; expenditures $98.9 million, including capital expenditures of $13.6 million (1990) Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.) commodities: turtle products, manufactured consumer goods partners: mostly US Imports: $136 million (c.i.f., 1987 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods partners: US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan External debt: $15 million (1986) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 74,000 kW capacity; 256 million kWh produced, 9,313 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials, furniture making Agriculture: minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35 million Currency: Caymanian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 1.20 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Cayman Islands Communications Highways: 160 km of main roads Ports: George Town, Cayman Brac Merchant marine: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 364,174 GRT/560,241 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 7 cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 6 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 5 bulk, 2 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total; 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and access international services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV Cayman Islands Defense Forces Branches: Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CAYMAN ISLANDS - (See West Indies, British.) Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CAYMAN_I Central African Republic false marked Central African Republic showNameProp Central African Republic most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Central African Republic Geography Total area: 622,980 km2 Land area: 622,980 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,203 km; Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km, Zaire 1,577 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest Natural resources: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 64%; other 28% Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification Note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa Central African Republic People Population: 3,029,080 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 135 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 46 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Central African(s); adjective - Central African Ethnic divisions: about 80 ethnic groups, the majority of which have related ethnic and linguistic characteristics; Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%; 6,500 Europeans, of whom 3,600 are French Religions: indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%, other 11%; animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority Languages: French (official); Sangho (lingua franca and national language); Arabic, Hunsa, Swahili Literacy: 27% (male 33%, female 15%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 775,413 (1986 est.); agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%; about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 1% of labor force Central African Republic Government Long-form name: Central African Republic (no short-form name); abbreviated CAR Type: republic, one-party presidential regime since 1986 Capital: Bangui Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga Independence: 13 August 1960 (from France; formerly Central African Empire) Constitution: 21 November 1986 Legal system: based on French law National holiday: National Day (proclamation of the republic), 1 December (1958) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) advised by the Economic and Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together this is known as the Congress (Congres) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State:: President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981) Head of Government:: Prime Minister Edouard FRANCK (since 15 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Centrafrican Democratic Rally Party (RDC), Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA; note - as part of political reforms leading to a democratic system announced in April 1991, 18 opposition parties have been legalized Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held 31 July 1987 (next to be held by end of 1992); results - RDC is the only party; seats - (52 total) RDC 52 President: last held 21 November 1986 (next to be held by end of 1992); results - President KOLINGBA was reelected without opposition Communists: small number of Communist sympathizers Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jean-Pierre SOHAHONG-KOMBET; Chancery at 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-7800 or 7801 US: Ambassador Daniel H. SIMPSON; Embassy at Avenue du President David Dacko, Bangui (mailing address is B. P. 924, Bangui); telephone 61-02-00, 61-25-78, or 61-43-33; FAX [190] (236) 61-44-94 Central African Republic Government Flag: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band Central African Republic Economy Overview: Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the CAR economy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In 1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agricultural products accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 30%. The country's 1991 budget deficit was US $70 million and in 1992 is expected to be about the same. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, and a weak human resource base. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance, particularly from France, plays a major role in providing capital for new investment. exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $440; real growth rate - 3.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -3.0% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% in Bangui (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $121 million; expenditures $193 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1991 est.) Exports: $151.3 million (1990 est.) commodities: diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco partners: France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US Imports: $214.5 million (1990 est.) commodities: food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products partners: France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria, Yugoslavia External debt: $700 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: 0.8% (1988); accounts for 12% of GDP Electricity: 40,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except for grain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops - manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananas Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $38 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Central African Republic Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Central African Republic Communications Highways: 22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000 unimproved earth Inland waterways: 800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 66 total, 52 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, with low-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Central African Republic Defense Forces Branches: Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 677,889; 354,489 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp i i CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - CAUTION May 29, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Central African Republic [C.A.R.]. Although there are no specific threats directed at American citizens and bandit attacks have abated, the possibility of social unrest and random criminal violence exists. Caution should be used when taking photographs. End summary. The public protests that occurred in the C.A.R. in 1991 have largely ended, and the few demonstrations that occurred in 1992 were small and non-violent. Nonetheless, U.S. citizens should avoid traveling in any areas of Bangui, the capital city, where demonstrations or rallies are taking place. There have been no reported highway bandit attacks on foreigners in recent months. Rumored bandit activity in the northern parts of the C.A.R. and near the western town of Carnot have not been confirmed. However, U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution when traveling by road in these areas. Travelers are also advised to exercise caution when taking photographs anywhere in the C.A.R., particularly in Bangui. Taking photographs of police or military installations, as well as government buildings, is prohibited. Such buildings and installations are often unmarked, but unauthorized photography may result in seizure of photographic equipment by Central African authorities. Travelers should seek prior permission before photographing a particular subject or location. U.S. citizens should also be careful when walking or riding in cars in Bangui. There have been numerous confirmed reports of thieves attacking pedestrians and automobile passengers riding in cars with the windows open. Particular care is needed in the downtown area, the central market area, and the Kilometer 5 neighborhood northwest of downtown. U.S. citizens should visit these areas only in groups, and avoid them entirely at night. U.S. citizens are urged to register their presence with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangui upon arrival in the country. The Embassy is located on Avenue President David Dacko, telephone 61-02-00, 61- 25-78, and 61-43-33. No. 92-114 This replaces the travel advisory dated December 5, 1991, and advises that civil unrest and banditry have abated, but that crime remains a problem. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... CENTRAL_ Central African Republic Europa Island Ghana Guadeloupe India Lebanon Latvia Liechtenstein Libya Qatar Martinique South Africa Sudan Seychelles Birth Rate Exports Svalbard Tuvalu PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT Mexico travel (more) GRAPO HAWARI GROUP false marked P-t788 showNameProp most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Chad Geography Total area: 1,284,000 km2 Land area: 1,259,200 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of California Land boundaries: 5,968 km; Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Libya claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in the far north; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south Natural resources: crude oil (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad) Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 36%; forest and woodland 11%; other 51%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; drought and desertification adversely affecting south; subject to plagues of locusts Note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel Chad People Population: 5,238,908 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 21 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 136 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 39 years male, 41 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chadian(s); adjective - Chadian Ethnic divisions: some 200 distinct ethnic groups, most of whom are Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba) in the north and center and non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa) in the south; some 150,000 nonindigenous, of whom 1,000 are French Religions: Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23% Languages: French and Arabic (official); Sara and Sango in south; more than 100 different languages and dialects are spoken Literacy: 30% (male 42%, female 18%) age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic (1990 est.) Labor force: NA; agriculture (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, and fishing) 85% Organized labor: about 20% of wage labor force Chad Government Long-form name: Republic of Chad Type: republic Capital: N'Djamena Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: 22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1 March 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 11 August Executive branch: president, Council of State (cabinet) Legislative branch: the National Consultative Council (Conseil National Consultatif) was disbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of the Republic; 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991 Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Col. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean ALINGUE Bawoyeu (since 8 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY, chairman; President DEBY has promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and free elections by September 1993; numerous dissident groups; national conference to be held in 1992 Suffrage: universal at age NA Elections: National Consultative Council: last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990 President: last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - President Hissein HABRE was elected without opposition; note - the government of then President HABRE fell on 1 December 1990, and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3 December 1990; national conference scheduled for mid-1992 and election to follow in 1993 Communists: no front organizations or underground party; probably a few Communists and some sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Chad Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador ACHEIKH ibn Oumar; Chancery at 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-4009 US: Ambassador Richard W. BOGOSIAN; Embassy at Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena (mailing address is B. P. 413, N'Djamena); telephone [235] (51) 62-18, 40-09, or 51-62-11; FAX [235] 51-33-72 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France Chad Economy Overview: The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and natural resources potential make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is burdened by the ravages of civil war, conflict with Libya, drought, and food shortages. In 1986 real GDP returned to its 1977 level, with cotton, the major cash crop, accounting for 48% of exports. Over 80% of the work force is employed in subsistence farming and fishing. Industry is based almost entirely on the processing of agricultural products, including cotton, sugarcane, and cattle. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, with its economy in trouble and many regions suffering from shortages. Oil companies are exploring areas north of Lake Chad and in the Doba basin in the south. Since coming to power in December 1990, the Deby government has experienced a year of economic chaos. exchange rate conversion - $1.0 billion, per capita $205; real growth rate 0.9% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): --4.9% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: entirely funded by outside donors Exports: $174 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fish partners: France, Nigeria, Cameroon Imports: $264 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note - excludes military equipment partners: US, France, Nigeria, Cameroon External debt: $530 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDP Electricity: 40,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes Agriculture: accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton most important cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficient in food in years of adequate rainfall Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Chad Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Chad Communications Highways: 31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainder unimproved earth Inland waterways: 2,000 km navigable Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 71 total, 55 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 25 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Chad Defense Forces Branches: Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), National Police, Republican Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,217,728; 632,833 fit for military service; 50,966 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $39 million, 4.3% of GDP (1988) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Z Z CHAD - Passport and visa required. Transit visa valid for up to 1 week, onward ticket required. Single-entry visa valid 2 months for tourist/business stay up to 30 days (extendable), requires $12.25 fee, yellow fever and cholera vaccinations, 3 application forms and 3 photos. For business visa need company letter stating purpose of trip. Send prepaid envelope for registered/certified return of passport. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Chad, 2002 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/462-4009), and check specific requirements. Chad - Warning April 16, 1992 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Chad. Since October, armed clashes between opposing military factions and inter-ethnic violence have occurred in Ndjamena, the eastern part of the country, the central Geura Hills, and north of Lake Chad. These clashes have resulted in the killing of innocent civilians, and an increase in looting and vehicle theft. Although the most recent violence is under control, and the authorized departure status for the U.S. Embassy has been lifted, there is a very real possibility that violence could erupt again. The crime rate in Chad has increased. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are a problem in market and commercial areas. Vehicle thefts increase in times of political instability, as do breaking and entering of homes. Chad's northern provinces bordering Libya constitute a military zone, and remain heavily mined. Travel to these areas is prohibited. Elsewhere in Chad, conditions vary widely from week to week. Travel outside of Ndjamena should be regarded as hazardous, and should not be undertaken except with consultation with the U.S. Embassy. Under no circumstances should overland travel be undertaken after dark. All U.S. citizens who are unable to defer travel to Chad are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue Felix Ebouye. The U.S. Embassy telephone numbers, operational 24 hours per day, are 51-62-18 and 51-40-09. No. 92-081 This replaces the travel advisory issued on January 17, 1992, and advises U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Chad, and of the lifting of authorized departure status for U.S. Embassy employees. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Chile false marked Chile showNameProp Chile most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Chile Geography Total area: 756,950 km2 Land area: 748,800 km2; includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y Gomez Comparative area: slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana Land boundaries: 6,171 km; Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km Coastline: 6,435 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca water rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine claim Climate: temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south Terrain: low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east Natural resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 16%; forest and woodland 21%; other 56%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to severe earthquakes, active volcanism, tsunami; Atacama Desert one of world's driest regions; desertification Note: strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) Chile People Population: 13,528,945 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chilean(s); adjective - Chilean Ethnic divisions: European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2% Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, and small Jewish population Languages: Spanish Literacy: 93% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,728,000; services 38.3% (includes government 12%); industry and commerce 33.8%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%; mining 2.3%; construction 6.4% (1990) Organized labor: 13% of labor force (1990) Chile Government Long-form name: Republic of Chile Type: republic Capital: Santiago Administrative divisions: 13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso; note - the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica Independence: 18 September 1810 (from Spain) Constitution: 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989 Legal system: based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 18 September (1810) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of an upper house or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Patricio AYLWIN Azocar (since 11 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: Concertation of Parties for Democracy now consists mainly of five parties - Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle; Party for Democracy (PPD), Erich SCHNAKE; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ Marquez; Social Democratic Party (PSP), Roberto MUNOZ Barros; Socialist Party (PS), Ricardo NUNEZ; National Renovation (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Julio DITTBORN; Center-Center Union (UCC), Francisco Juner ERRAZURIZA; Communist Party of Chile (PCCh), Volodia TEITELBOIM; Movement of Revolutionary Left (MIR) is splintered, no single leader Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 72 (PDC 38, PPD 17, PR 5, other 12), RN 29, UDI 11, right-wing independents 8 President: last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); results - Patricio AYLWIN (PDC) 55.2%, Hernan BUCHI 29.4%, other 15.4% Senate: last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD 1), RN 6, UDI 2, independents 8 Chile Government Communists: The PCCh has legal party status and has less than 60,000 members Other political or pressure groups: revitalized university student federations at all major universities dominated by opposition political groups; labor - United Labor Central (CUT) includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations; Roman Catholic Church Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTV, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Patricio SILVA Echenique; Chancery at 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 785-1746; there are Chilean Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Curtis KAMMAN; Embassy at Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago (mailing address is APO AA 34033); telephone [56] (2) 671-0133; FAX [56] (2) 699-1141 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag Chile Economy Overview: The government of President Aylwin, which took power in 1990, has opted to retain the orthodox economic policies of Pinochet, although the share of spending for social welfare has risen slightly. In 1991 growth in GDP recovered to 5.5% (led by consumer spending) after only 2.1% growth in 1990. The tight monetary policy of 1990 helped cut the rate of inflation from 27.3% in 1990 to 18.7% in 1991. Despite a 12% drop in copper prices, the trade surplus rose in 1991, and international reserves increased. Inflationary pressures are not expected to ease much in 1992, and economic growth is likely to approach 7%. exchange rate conversion - $30.5 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18.7% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6.5% (1991) Budget: revenues $7.6 billion; expenditures $8.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $772 million (1991 est.) Exports: $8.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: copper 50%, other metals and minerals 7%, wood products 6.5%, fish and fishmeal 9%, fruits 5% (1989) partners: EC 36%, US 18%, Japan 14%, Brazil 6% (1989) Imports: $7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum, wheat, capital goods, spare parts, raw materials partners: EC 20%, US 20%, Japan 11%, Brazil 10% (1989) External debt: $16.2 billion (October 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 36% of GDP Electricity: 5,502,800 kW capacity; 21,470 million kWh produced, 1,616 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); major exporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products - beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1989 fish catch of 6.1 million metric tons; net agricultural importer Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $386 million Currency: Chilean peso (plural - pesos); 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 368.66 (January 1992), 349.37 (1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988), 219.54 (1987) Chile Economy Fiscal year: calendar year Chile Communications Railroads: 7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; electrification, 1,865 km 1.676-meter gauge, 80 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 79,025 km total; 9,913 km paved, 33,140 km gravel, 35,972 km improved and unimproved earth (1984) Inland waterways: 725 km Pipelines: crude oil 755 km; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 km Ports: Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio, Talcahuano, Arica Merchant marine: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 468,873 GRT/780,932 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 bulk; note - in addition, 2 naval tanker and 2 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 29 major transport aircraft Airports: 390 total, 349 usable; 48 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 58 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern telephone system based on extensive microwave relay facilities; 768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11 shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic Chile Defense Forces Branches: Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, and Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police), Investigative Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,600,654; 2,685,924 fit for military service; 118,480 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CHILE - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months, may be extended. For official/diplomatic travel and other information consult Embassy of Chile, 1732 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/785-3159) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/624-6357 and 415/982-7662), FL (305/373-8623), PA (215/829-9520), NY (212/980- 3366) or TX (713/621-5853). Chile - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Chile is located in Santiago at Merced 230, tel: (562) 671-0133. Country Description: Chile has a stable government and a strong economy. Civil disorder is rare. Facilities for tourism vary according to price and area. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Chile. U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three months or less. However, those considering scientific, technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas are required to obtain authorization. Requests for authorization must be presented to Chilean authorities at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition. The portions of Antarctica claimed by Chile are exempt from these pre-approval requirements. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Chile, travelers can contact the Chilean Embassy at 1732 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 tel: (202) 785-1746 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, or Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical care is good but may not meet U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance which includes specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: In Santiago and other large cities, pickpockets thrive on rush hour crowding on the street and aboard public transportation. Persons wearing expensive or expensive-looking jewelry are particular targets. Walking in the downtown area after dark, even for short distances in well- traveled areas, is considered risky. useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Terrorist Activities: Specific terrorist groups conduct bombings and other violent acts against the Mormon church or other institutions identified with the United States. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Adoptions: Parliamentary consideration of a new Chilean adoption law may cause serious delays in the processing of adoption cases. Families considering adoption can telephone the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-3712, and contact the consular section of the U.S. Embassy before traveling to Chile. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-064 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CHILE China false marked China showNameProp China most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp China Geography Total area: 9,596,960 km2 Land area: 9,326,410 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than the US Land boundaries: 22,143.34 km; Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km Coastline: 14,500 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolve disputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with Tajikistan under dispute: a short section of the boundary with North Korea is indefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto, as does Taiwan, (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) Climate: extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north Terrain: mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east Natural resources: coal, iron ore, crude oil, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, world's largest hydropower potential Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 31%; forest and woodland 14%; other 45%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: frequent typhoons (about five times per year along southern and eastern coasts), damaging floods, tsunamis, earthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion; industrial pollution; water pollution; air pollution; desertification Note: world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada) China People Population: 1,169,619,601 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 32 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chinese (singular and plural); adjective - Chinese Ethnic divisions: Han Chinese 93.3%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 6.7% Religions: officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic; most important elements of religion are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; Muslim 2-3%, Christian 1% (est.) Languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect); also Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages (see ethnic divisions) Literacy: 73% (male 84%, female 62%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 567,400,000; agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction and mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 est.) Organized labor: All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) follows the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party; membership over 80 million or about 65% of the urban work force (1985) China Government Long-form name: People's Republic of China; abbreviated PRC Type: Communist Party - led state Capital: Beijing Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural); Anhui, Beijing Shi**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin Shi**, Xinjiang*, Xizang*, Yunnan, Zhejiang; note - China considers Taiwan its 23rd province Independence: unification under the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty 221 BC, Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912, People's Republic established 1 October 1949 Constitution: most recent promulgated 4 December 1982 Legal system: a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law National holiday: National Day, 1 October (1949) Executive branch: president, vice president, premier, five vice premiers, State Council Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui) Judicial branch: Supreme People's Court Leaders: Chief of State: President YANG Shangkun (since 8 April 1988); Vice President WANG Zhen (since 8 April 1988) Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto): DENG Xiaoping (since mid-1977) Head of Government: Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since 9 April 1988); Vice Premier YAO Yilin (since 2 July 1979); Vice Premier TIAN Jiyun (since 20 June 1983); Vice Premier WU Xueqian (since 12 April 1988); Vice Premier ZOU Jiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: - Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the Central Committee (since 24 June 1989); also, eight registered small parties controlled by CCP Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National People's Congress: last held March 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results - CCP is the only party but there are also independents; seats - (2,976 total) CCP and independents 2,976 (indirectly elected at county or xian level) President: last held 8 April 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results - YANG Shangkun was nominally elected by the Seventh National People's Congress China Government Communists: 49,000,000 party members (1990 est.) Other political or pressure groups: such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions, usually within the party and government organization, that vary by issue Member of: AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UN Security Council, UNTSO, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador ZHU Qizhen; Chancery at 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2500 through 2502; there are Chinese Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador J. Stapleton ROY; Embassy at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing (mailing address is 100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002); telephone [86] (1) 532-3831; FAX [86] (1) 532-3178; there are US Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang Flag: red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner China Economy Overview: Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the economy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more productive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within the framework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities have switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreign economic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifying result has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture in the early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment and modern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic and export goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On the darker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals and thereby lessening the credibility of the reform process. In 1991 output rose substantially, particularly in the favored coastal areas. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to the nation's long-term economic viability. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate 6% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (1991) Unemployment rate: 4.0% in urban areas (1991) Budget: deficit $9.5 billion (1990) Exports: $71.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum, minerals partners: Hong Kong, Japan, US, USSR, Singapore (1990) Imports: $63.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel, textile yarn, fertilizer partners: Hong Kong, Japan, US, Germany, Taiwan (1990) External debt: $51 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 14.0% (1991); accounts for 45% of GNP Electricity: 138,000,000 kW capacity (1990); 670,000 million kWh produced (1991), 582 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: iron, steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing China Economy Agriculture: accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestock products; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 8 million metric tons in 1986 Illicit drugs: transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle Economic aid: donor - to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billion Currency: yuan (plural - yuan); 1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiao Exchange rates: yuan (Y) per US$1 - 5.4481 (January 1992), 5.3234 (1991), 4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988), 3.7221 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year China Communications Railroads: total about 54,000 km common carrier lines; 53,400 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 600 km 1.000-meter gauge; of these 11,200 km are double track standard-gauge lines; 6,900 km electrified (1990); 10,000 km dedicated industrial lines (gauges range from 0.762 to 1.067 meters) Highways: about 1,029,000 km (1990) all types roads; 170,000 km (est.) paved roads, 648,000 km (est.) gravel/improved earth roads, 211,000 km (est.) unimproved earth roads and tracks Inland waterways: 138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 9,700 km (1990); petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 km Ports: Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang, Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, Shantou Merchant marine: 1,454 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 13,887,312 GRT/20,916,127 DWT; includes 25 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 18 passenger-cargo, 6 cargo/training, 801 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 77 container, 19 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction/barge carrier, 177 petroleum tanker, 10 chemical tanker, 254 bulk, 3 liquefied gas, 1 vehicle carrier, 9 combination bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - China beneficially owns an additional 194 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 7,077,089 DWT that operate under Panamanian, British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian, Vanuatu, Cyprus, and Saint Vincent registry Civil air: 284 major transport aircraft (1988 est.) Airports: 330 total, 330 usable; 260 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 10 with runways over 3,500 m; 90 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 200 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic and international services are increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones (December 1989); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 repeaters) TV; more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earth stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, and 55 domestic China Defense Forces Branches: People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air Force, People's Armed Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 339,554,712; 188,995,620 fit for military service; 11,691,967 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $12-15 billion, NA of GNP (1991 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp CHINA, PEOPLEUS REPUBLIC OF - Passport and visa required. Transit visa required for any stop (even if you do not exit the plane or train) in China. Visitors must show hotel reservation and Rletter of confirmationS from the China International Travel Service (CITS) or an invitation from an individual or institution in China. CITS tours may be booked through several different travel agencies and airlines in the United States and abroad, often advertised in newspapers and magazines. Visas for tour group members are usually obtained by the travel agent as part of the tour package. Visa requires $10 fee, 2 application forms and 2 photos. Allow at least 10 days processing time. Medical examination required for those staying 1 year or longer. AIDS test required for those staying more than 6 months. For further information contact Chinese Embassy, 2300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-2517) or nearest Consulate General: Chicago (312/346-0287), Houston (713/524-0780), Los Angeles (213/380-2508), New York (212/279-4275) or San Francisco (415/563-4885). China - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in China is located at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing - telephone (86-1) 532-3831. There are U.S. Consulates General at Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian Island 20031, Guangzhou - telephone (86-20) 888-8911 Ext. 255; in Shanghai, located at 1469 Huai Hai Middle Road - telephone (86-21) 433-6880; in Shenyang at #40 Lane 4, Section 5, Sanjing Street, Heping District - telephone (86-24) 220- 000; in Chengdu at the Jinjiang Hotel, 180 Renmin Road - telephone (86-28) 582-222, Ext. 131. Country Description: The People's Republic of China has a stable communist government. It has a developing economy, some sectors of which are industrialized. Modern tourist facilities are not widely available except in major cities. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. A transit visa is required for any stop (even if one does not exit the plane or train) in China. Specific information is available through the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at 2300 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: [202] 328-2517, or from one of the Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Medical Facilities: The quality of medical care in China is uneven. Competent, trained doctors and nurses are available in major metropolitan centers. However, hospital accommodations are spartan and medical technology is not up-to-date. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage including provision for medical evacuation has proved to be useful. The Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China" contains additional information concerning medical care in China. This brochure is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Questions on health matters can also be addressed to the Centers for Disease Control through its international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: China has a low crime rate; however, crime has increased in the past few years, principally in the major cities. Americans and other foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime. Theft is the most common crime affecting visitors and occurs most frequently in crowded public areas, such as hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, and public transportation sites. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Adoption: Foreigners wishing to adopt a child in China can expect to spend at least four weeks in China. Some have spent six to ten weeks or longer to complete the adoption process. Current adoption information can be obtained by calling the U.S. Department of State (202) 647-3444, or writing to The Office of Citizens Consular Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Customs Information: Information concerning regulations and procedures governing items which may be brought into China is available through the Chinese Embassy and consulates. Students may bring into China only a limited number of items which are considered necessary for study and daily life. Some Americans resident in China have been required to pay customs duty on certain large items each time they temporarily depart China, if required procedures were not followed when the items were originally brought into China. Passport Confiscation: The confiscation of foreign passports of persons involved in commercial disputes occurs in China. Under such circumstances, the U.S. Government will issue another passport to any American citizen who applies for one. Even if a new U.S. passport is issued, the Chinese Government may block departure. Dual Nationality: China does not recognize dual nationality. U.S. citizens who are also Chinese nationals have experienced difficulty entering and departing China on U.S. passports. Dual nationals may be subject to Chinese laws which impose special obligations. China requires that such persons travel on Chinese documentation. The United States requires that all U.S. citizens enter and depart the U.S. on U.S. passports. Chinese authorities have seized the U.S. passports of dual nationals. Dual nationals are advised to register as U.S. citizens at the U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. Consulates in China. In cases where dual nationals encounter difficulty in a foreign country of which they are citizens, the ability of U.S. Foreign Service posts to provide assistance may be quite limited. Consular Access: Consular officers are not always notified, when a U.S. citizen has been detained. This is particularly true when the U.S. citizen is also a dual national, and is considered to be a citizen of China. Travel to Tibet: The Chinese government requires U.S. citizens wishing to visit Tibet to apply in advance for approval from the Tourist Administration of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. More information is available through the Chinese Embassy or a Consulate in the United States, or while in China, at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate general. Document Seizures: Chinese authorities have seized documents, literature, and letters which they deem to be religious, pornographic, or political in nature. They have detained and expelled individuals believed to be engaged in proselytization or conduct they consider immoral. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate general can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-095 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... CHINA Christmas Island false marked Christmas Island showNameProp Christmas Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Christmas Island Geography Total area: 135 km2 Land area: 135 km2 Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 138.9 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau Natural resources: phosphate Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: almost completely surrounded by a reef Note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean Christmas Island People Population: 929 (July 1992), growth rate NA% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Christmas Islander(s); adjective - Christmas Island Ethnic divisions: Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%; no indigenous population Religions: Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Church of England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%, Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981) Languages: English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas Island, Ltd. Organized labor: NA Christmas Island Government Long-form name: Territory of Christmas Island Type: territory of Australia Capital: The Settlement Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958 Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia National holiday: NA Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Advisory Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: none Judicial branch: none Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Administrator W. A. MCKENZIE (since NA) Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used Christmas Island Economy Overview: Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longer economically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and also to build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening date during the first half of 1992. NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $NA commodities: phosphate partners: Australia, NZ Imports: $NA commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 11,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 13,170 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: phosphate extraction (near depletion) Agriculture: NA Economic aid: none Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Christmas Island Communications Ports: Flying Fish Cove Airports: 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 4,000 radios (1982) Christmas Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CHRISTMA Clipperton Island false marked Clipperton Island showNameProp Clipperton Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Clipperton Island Geography Total area: 7 km2 Land area: 7 km2 Comparative area: about 12 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 11.1 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Mexico Climate: tropical Terrain: coral atoll Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other (coral) 100% Environment: reef about 8 km in circumference Note: located 1,120 km southwest of Mexico in the North Pacific Ocean; also called Ile de la Passion Clipperton Island People Population: uninhabited Clipperton Island Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by High Commissioner of the Republic Jean MONTPEZAT Capital: none; administered by France from French Polynesia Clipperton Island Economy Overview: The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station. Clipperton Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Clipperton Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CLIPPERT Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text CHRISTMA Belarus Bermuda Denmark Jersey Liberia Juan de Nova Island Airports Western Sahara IRAULTZA REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NO Belgium false marked Belgium showNameProp Belgium most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Belgium Geography Total area: 30,510 km2 Land area: 30,230 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 1,385 km total; France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Exclusive fishing zone: equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Natural resources: coal, natural gas Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: air and water pollution Note: majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels; crossroads of Western Europe; Brussels is the seat of the EC Belgium People Population: 10,016,623 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belgian(s); adjective - Belgian Ethnic divisions: Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, remainder Protestant or other Languages: Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%; legally bilingual 11%; divided along ethnic lines Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 4,126,000; services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988) Organized labor: 70% of labor force Belgium Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Belgium Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French - provinces, singular - province; Flemish - provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the process of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing the Belgian state Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish - Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre des Representants) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) Political parties and leaders: Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman van ROMPUY, president; Walloon Social Christian (PSC) , Gerard DEPREZ, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), NA; Flemish Liberal (PVV), Guy VERHOF STADT, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis van GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; National Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO), NA; other minor parties Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Representatives: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (212 total) number of seats by party NA Senate: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (106 total) number of seats by party NA Belgium Government Other political or pressure groups: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG, AsDB, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Juan CASSIERS; Chancery at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6900; there are Belgian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Bruce S. GELB; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels (mailing address is APO AE 09724); telephone [32] (2) 513-3830; FAX [32] (2) 511-2725; there is a US Consulate General in Antwerp Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France Belgium Economy Overview: This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC countries. During the period 1988-90, Belgium's economic performance was marked by 4% average growth, moderate inflation, and a substantial external surplus. Growth fell to 1.4% in 1991. purchasing power equivalent - $171.8 billion, per capita $17,300; real growth rate 1.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.4% est. (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) Exports: $118 billion (f.o.b., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products partners: EC 74%, US 5%, former Communist countries 2% (1989) Imports: $120 billion (c.i.f., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: EC 73%, US 4%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communist countries 3% (1989) External debt: $28.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 17,400,000 kW capacity; 67,100 million kWh produced, 6,767 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Agriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, and tobacco; net importer of farm products Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billion Currency: Belgian franc (plural - francs); 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Belgium Communications Railroads: Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,667 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 1,978 km electrified; 191 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned and operated Highways: 103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000 km unpaved rural roads Inland waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Pipelines: petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,979 GRT/88,738 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 4 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk, 2 refrigerated cargo Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft Airports: 42 total, 42 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive cable network; limited radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system Belgium Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,550,088; 2,133,483 fit for military service; 66,249 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.2 billion, 2.7% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BELGIUM - Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay up to 90 days. Temporary residence permit required for longer stays. For residence authorization, consult Embassy of Belgium, 3330 Garfield St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/333-6900) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/857-1244), Atlanta (404/659-2150), Chicago (312/263-6624) or New York (212/586-5110). Belgium - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Brussels is located at 27 Boulevard du Regent; telephone (32) (2) 513-3830. Country Description: Belgium is a highly developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Travel Requirements: A visa is not required of American citizens for business or tourist stays up to 90 days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Belgium, travelers can contact the Embassy of Belgium at 3330 Garfield Street N.W., Washington DC 20008, tel (202) 333-6900, or the nearest Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Information: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Belgium has a relatively low crime rate in most regions. However, U.S. citizens visiting major cities can become targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Areas around train stations in both Brussels and Antwerp and the Rogier and De Brouker metro stations in Brussels have a higher instance of crime than do other areas within these cities. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-007 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BELGIUM Belize false marked Belize showNameProp Belize most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Belize Geography Total area: 22,960 km2 Land area: 22,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: 516 km total; Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm in the north and 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial sea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with the Republic of Guatemala'' Disputes: claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations to resolve the dispute have begun Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 44%; other 52%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south); deforestation Note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean Belize People Population: 229,143 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belizean(s); adjective - Belizean Ethnic divisions: Creole 39.7%, Mestizo 33.1%, Maya 9.5%, Garifuna 7.6%, East Indian 2.1%, other 8.0% Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 3%, other 3% (1980) Languages: English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib) Literacy: 91% (male 91%, female 91%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 51,500; agriculture 30.0%, services 16.0%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3%; shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985) Organized labor: 12% of labor force; 7 unions currently active Belize Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Belmopan Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK; formerly British Honduras) Constitution: 21 September 1981 Legal system: English law National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Elmira Minita GORDON (since 21 September 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989) Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; Belize Popular Party (BPP), Louis SYLVESTRE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count PUP 16, UDP 12 Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) headed by former PUP minister; United Workers Front Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador James V. HYDE; Chancery at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9636 US: Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA; Embassy at Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City (mailing address is P. O. Box 286, Belize City); telephone [501] (2) 77161; FAX [501] (2) 30802 Flag: on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland Belize Government blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto RA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) Belize Economy Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. exchange rate conversion - $373 million, per capita $1,635; real growth rate 10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 12% (1988) Budget: revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $134 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood products partners: US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987) Imports: $194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 56%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1991) External debt: $142 million (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 9.7% (1989); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to about 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 million Currency: Belizean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Belize Communications Highways: 2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol, Punta Gorda, Big Creek Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,127 GRT/5,885 DWT Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 44 total, 34 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 8,650 telephones; above-average system based on radio relay; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Belize Defense Forces Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 55,333; 33,040 fit for military service; 2,509 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.8 million, 1.8% of GDP (FY91) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BELIZE - Passport, return/onward ticket and sufficient funds required. Visa not required for stay up to 1 month. If visit exceeds 1month, a stay permit must be obtained from the Immigration Authorities in Belize. AIDS test required for those staying more than 3 months; U.S. test accepted if within 3 months of visit. For longer stays and other information contact Embassy of Belize, Suite 2-J, 3400 International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/363-4505) or the Belize Mission in New York at (212/599-0233). Belize - Consular Information Sheet December 15, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Belize is located at the intersection of Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street in Belize City; telephone (501-2) 77161. Country Description: Belize is a developing country. Its tourism facilities vary in quality. Entry Requirements: A passport, a return/onward ticket, and sufficient funds are required for travel to Belize. U.S. citizens who stay less than three months do not need visas. However, for visits exceeding one month, travelers must obtain permits from the immigration authorities in Belize. For further information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of Belize at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 tel: (202) 332-9636 or the Belize Mission to the U.N. in New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty crime, including pickpocketing and mugging, occurs. Visitors who walk alone on city streets, especially at night, or travel alone to a remote tourist site, are particularly at risk. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State Pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession and trafficking in drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-124 This Consular Information Sheet replaces the one issued October 27, 1992 to provide updated information on crime and tourist facilities. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BELIZE Benin false marked Benin showNameProp Benin most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Benin Geography Total area: 112,620 km2 Land area: 110,620 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 1,989 km total; Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km Coastline: 121 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 35%; other 45%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation; desertification Note: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no natural harbors Benin People Population: 4,997,599 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Beninese (singular and plural); adjective - Beninese Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba); Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% Languages: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; at least six major tribal languages in north Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,900,000 (1987); agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2%; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: about 75% of wage earners Benin Government Long-form name: Republic of Benin Type: republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 Capital: Porto-Novo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France; formerly Dahomey) Constitution: 2 December 1990 Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990) Executive branch: president, cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), Timothee ADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-Roger AHOYO; and the Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; National Rally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for Democracy and Development (MNDD), Bertin BORNA; Movement for Solidarity, Union, and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; and Union for Democracy and National Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU, and Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD), Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Akindes ADEKPEDJOU, and Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio Gado Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), Robert TAGNON; numerous other small parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7, MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1 President: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu KEREKOU 32% Communists: Communist Party of Dahomey (PCD) remains active Benin Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656 US: Ambassador Harriet W. ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou (mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92; FAX [229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side Benin Economy Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Low prices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $410; real growth rate 3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.) Exports: $263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa partners: FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4% Imports: $428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4% External debt: $1.0 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production, petroleum Agriculture: small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated by food crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and rice; cash crops include cotton, palm oil, and peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept up with consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Benin Communications Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Benin Defense Forces Branches: Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 2,165,515; of the 1,031,738 males 15-49, 528,366 are fit for military service; of the 1,133,777 females 15-49, 572,603 are fit for military service; about 55,697 males and 53,786 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BENIN - Passport and visa required. Entry/transit visa for stay up to 90 days, requires $12 fee (no personal checks), 2 application forms, 2 photos, vaccination certificates for yellow fever and cholera, proof of return/onward transportation (guarantee from travel agency or photocopy of round trip ticket) and letter of guarantee from employer. Send prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified or express mail. Apply at Embassy of the Republic of Benin, 2737 Cathedral Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-6656). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BENIN Bermuda false marked Bermuda showNameProp Bermuda most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bermuda Geography Total area: 50 km2 Land area: 50 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 20%; other 80% Environment: ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360 small coral islands Note: 1,050 km east of North Carolina; some reclaimed land leased by US Government Bermuda People Population: 60,213 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bermudian(s); adjective - Bermudian Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% Languages: English Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 32,000; clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984) Organized labor: 8,573 members (1985); largest union is Bermuda Industrial Union Bermuda Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 8 June 1968 Legal system: English law National holiday: Bermuda Day, 22 May Executive branch: British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Lord David WADDINGTON Head of Government: Premier John William David SWAN (since January 1982) Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other 1 Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell SIMMONS Member of: CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, IOC Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are represented by the UK US: Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES; Consulate General at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton (mailing address is P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002); telephone (809) 295-1342; FAX (809) 295-1592 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag Bermuda Economy Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion, per capita $22,400; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (June 1989, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1988) Budget: revenues $361.6 million; expenditures $396.1 million, including capital expenditures of $74.1 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $30 million (f.o.b., FY88) commodities: semitropical produce, light manufactures partners: US 25%, Italy 25%, UK 14%, Canada 5%, other 31% Imports: $420 million (c.i.f., FY88) commodities: fuel, foodstuffs, machinery partners: US 58%, Netherlands Antilles 9%, UK 8%, Canada 6%, Japan 5%, other 14% External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,625 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million Currency: Bermudian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Bermuda Communications Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George Merchant marine: 73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,511,972 GRT/6,093,321 DWT; includes 4 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 23 petroleum tanker, 12 liquefied gas, 18 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 16 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Bermuda Defense Forces Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp s s BERMUDA - Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and onward/return ticket required for tourist stay up to 21 days. Departure tax $10 is paid at airport. For further information consult British Embassy (202/462- 1340). Bermuda - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Consulate Location: The U.S. Consulate General in Bermuda is located at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, in Hamilton; telephone (809) 295-1342. Country Description: Bermuda is a highly developed British crown colony, and is a stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and an onward or return ticket are required for tourist stays up to 21 days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Bermuda, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Kingdom at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington DC 20008, tel (202) 462-1340 or the nearest British Consulate General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Bermuda has a low crime rate. However, during the tourist season, pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles can occur. Popular tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, and transportation systems are often areas where criminals operate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-008 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BERMUDA Bhutan false marked #|(@) Bhutan showNameProp Bhutan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bhutan Geography Total area: 47,000 km2 Land area: 47,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: 1,075 km; China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 70%; other 23% Environment: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes Bhutan People Population: 1,660,167 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 126 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective - Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: Bhote 60%, ethnic Nepalese 25%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects - most widely spoken dialect is Dzongkha (official); Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%; massive lack of skilled labor Organized labor: not permitted Bhutan Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Bhutan Type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) Political parties and leaders: no legal parties Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections Elections: no national elections Communists: no overt Communist presence Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy, Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India); the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the US Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side Bhutan Economy Overview: The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and monetary links. Low wages in industry lead most Bhutanese to stay in agriculture. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important natural resources. exchange rate conversion - $320 million, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (FY90) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capital expenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $74 million (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit partners: India 93% Imports: $106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics partners: India 67% External debt: $80 million (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA; accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: 353,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 1,280 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry; self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice, corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy, and eggs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million Currency: ngultrum (plural - ngultrum); 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 25.927 (January 1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Bhutan Communications Highways: 1,304 km total; 418 km surfaced, 515 km improved, 371 km unimproved earth Civil air: 1 jet, 2 prop Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: inadequate; 1,990 telephones (1988); 22,000 radios (1990 est.); 85 TVs (1985); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990) Bhutan Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 406,360; 217,348 fit for military service; 17,316 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BHUTAN - Passport and visa required. Visa requires $20 fee, 2 applications and 2 photos. Tourist visas arranged by Tourism Department and issued at entry checkpoints in Bhutan. Apply 2 months in advance. For further information call the Consulate of the Kingdom of Bhutan in New York (212/826-1919). BOLIVIA - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 30 days. Business visa requires $50 fee and company letter with purpose of trip (no photo or application necessary). Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For official/diplomatic travel contact Embassy of Bolivia (Consular Section), 3014 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-4828 or 483-4410) or nearest Consulate General: San Francisco (415/495-5173), Miami (305/358-3450), New York (212/687-0530) or Houston (713/780-8001). Check requirements for pets. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BHUTAN Bolivia false marked Bolivia showNameProp Bolivia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bolivia Geography Total area: 1,098,580 km2 Land area: 1,084,390 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: 6,743 km; Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon basin Natural resources: tin, natural gas, crude oil, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 52%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Peru Bolivia People Population: 7,323,048 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 82 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bolivian(s); adjective - Bolivian Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%; active Protestant minority, especially Evangelical Methodist Languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara (all official) Literacy: 78% (male 85%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,700,000; agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%, other 10% (1983) Organized labor: 150,000-200,000, concentrated in mining, industry, construction, and transportation; mostly organized under Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) labor federation Bolivia Government Long-form name: Republic of Bolivia Type: republic Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) Constitution: 2 February 1967 Legal system: based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO Sanjines (since 6 August 1989) Political parties and leaders: Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Max FERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), led by Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P) led by Walter DELGADILLO, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by Humberto RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single) Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3 Chamber of Senators: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1 Bolivia Government President: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6 August 1989 Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jorge CRESPO; Chancery at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4410 through 4412; there are Bolivian Consulates General in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS; Embassy at Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz (mailing address is P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO AA 34032); telephone [591] (2) 350251 or 350120; FAX [591] (2) 359875 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band Bolivia Economy Overview: The Bolivian economy steadily deteriorated between 1980 and 1985 as La Paz financed growing budget deficits by expanding the money supply, and inflation spiraled - peaking at 11,700%. An austere orthodox economic program adopted by then President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeeded in reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually since 1987, eventually restarting economic growth. Since August 1989, President Paz Zamora has retained the economic policies of the previous government, keeping inflation down and continuing moderate growth. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with widespread poverty and unemployment, and it remains vulnerable to price fluctuations for its limited exports - agricultural products, minerals, and natural gas. Moreover, for many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing. exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, per capita $630; real growth rate 4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1991) Unemployment rate: 7% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $900 million; expenditures $825 million, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1991 est.) Exports: $970 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: metals 45%, natural gas 25%, other 30% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber) partners: US 15%, Argentina Imports: $760 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods partners: US 22% External debt: $3.3 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1991); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 849,000 kW capacity; 1,798 million kWh produced, 251 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces significant revenues Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principal commodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber; self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated 47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication program unable to prevent production from rising to 78,400 metric tons in 1991 from 74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets Bolivia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million Currency: boliviano (plural - bolivianos); 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.7534 (January 1992), 3.5806 (1991), 3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Bolivia Communications Railroads: 3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km 0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track Highways: 38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km Ports: none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Ilo in Peru Merchant marine: 2 cargo and 1 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,951 GRT/26,320 DWT Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,105 total, 943 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 146 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Bolivia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,727,101; 1,122,224 fit for military service; 72,977 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est). entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bolivia - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia is located in La Paz at Banco Popular del Peru Bldg., corner of Calles Mercado and Colon. The telephone number is (591-2) 350-251. The Consular Section is located one block away on the second floor of the Tobia Building on Calle Potosi near the corner with Calle Colon at tel: 356-685. There are also consular agencies in Santa Cruz at 313 Calle Ballivian, corner of Chuquisaca, at tel: (591-033) 30725 or 25544, and in Cochabamba at Edificio Tardio, Off. 115, 4th floor, Av. Aniceto Arce No. 2260, at tel: (591-042) 25896. Country Description: Bolivia is a low income nation with a slowly growing economy. Facilities for tourism are adequate, but vary in quality. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Bolivia, travelers can contact the Bolivian Embassy at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 483-4410 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or Houston. Areas of Instability: There are concerted anti-narcotics activities underway in the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba with resulting potential for violence in these areas. Medical Facilities: Medical care is adequate but of variable quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Cholera is present in Bolivia. Visitors who follow proper precautions in food and drinks are not usually at risk. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from parked vehicles, is common. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activities: There have been isolated terrorist incidents against American officials and resident missionaries over the past three years. In August 1992, a Bolivian terrorist group announced its intention to renew terrorist attacks against U.S. targets in Bolivia. Terrorist activity by this or other groups is considered a distinct possibility between September and November 1992. Other Information: La Paz and other cities have been the scene of recent demonstrations. Although there has been no violence specifically directed at foreigners during these demonstrations, confrontations between police and demonstrators have sometimes occurred. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-060 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BOLIVIA Bosnia and Herzegovina false marked Bosnia and Herzegovina showNameProp Bosnia and Herzegovina most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bosnia and Herzegovina Geography Total area: 51,233 km2 Land area: 51,233 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,369 km; Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 20-meter depth Exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Serbia and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina; Muslim majority being forced from many areas Climate: hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Terrain: mountains and valleys Natural resources: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium, lead, zinc Land use: 20% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 25% meadows and pastures; 36% forest and woodland; 16% other; includes 1% irrigated Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes Note: Controls large percentage of important land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits Bosnia and Herzegovina People Population: 4,364,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.5% (1991) Birth rate: 14.5 births/1,000 population (1991) Death rate: 6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 15.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1980-82) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) Nationality: noun - Muslim, Serb, Croat (s); adjective - Muslim, Serbian, Croatian Ethnic divisions: Muslim 44%, Serb 33%, Croat 17% Religions: Slavic Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: 85.5% (male 94.5%, female 76.7%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981 est.) Labor force: 1,026,254; 2% agriculture, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.) Organized labor: NA Bosnia and Herzegovina Government Long-form name: none Type: emerging democracy Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: NA Independence: December 1918; April 1992 from Yugoslavia Constitution: NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister Legislative branch: NA Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since December 1990), Vice President NA Head of Government: Prime Minister Jore PELIVAN (since January 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Muhamed CENGIC and Rusmir MAHMUTCEHAJIC (since January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Party of Democratic Action, Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Croatian Democratic Union, Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party, Radovah KARADZIC; Muslim Bosnian Organization, Muhamed Zulfikar PASIC; Socialist Democratic Party, Nijaz DURAKOVIC Suffrage: at age 16 if employed; universal at age 18 Elections: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE Diplomatic representation: NA Flag: NA Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest component in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning and management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of April 1992, the newly independent republic was being torn apart by bitter interethnic warfare that has caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery to multiply. The survival of the republic as a political and economic unit is in doubt. Both Serbia and Croatia have imposed various economic blockades and may permanently take over large areas populated by fellow ethnic groups. These areas contain most of the industry. If a much smaller core Muslim state survives, it will share many Third World problems of poverty, technological backwardness, and dependence on historically soft foreign markets for its primary products. In these circumstances, other Muslim countries might offer assistance. $14 billion; real growth rate --37% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% per month (1991) Unemployment rate: 28% (February 1992 est.) Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (19__) Exports: $2,054 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods (31%), machinery and transport equipment (20.8%), raw materials (18%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (17.3%), chemicals (9.4%), fuel and lubricants (1.4%), food and live animals (1.2%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $1,891 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants (32%), machinery and transport equipment (23.3%), other manufactures (21.3%), chemicals (10%), raw materials (6.7%), food and live animals (5.5%), beverages and tobacco (1.9%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics External debt: NA Industrial production: sharply down because of interethnic and interrepublic warfare (1991-92) Electricity: 14,400 million kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, 3,303 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Agriculture: accounted for 8.6% of national income in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very productive Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: none; note - Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, Yugoslav dinar used in all other areas Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications Railroads: NA km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified) Highways: 21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 174 km, petroleum products NA km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - none; inland - Bosanski Brod Merchant marine: NA ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling NA GRT/NA DWT; includes NA cargo, NA container, NA liquefied gas, NA petroleum tanker Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 2 main, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: Bosnia's telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6 (0 repeaters) TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Forces Branches: Territorial Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; 39,000 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bosnia-Hercegovina - Warning October 7, 1992 U.S. citizens are warned not to travel to Bosnia-Hercegovina for any reason, due to the ongoing civil war. Additional information can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on Bosnia-Hercegovina. No. 92-001 Bosnia-Hercegovina - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Warning: The Department of State has a Travel Warning for Bosnia- Hercegovina. U.S. citizens are warned not to travel to Bosnia-Hercegovina for any reason, due to the ongoing civil war. U.S. Assistance: The U.S. has not yet opened an Embassy in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Hercegovinia. The United States Information Service (USIS) Center formerly located in Sarajevo is closed. U.S. citizens who choose to visit or remain in Bosnia-Hercegovina despite the warning can register at the U.S. Embassy in either Belgrade or Zagreb and obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S. Embassy assistance is limited, however, due to conflict in the area, lack of communications and reduced Embassy staffing. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at Kneza Milosa 50; telephone 645-655. The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is located at Andrije Hebranga 2, tel 444-800. Entry Requirements: At the present time, Bosnia-Hercegovina entry permission is granted at the border on a case-by-case basis. Areas of Instability: A state of war resulting in deaths, destruction, food shortages and travel disruptions affecting roads, airports and railways make travel to all parts of Bosnia-Hercegovina extremely hazardous. Travel to Sarajevo, Mostar and the religious shrine at Medjugorje, is particularly dangerous. Medical Facilities: Health facilities are minimal or non-existent; most medicines are unobtainable. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: General lawlessness and deteriorating economic conditions have brought an increase in crime. Adequate police response in the event of an emergency is doubtful. Anti-American sentiments run high in many parts of the country, particularly in Serbian-dominated areas. Currency Regulations: It is impossible to use credit cards or to cash traveler s checks. Other Information: Roadblocks manned by local militias are numerous. These militia groups frequently confiscate relief goods and trucks, and may otherwise behave unprofessionally. Registration: U.S. citizens visiting or remaining in Bosnia-Hercegovina, despite the Warning, can register at either the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade or in Zagreb and obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-009 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BOSNIA_A Botswana false marked Botswana showNameProp Botswana most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Botswana Geography Total area: 600,370 km2 Land area: 585, 370 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 4,013 km; Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Terrain: predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda, ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver, natural gas Land use: urable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 75%; forest and woodland 2%; other 21%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: rains in early 1988 broke six years of drought that had severely affected the important cattle industry; overgazing; desertification Note: landlocked Botswana People Population: 1,292,210 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 42 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 65 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun and ajective - Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%; Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi about 4%; white about 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 400,000; 198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in various mines in South Africa (1990) Organized labor: 19 trade unions Botswana Government Long-form name: Republic of Botswana Type: parliamentary republic Capital: Gaborone Administrative divisions: 10 districts: Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; note - in addition, there may now be 4 town councils named Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste Selebi-Pikwe Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK; formerly Bechuanaland) Constitution: March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 30 September (1966) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefs and a lower house or National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Quett K. J. MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Peter S. MMUSI (since 3 January 1983) Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Quett MASIRE; Botswana National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3 President: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - President Quett K. J. MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly Communists: no known Communist organization; Kenneth KOMA of BNF has long history of Communist contacts Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE; Chancery at Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-4990 or 4991 US: Ambassador Davie PASSAGE; Embassy at Gaborone (mailing address is P. O. Box 90, Gaborone); telephone [267] 353-982; FAX [267] 356-947 Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center Botswana Economy Overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population, but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to over 50% in 1989. No other sector has experienced such growth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. Although diamond production remained level in FY91, substantial gains in coal output and manufacturing helped boost the economy purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion, per capita $2,800; real growth rate 6.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.6% (1991) Unemployment rate: 25% (1989) Budget: revenues $1,935 million; expenditures $1,885 million, including capital expenditures of $658 million (FY93) Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b. 1990) commodities: diamonds 80%, copper and nickel 9%, meat 4%, cattle, animal products partners: Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union) Imports: $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products partners: Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US External debt: $780 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 16.8% (FY86); accounts for about 57% of GDP, including mining Electricity: 220,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced 858 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing Agriculture: accounts for only 3% of DGP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle raising supports 50% of the population; must import large share of food needs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,875 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million Currency: pula (plural - pula); 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe Exchange rates: pula (P) per US$1 - 2.1683 (March 1992), 2.0173 (1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988), 1.6779 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Botswana Communications Railroads: 712 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 100 total, 87 unable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station Botswana Defense Forces Branches: Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing); Botswana National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 271,511; 142,947 fit for military service; 14,473 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $136.4 million, 4.4% of GDP (FY92) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BOTSWANA - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 90 days. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/244-4990/1) or nearest Honorary Consulate: Los Angeles (213/626-8484), San Francisco (415/346-4435) or Houston (713/622-1900). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BOTSWANA Bouvet Island false marked Bouvet Island showNameProp Bouvet Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bouvet Island Geography Total area: 58 km2 Land area: 58 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inacessible Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% (ice) Environment: covered by glacial ice Note: located in the South Atlantic Ocean 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa Bouvet Island People Population: uninhabited Bouvet Island Government Long-form name: none Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway Bouvet Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Bouvet Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Telecommunications: automatic meteorological station Bouvet Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BOUVET_I Brazil false marked Brazil showNameProp Brazil most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Brazil Geography Total area: 8,511,965 km2 Land area: 8,456,510 km2; includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Comparative area: slightly smaller than the US Land boundaries: 14,691 km; Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km Coastline: 7,491 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute (Arroyo de la Invernada area of the Rio Quarai and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay) Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower, gold, platinum, crude oil, timber Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 67%; other 6%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation in Amazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo Note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador Brazil People Population: 158,202,019 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 67 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Brazilian(s); adjective - Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, black, Amerindian; white 55%, mixed 38%, black 6%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 90% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: 81% (male 82%, female 80%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 57,000,000 (1989 est.); services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27% Organized labor: 13,000,000 dues paying members (1989 est.) Brazil Government Long-form name: Federative Republic of Brazil Type: federal republic Capital: Brasilia Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins; note - the former territories of Amapa and Roraima became states in January 1991 Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) Constitution: 5 October 1988 Legal system: based on Latin codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Fernando Affonso COLLOR de Mello (since 15 March 1990); Vice President Itamar FRANCO (since 15 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Orestes QUERCIA, president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Hugo NAPOLEAO, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis Ignacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), Luiz GONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, president Suffrage: voluntary at age 16; compulsory between ages 18 and 70; voluntary at age 70 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109 Federal Senate: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16 Brazil Government President: last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held November 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA 47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960 Communists: less than 30,000 Other political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker's Party are critical of government's social and economic policies Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Rubens RICUPERO; Chancery at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-2700; there are Brazilian Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York, and Consulates in Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Richard MELTON; Embassy at Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal (mailing address is APO AA 34030); telephone [55] (61) 321-7272; FAX [55] (61) 225-9136; there are US Consulates General in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and Consulates in PortoAlegre and Recife Flag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) Brazil Economy Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The Collor government, which assumed office in March 1990, is embarked on an ambitious reform program that seeks to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government in December 1991 signed a letter of intent with the IMF for a 20-month standby loan. Having reached an agreement on the repayment of interest arrears accumulated during 1989 and 1990, Brazilian officials and commercial bankers are engaged in talks on the reduction of medium- and long-term debt and debt service payments and on the elimination of remaining interest arrears. A major long-run strength is Brazil's vast natural resources. exchange rate conversion - $358 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 1.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 478.5% (December 1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 4.3% (1991) Budget: revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $32.9 billion (1990) Exports: $31.6 billion (1991) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee partners: EC 31%, US 24%, Latin America 11%, Japan 8% (1990) Imports: $21.0 billion (1991) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: Middle East and Africa 22%, US 21%, EC 21%, Latin America 18%, Japan 6% (1990) External debt: $118 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate--0.5% (1991); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: 58,500,000 kW capacity; 229,824 million kWh produced, 1,479 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin Agriculture: world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second- largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat Brazil Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: cruzeiro (plural - cruzeiros); 1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 1,197.38 (January 1992), 406.61 (1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988), 0.03923 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Brazil Communications Railroads: 28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 km electrified Highways: 1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth Inland waterways: 50,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos Merchant marine: 245 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,693,500 GRT/9,623,918 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 49 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 13 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 57 petroleum tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 11 liquefied gas, 14 combination ore/oil, 71 bulk, 2 combination bulk; in addition, 2 naval tankers and 4 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 198 major transport aircraft Airports: 3,563 total, 2,911 usable; 420 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 22 with runways 2,240-3,659 m; 550 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system; extensive radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations Brazil Defense Forces Branches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Military Police (paramilitary) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 41,515,103; 27,987,257 fit for military service; 1,644,571 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 0.3% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BRAZIL - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Multiple-entry visa valid up to 90 days (extendable), requires 1 application form, 1 photo, proof of onward/return transportation or notarized letter from bank as proof of sufficient funds for stay and yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected area. No charge if you apply in person; $10 service fee if you apply by mail. Provide SASE for return of passport by mail. For travel with children or business visa contact Brazilian Embassy (Consular Section), 3009 Whitehaven St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/745-2828) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/282-3133), FL (305/377-1734), GA (404/659-0660), IL (312/372-2177), LA (504/588-9187) or NY (212/757-3080). Brazil - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Brazil is located in Brasilia at Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, at tel: (55-61) 321-7272. There are Consulates in Rio de Janeiro at Avenida Presidente Wilson 147 at tel: (55- 21) 292-7117; in Sao Paulo at Rua Padre Joao Manoel 933 at tel: (55-11) 881- 6511; in Porto Alegre at Rua Coronel Genuino 421 (9th flr.) at tel: (55-51) 26-4288; and at Recife at Rua Goncalves Maia 163 at tel: (55-81) 221-1412. There are also Consular Agencies in Belem at Avenida Oswaldo Cruz 165, at tel: (55-91) 223-0800/0163; in Manaus at Rua Recife 1010, Adrianopolis, at tel: (55-92) 234-4546; and in Salvador de Bahia at Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhaes s/n Edificio Cidadella Center, Suite 410, Candeal, at tel: (55-71) 358-9195. Country Description: Brazil has a developing economy. Facilities for tourism are good in the major cities, but vary in quality in remote areas. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required for entry to Brazil. Visas must be obtained in advance. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent or in someone's custody, must present a statement by their father or legal guardian specifically authorizing them permission to travel alone or with one parent or in someone's custody. Such statements must be authenticated by the Brazilian Embassy or consulate. A small fee is charged to have such statements translated into Portuguese and notarized. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers can contact the Brazilian Embassy at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 745-2700 or the nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York, Chicago, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care varies in quality, particularly in remote areas. Cholera has been reported in the Amazon basin region and in northeastern Brazil. However, visitors who follow proper precautions about food and drink are not usually at risk. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has been found to be useful. For additional health information, contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The threat of crime in Brazilian cities varies, but it is particularly acute in Rio de Janeiro. The areas of greatest crime against foreigners in Rio are the most frequented and popular beaches and neighborhoods of Copacabana and Leme where street criminals, often youths, target tourists for armed robbery or theft. The incidence of crime on those beaches is most common at dusk and during evening hours. Discotheques, bars and nightclubs in these areas of Rio and similar establishments in some areas of other major cities are often the site of incidents. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling is provided in the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate can obtain current information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-061 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BRAZIL British Indian Ocean Territory false marked British Indian Ocean Territory showNameProp British Indian Ocean Territory most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp British Indian Ocean Territory Geography Total area: 60 km2 Land area: 60 km2; includes the island of Diego Garcia Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: UK announced establishment of 200-nm fishery zone in August 1991 Disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: archipelago of 2,300 islands Note: Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility British Indian Ocean Territory People Population: no permanent civilian population; formerly about 3,000 islanders Ethnic divisions: civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK and US defense facilities British Indian Ocean Territory Government Long-form name: British Indian Ocean Territory (no short-form name); abbreviated BIOT Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: none Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS; Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag British Indian Ocean Territory Economy Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Electricity: provided by the US military British Indian Ocean Territory Communications Highways: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways over 3,659 m on Diego Garcia Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station British Indian Ocean Territory Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BRITISH_ British Virgin Islands false marked British Virgin Islands showNameProp British Virgin Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp British Virgin Islands Geography Total area: 150 km2 Land area: 150 km2; includes the island of Anegada Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 33%; forest and woodland 7%; other 33% Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico British Virgin Islands People Population: 12,555 (July 1992), growth rate 1.2% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - British Virgin Islander(s); adjective - British Virgin Islander Ethnic divisions: over 90% black, remainder of white and Asian origin Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) Languages: English (official) Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 4,911 (1980) Organized labor: NA% of labor force British Virgin Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Road Town Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 June 1977 Legal system: English law National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor P. A. PENFOLD (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986) Political parties and leaders: United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2 Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) British Virgin Islands Economy Overview: The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements. purchasing power equivalent - $130 million, per capita $10,600; real growth rate 6.3% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991) Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US External debt: $4.5 million (1985) Industrial production: growth rate--4.0% (1985) Electricity: 10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Agriculture: livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March British Virgin Islands Communications Highways: 106 km motorable roads (1983) Ports: Road Town Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV British Virgin Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK entryText false sharedText textHeightProp British Virgin Islands - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the British Virgin Islands (the islands of Anegada, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda). For assistance, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in St. Johns, Antigua, which is located on Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. Johns; telephone (809) 462-3505. Country Description: The British Virgin Islands have a moderately developed economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: For tourist stays of up to three months, U.S. citizens need proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds. For further information on entry requirements, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy of the United Kingdom, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 462-1340. Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good but may be limited in more remote areas. Adequate medical facilities are available in nearby Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance specifically covering overseas requirements has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Antigua can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-062 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BRITISHV Brunei false marked Brunei showNameProp Brunei most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Brunei Geography Total area: 5,770 km2 Land area: 5,270 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: 381 km; Malysia 381 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 79%; other 18%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare Note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia Brunei People Population: 269,319 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bruneian(s); adjective - Bruneian Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% Religions: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) Languages: Malay (official), English, and Chinese Literacy: 77% (male 85%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 89,000 (includes members of the Army); 33% of labor force is foreign (1988); government 47.5%; production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 41.9%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986) Organized labor: 2% of labor force Brunei Government Long-form name: Negara Brunei Darussalam Type: constitutional sultanate Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) Constitution: 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: 23 February (1984) Executive branch: sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu`izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967) Political parties and leaders: Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned), leader NA Suffrage: none Elections: Legislative Council: last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan and no elections are planned Member of: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daud; Chancery at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-0159 US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440; telephone [673] (2) 229-670; FAX [673] (2) 225-293 Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands Brunei Economy Overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per capita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, per capita $8,800; real growth rate 1% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: 3.7%, shortage of skilled labor (1989) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989 est.) Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products partners: Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals partners: Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990) External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 2,400 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Agriculture: imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 million Currency: Bruneian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.7454 (January 1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988), 2.1060 (1987), 2.1774 (1986); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar Fiscal year: calendar year Brunei Communications Railroads: 13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line Highways: 1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved Inland waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters Pipelines: crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km Ports: Kuala Belait, Muara Merchant marine: 7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft (3 Boeing 757-200, 1 Boeing 737-200) Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 1 with runway 1,406 m Telecommunications: service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT Brunei Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Royal Brunei Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 75,330; 43,969 fit for military service; 2,595 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $233.1 million, 7.1% of GDP (1988) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BRUNEI - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Visa valid 3 months requires $7.50 fee, 1 application form, 2 photos, letter stating purpose of visit, itinerary, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Yellow fever vaccination needed if arriving from infected area. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified/registered mail. Allow at least 1 week for processing. For diplomatic/official travel and other visas, contact Embassy of the State of Brunei Darussalam, Suite 300, 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/342-0159) or Brunei Permanent Mission to the U.N., 866 United Nations Plaza, Rm. 248, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/838-1600). Brunei - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on the third floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The mailing address is American Embassy, Box B, APO AP 96440; telephone (673)(2)229-670. Country Description: Brunei is a small Islamic Sultanate on the north coast of the island of Borneo. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the only major city. Tourist facilities are good, and generally available. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Visas must be obtained in advance. A visa is valid for three months and requires a $7.50 fee, an application form, two photos, a letter stating the purpose of the visit, itinerary, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. A yellow fever vaccination is needed if arriving from an infected area. For more information the traveler may contact the Embassy of the State of Brunei Darussalam, Suite 300, 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037, tel. (202)-342-0159. Medical Facilities: Hospital and medical services in Brunei are available, with good facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate in Brunei is very low, and violent crime is rare. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-093 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BRUNEI Brunei France French Guiana Guatemala Ivory Coast Nicaragua Child abduction (more) Infant Mortality Bulgaria false marked Bulgaria showNameProp Bulgaria most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bulgaria Geography Total area: 110,910 km2 Land area: 110,550 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,881 km; Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Macedonia question with Greece and Macedonia Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: arable land 34%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 35%; other 10%; includes irrigated 11% Environment: subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollution Note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia Bulgaria People Population: 8,869,161 (July 1992), growth rate --0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bulgarian(s); adjective - Bulgarian Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%; Muslim 13%; Jewish 0.8%; Roman Catholic 0.5%; Uniate Catholic 0.2%; Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: 93% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) Labor force: 4,300,000; industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987) Organized labor: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Edinstvo (Unity) People's Trade Union (splinter confederation from KNSB); Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation, legally registered in January 1990 Bulgaria Government Long-form name: Republic of Bulgaria Type: emerging democracy, diminishing Communist Party influence Capital: Sofia Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, Varna Independence: 22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire) Constitution: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 3 March (1878) Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (premier), two deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Zhelyu ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990) Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Premier) Filip DIMITROV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Deputy Prime Minister) Stoyan GANEV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 8 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: government: Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, consisting of United Democratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (pro-Muslim party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman, supports UDF but not officially in coalition with it opposition: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman Suffrage: universalandcompulsoryatage 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 13 October 1991; results - BSP 33%, UDF 34%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) BSP 106, UDF 110, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24 President: last held 12 January 1992; second round held 19 January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular vote Communists: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), 501,793 members; several small Communist parties Bulgaria Government Other political or pressure groups: Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ognyan PISHEV; Chancery at 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-7969 US: Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILL; Embassy at 1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia (mailing address is APO AE 09213-5740); telephone [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05; Embassy has no FAX machine Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) Bulgaria Economy Overview: Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in the 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion - giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments. The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an aging industrial plant; coping with worsening energy, food, and consumer goods shortages; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technological developments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion of electric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); and motivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of their enterprises. Bulgaria's new government, led by Prime Minister Filip Dimitrov, is strongly committed to economic reform. The previous government, even though dominated by former Communists, had taken the first steps toward dismantling the central planning system, bringing the economy back into balance, and reducing inflationary pressures. The program produced some encouraging early results, including eased restrictions on foreign investment, increased support from international financial institutions, and liberalized currency trading. Small entrepreneurs have begun to emerge and some privatization of small enterprises has taken place. The government has passed bills to privatize large state-owned enterprises and reform the banking system. Negotiations on an association agreement with the EC began in late 1991. purchasing power equivalent - $36.4 billion, per capita $4,100; real growth rate --22% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 420% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues NA; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1991) Exports: $8.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 55.3%; agricultural products 15.0%; manufactured consumer goods 10.0%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 18.4%; other 1.3% (1990) partners: former CMEA countries 70.6% (USSR 56.2%, Czechoslovakia 3.9%, Poland 2.5%); developed countries 13.6% (Germany 2.1%, Greece 1.2%); less developed countries 13.1% (Libya 5.8%, Iran 0.5%) (1990) Imports: $9.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials 43.7%; machinery and equipment 45.2%; manufactured consumer goods 6.7%; agricultural products 3.8%; other 0.6% partners: former CMEA countries 70.9% (former USSR 52.7%, Poland 4.1%); developed countries 20.2% (Germany 5.0%, Austria 2.1%); less developed countries 7.2% (Libya 2.0%, Iran 0.7%) External debt: $11.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate --14.7% (1990); accounts for about 37% of GNP (1990) Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,040 kWh per capita (1990) Bulgaria Economy Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Agriculture: accounts for 22% of GNP (1990); climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) Currency: lev (plural - leva); 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 17.18 (1 January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991 Fiscal year: calendar year Bulgaria Communications Railroads: 4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,510 km electrified Highways: 36,908 km total; 33,535 km hard surface (including 242 km superhighways); 3,373 km earth roads (1987) Inland waterways: 470 km (1987) Pipelines: crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 1,400 km (1986) Ports: Burgas, Varna, Varna West; river ports are Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on the Danube Merchant marine: 110 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,234,657 GRT/1,847,759 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 30 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargo training, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 15 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 48 bulk; Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 DWT operating under Liberian registry Civil air: 86 major transport aircraft Airports: 380 total, 380 usable; about 120 with permanent-surface runways; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: extensive radio relay; 2.5 million telephones; direct dialing to 36 countries; phone density is 25 phones per 100 persons; 67% of Sofia households now have a phone (November 1988); broadcast stations - 20 AM, 15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1 satellite ground station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a Greek earth station Bulgaria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal Troops Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,181,421; 1,823,678 fit for military service; 65,942 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 4.413 billion leva, 4.4% of GNP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BULGARIA - Passport required. Tourist visa not required for stay up to 30 days. AIDS test required for those staying more than 1 month; U.S. test not accepted. For business visas and other information contact Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1621 22nd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/387-7969 or 483-5885). Bulgaria - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, is located at 1 a. Stamboliski Boulevard; telephone (359) (2) 88-48-01 to -05. The Consular Section of the Embassy is located at 1 Kapitan Andreev Street in Sofia; telephone numbers are the same. Country Description: Bulgaria is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound political and economic changes. Impassioned debate, political rallies, and periods of strike activity are regular features of the scene. They do not typically pose a threat to U.S. citizens. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist visits of less than 30 days. An AIDS test is required for those staying more than one month for purposes of study or work; U.S. tests are not accepted. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria at 1621 22nd Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 387-7669. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Some medicines are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Bulgaria has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however street crime has increased, especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-010 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BULGARIA J J!J"J $J%J&J'J(J)J*J+J,J-J.J/J0J1J2J3J4J5J6J7J8J9J:J;JJ?J@JAJBJCJDJEJFJGJHJIJJJKJLJMJNJOJPJQJRJSJTJUJVJWJXJlJZJ[J\J]J^J_J`JaJbJcJdJeJiJgJhJ JmJnJoJpJqJrJsJtJuJvJ xJyJzJ{J|J}J~J Arctic Ocean Canada Congo Cyprus Marshall Islands Mozambique Paracel Islands Netherlands Antilles Sweden Saudi Arabia United Kingdom Uganda REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF CO RED ARMY FACTION Immigration numbers Crime Residing abroad (more) Argentina false marked Argentina showNameProp Argentina most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Argentina Geography Total area: 2,766,890 km2 Land area: 2,736,690 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Texas Land boundaries: 9,665 km total; Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km Coastline: 4,989 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: nm limits unknown Territorial sea: 12 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm) Disputes: short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section of the boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims British- administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest Terrain: rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, crude oil, uranium Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 52%; forest and woodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: Tucuman and Mendoza areas in Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike Pampas and northeast; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air and water pollution in Buenos Aires Note: second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) Argentina People Population: 32,901,234 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 34 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Argentine(s); adjective - Argentine Ethnic divisions: white 85%; mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 6% Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy: 95% (male 96%, female 95%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 10,900,000; agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.) Organized labor: 3,000,000; 28% of labor force Argentina Government Long-form name: Argentine Republic Type: republic Capital: Buenos Aires Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 district** (distrito); Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Distrito Federal**, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego, Tucuman; note - the national territory is in the process of becoming a province; the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica Independence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain) Constitution: 1 May 1853 Legal system: mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Revolution Day, 25 May (1810) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President (position vacant) Political parties and leaders: Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella political organization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Mario LOSADA, moderately left of center; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Jorge AGUADO, conservative party; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftist party; several provincial parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held in three phases during late 1991 for half of 254 seats, total current breakdown of seats - JP 122, UCR 85, UCD 10, other 37 President: last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - Carlos Saul MENEM was elected Senate: last held May 1989, but provincial elections in late 1991 set the stage for indirect elections by provincial senators for one-third of 46 seats in the national senate in May 1992; total current breakdown of seats - JP 27, UCR 14, others 5 Communists: some 70,000 members in various party organizations, including a small nucleus of activists Argentina Government Other political or pressure groups: Peronist-dominated labor movement, General Confederation of Labor (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization), Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association), Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association), business organizations, students, the Roman Catholic Church, the Armed Forces Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Carlos ORTIZ DE ROZAS; Chancery at 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-6400 through 6403; there are Argentine Consulates General in Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles US: Ambassador Terence A. TODMAN; Embassy at 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires (mailing address is APO AA 34034); telephone [54] (1) 774- 7611 or 8811, 9911; Telex 18156 AMEMBAR Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May Argentina Economy Overview: Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the economy has encountered major problems in recent years, leading to escalating inflation and a recession during 1988-90. Since 1978, Argentina's external debt has nearly doubled to $58 billion, creating severe debt servicing difficulties and hurting the country's creditworthiness with international lenders. Elected in 1989, President Menem has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuring program that shows signs of reversing Argentina's economic decline and putting it on a path of stable, sustainable growth. exchange rate conversion - $101.2 billion, per capita $3,100; real growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 83.8% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6.4% (October 1991) Budget: revenues $13.6 billion; expenditures $16.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.5 billion (1991) Exports: $12 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, wool partners: US 12%, USSR, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands Imports: $8 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants, agricultural products partners: US 22%, Brazil, FRG, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands External debt: $61 billion (January 1992) Industrial production: growth rate 20% (1991 est.); accounts for 30% of GDP Electricity: 17,059,000 kW capacity; 47,357 million kWh produced, 1,450 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GNP (including fishing); produces abundant food for both domestic consumption and exports; among world's top five exporters of grain and beef; principal crops - wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets Illicit drugs: increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $718 million Currency: peso (plural - pesos); 1 pesos = 100 centavos Argentina Economy Exchange rates: pesos per US$1 - 0.99076 (Feburary 1992), 0.95355 (1991), 0.48759 (1990), 0.04233 (1989), 0.00088 (1988), 0.00021 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Argentina Communications Railroads: 34,172 km total (includes 209 km electrified); includes a mixture of 1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter narrow gauge, and 0.750-meter narrow gauge Highways: 208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improved earth, 20,300 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 11,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 km Ports: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe Merchant marine: 98 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,235,385 GRT/1,952,307 DWT; includes 35 cargo, 6 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 1 railcar carrier, 33 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 10 bulk; in addition, 2 naval tankers and 1 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,702 total, 1,473 usable; 137 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 326 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones); microwave widely used; broadcast stations - 171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellite network has 40 earth stations Argentina Defense Forces Branches: Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only), National Aeronautical Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 8,101,856; 6,568,885 fit for military service; 276,457 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $700 million, 1.5% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ARGENTINA - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 3 months. For official and other types of travel contact Argentine Embassy, 1600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/939-6400) or the nearest Consulate: CA (213/739-5959 and 415/982- 3050), FL (305/373-1889), IL (312/263-7435), LA (504/523-2823), NY (212/603-0415), PR (809/754-6500) or TX (713/871-8935) . Argentina - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Argentina is located in Buenos Aires at 4300 Colombia, 1425. The telephone number is (54-1) 774-7611. Country Description: Argentina is a medium income nation with a developing economy. Facilities for tourism are available. Quality varies according to price and area. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for entry into the country. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a three-month stay. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Argentina, travelers can contact the Argentine Embassy at 1600 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., tel: (202) 939-6400, or the nearest Argentine consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Houston, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is good but varies in quality outside major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Street crime such as pickpocketing, car break-ins, theft and muggings are common, particularly at the international airport and tourist areas in downtown Buenos Aires. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be citizens of Argentina are subject to compulsory military service while in Argentina. Those who may be affected can inquire at an Argentine embassy or consulate to determine their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-056 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ARGENTIN Armenia false marked Armenia showNameProp Armenia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Armenia Geography Total area: 29,800 km2 Land area: 28,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 1,254 km total; Azerbaijan (east) 566 km, Azerbaijan (south) 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: violent and longstanding dispute with Azerbaijan over ethnically Armenian exclave of Nagorno-Karabakh; some irredentism by Armenians living in southern Georgia; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkey have greatly subsided Climate: continental, hot, and subject to drought Terrain: high Armenian Plateau with mountain; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley Natural resources: small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina Land use: 10% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; NA% irrigated Environment: pollution of Razdan and Aras Rivers; air pollution in Yerevan Armenia People Population: 3,415,566 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Armenian(s); adjective - Armenian Ethnic divisions: Armenian 93.3%, Russian 1.5%, Kurd 1.7%, other 3.5% Religions: Armenian Orthodox 94% Languages: Armenian 93%, Russian 2%, other 5% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (NA) Labor force: 1,630,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%(1990) Organized labor: NA Armenia Government Long-form name: Republic of Armenia Type: republic Capital: Yerevan Administrative divisions: none - all rayons are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: Armenian Republic formed 29 November 1920 and became part of the Soviet Union on 30 December 1922; on 23 September 1991, Armenia renamed itself the Republic of Armenia Constitution: adopted NA April 1978, effective NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: President, Council of Ministers, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral body - Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN (since 16 October 1991), Vice President Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since 16 October 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since November 1991), First Deputy Prime Minister Grant BAGRATYAN (since NA September 1990); Supreme Soviet Chairman - Babken ARARKTSYAN Political parties and leaders: Armenian National Movement, Husik LAZARYAN, chairman; National Self-Determination Association, Pakvyr HAYRIKIAN, chairman; National Democratic Union, Vazgen MANUKYAN, chairman; Democratic Liberal Party, Ramkavar AZATAKAN, chairman; Dashnatktsutyan Party, Rouben MIRZAKHANIN; Chairman of Parliamentary opposition - Mekhak GABRIYELYAN Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 16 October 1990 (next to be held NA); results - elected by the Supreme Soviet, Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN 86%; radical nationalists about 7% Supreme Soviet: last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (259 total); number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE, NACC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Charge d'Affaires ad interim, Aleksandr ARZOUMANIAN US: Ambassador (vacant); Steven R. MANN, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Hrazdan (telephone 8-011-7-8852-53-53-32); (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-885-215-1122 (voice and FAX); 8-011-7-885-215-1144 (voice) Armenia Government Flag: NA Armenia Economy Overview: Armenia under the old centrally planned Soviet system had built up textile, machine-building, and other industries and had become a key supplier to sister republics. In turn, Armenia had depended on supplies of raw materials and energy from the other republics. Most of these supplies enter the republic by rail through Azerbaijan (85%) and Georgia (15%). The economy has been severely hurt by ethnic strife with Azerbaijan over control of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, a mostly Armenian-populated enclave within the national boundaries of Azerbaijan. In addition to outright warfare, the strife has included interdiction of Armenian imports on the Azerbaijani railroads and expensive airlifts of supplies to beleagured Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. An earthquake in December 1988 destroyed about one-tenth of industrial capacity and housing, the repair of which has not been possible because the supply of funds and real resources has been disrupted by the reorganization and subsequent dismantling of the central USSR administrative apparatus. Among facilities made unserviceable by the earthquake are the Yerevan nuclear power plant, which had supplied 40% of Armenia's needs for electric power and a plant that produced one-quarter of the output of elevators in the former USSR. Armenia has some deposits of nonferrous metal ores (bauxite, copper, zinc, and molybdenum) that are largely unexploited. For the mid-term, Armenia's economic prospects seem particularly bleak because of ethnic strife and the unusually high dependence on outside areas, themselves in a chaotic state of transformation. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --10% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 91% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $176 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, ferrous and nonferrous metals, and chemicals (1991) partners: NA Imports: $1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery, energy, consumer goods (1991) partners: NA External debt: $650 million (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --9.6% (1991) Electricity: NA kW capacity; 10,433 million kWh produced, about 3,000 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: diverse, including (in percent of output of former USSR) metalcutting machine tools (6.7%), forging-pressing machines (4.7%), electric motors (8.7%), tires (2.1%), knitted wear (5.6%), hosiery (2.3%), shoes (2.2%), silk fabric (5.3%), washing machines (2.0%); also chemicals, trucks, watches, instruments, and microelectronics Armenia Economy Agriculture: only 10% of land area is arable; employs 18% of labor force; citrus, cotton, and dairy farming; vineyards near Yerevan are famous for brandy and other liqueurs Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Armenia Communications Railroads: 840 km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 11,300 km total (1990); 10,500 km hard surfaced, 800 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: none: landlocked Civil air: none Airports: NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: Armenia has about 260,000 telephones, of which about 110,000 are in Yerevan; average telephone density is 8 per 100 persons; international connections to other former republics of the USSR are by landline or microwave and to other countries by satellite and by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch; broadcast stations - 100% of population receives Armenian and Russian TV programs; satellite earth station - INTELSAT Armenia Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ARMENIA - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Russian Consulate: San Francisco (415/922-6642). Armenia- Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, is at 18 General Bagramian Street; telephone (7) (8852)15-11-22. Country Description: Armenia is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Because of the continuing conflict with Azerbaijan, street demonstrations and other disturbances may occur without warning. In addition, a natural gas and transportation blockade is causing severe food and medical shortages, frequent interruptions in electrical power, and shortages of transportation fuel. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Armenia must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. At the present time, visas for Armenia are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. The Embassy of Armenia, which will begin issuing visas on October 15, is located at 122 C Street NW, Suite 360, Washington DC 20001, tel (202) 628-5766. Areas of Instability: Armed conflict is taking place in and around the Armenian-populated area of Nagorno-Karabakh located in Azerbaijan and along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Fighting continues on a daily basis, and front lines change frequently. Medical Information: Medical care in Armenia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and persons with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information can be found in the Department of State s brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia", which includes information on Armenia and can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332- 4559. Crime Information: Armenia has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Armenia is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-003 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ARMENIA Aruba false marked Aruba showNameProp Aruba most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Aruba Geography Total area: 193 km2 Land area: 193 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 68.5 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation Natural resources: negligible; white sandy beaches Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt Note: 28 km north of Venezuela Aruba People Population: 64,692 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Aruban(s); adjective - Aruban Ethnic divisions: mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80% Religions: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, also small Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, and Jewish minority Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA, but most employment is in the tourist industry (1986) Organized labor: Aruban Workers' Federation (FTA) Aruba Government Long-form name: none Type: part of the Dutch realm - full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles Capital: Oranjestad Administrative divisions: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm); note - in 1990, Aruba requested and received from the Netherlands cancellation of the agreement to automatically give independence to the island in 1996 Constitution: 1 January 1986 Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence National holiday: Flag Day, 18 March Executive branch: Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral legislature (Staten) Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Felipe B. TROMP (since 1 January 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Nelson ODUBER (since NA February 1989) Political parties and leaders: Electoral Movement Party (MEP), Nelson ODUBER; Aruban People's Party (AVP), Henny EMAN; National Democratic Action (ADN), Pedro Charro KELLY; New Patriotic Party (PPN), Eddy WERLEMEN; Aruban Patriotic Party (PPA), Benny NISBET; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86 (AD '86), Arturo ODUBER; Organization for Aruban Liberty (OHA), Glenbert CROES; governing coalition includes the MEP, PPA, and ADN Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislature: last held 6 January 1989 (next to be held by NA January 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) MEP 10, AVP 8, ADN 1, PPN 1, PPA 1 Member of: ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) Flag: blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner Aruba Economy Overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. Hotel capacity expanded rapidly between 1985 and 1989 and nearly doubled in 1990 alone. Unemployment has steadily declined from about 20% in 1986 to about 3% in 1991. The reopening of the local oil refinery, once a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, promises to give the economy an additional boost. exchange rate conversion - $854 million, per capita $13,600; real growth rate l0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 3% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $145 million; expenditures $185 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1988) Exports: $134.4 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: mostly petroleum products partners: US 64%, EC Imports: $488 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: food, consumer goods, manufactures partners: US 8%, EC External debt: $81 million (1987) Industrial production: growth rate NA Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 945 million kWh produced, 15,000 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining Agriculture: poor quality soils and low rainfall limit agricultural activity to the cultivation of aloes, some livestock, and fishing Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $220 million Currency: Aruban florin (plural - florins); 1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Aruban florins (Af.) per US$1 - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year Aruba Communications Highways: Aruba has a system of all-weather highways Ports: Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas Civil air: Air Aruba has a fleet of 3 intermediate-range Boeing aircraft Airports: government-owned airport east of Oranjestad accepts transatlantic flights Telecommunications: generally adequate; extensive interisland radio relay links; 72,168 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 1 sea cable to Sint Maarten Aruba Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands entryText false sharedText textHeightProp ARUBA - Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship required. Visa not required for stay up to 14 days, extendable to 90 days after arrival. Proof of onward/return ticket or sufficient funds for stay may be required. Departure tax $9.50. For further information consult Embassy of the Netherlands (202/244-5300), or nearest Consulate General: CA (212/380-3440), IL ( 314/856-1429), NY (212/246-1429) or TX (713/622-8000). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ARUBA Ashmore and Cartier Islands false marked Ashmore and Cartier Islands showNameProp Ashmore and Cartier Islands most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Ashmore and Cartier Islands Geography Total area: 5 km2 Land area: 5 km2; includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island Comparative area: about 8.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 74.1 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploration Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: low with sand and coral Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other - grass and sand 100% Environment: surrounded by shoals and reefs; Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 Note: located in extreme eastern Indian Ocean between Australia and Indonesia, 320 km off the northwest coast of Australia Ashmore and Cartier Islands People Population: no permanent inhabitants; seasonal caretakers Ashmore and Cartier Islands Government Long-form name: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands Type: territory of Australia administered by the Australian Minister for Arts, Sports, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories - Roslyn KELLY Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity Ashmore and Cartier Islands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Ashmore and Cartier Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ASHMORE_ Atlantic Ocean false marked Atlantic Ocean showNameProp Atlantic Ocean most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Atlantic Ocean Geography Total area: 82,217,000 km2 Land area: 82,217,000 km2; includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies Comparative area: slightly less than nine times the size of the US; second-largest of the world's four oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than Indian Ocean or Arctic Ocean) Coastline: 111,866 km Disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to November Terrain: surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the north Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre in the south Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin; maximum depth is 8,605 meters in the Puerto Rico Trench Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones Environment: endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea; icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic Note: ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north Atlantic from October to May and extreme south Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be a hazard to shipping from May to September; major choke points include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Dover Strait, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; north Atlantic shipping lanes subject to icebergs from February to August; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways Atlantic Ocean Economy Overview: Economic activity is limited to exploitation of natural resources, especially fish, dredging aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and crude oil and natural gas production (Caribbean Sea and North Sea). Atlantic Ocean Communications Ports: Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad; Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) Telecommunications: numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK, North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct links across Atlantic via INTELSAT satellite network entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text ATLANTIC Australia false marked Australia showNameProp Australia most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Australia Geography Total area: 7,686,850 km2 Land area: 7,617,930 km2; includes Macquarie Island Comparative area: slightly smaller than the US Land boundaries: none Coastline: 25,760 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory) Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, crude oil Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 58%; forest and woodland 14%; other 22%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: subject to severe droughts and floods; cyclones along coast; limited freshwater availability; irrigated soil degradation; regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as the doctor occurs along west coast in summer; desertification Note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country Australia People Population: 17,576,354 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Australian(s); adjective - Australian Ethnic divisions: Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, Aboriginal and other 1% Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26.0%, other Christian 24.3% Languages: English, native languages Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 8,630,000 (September 1991); finance and services 33.8%, public and community services 22.3%, wholesale and retail trade 20.1%, manufacturing and industry 16.2%, agriculture 6.1% (1987) Organized labor: 40% of labor force (November 1991) Australia Government Long-form name: Commonwealth of Australia Type: federal parliamentary state Capital: Canberra Administrative divisions: 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia Independence: 1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies) Constitution: 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 Dependent areas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island Legal system: based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Australia Day, 26 January Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since February 1952), represented by Governor General William George HAYDEN (since 16 February 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Paul John KEATING (since 20 December 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Brian HOWE (since 4 June 1991) Political parties and leaders: government: Australian Labor Party, Paul John KEATING opposition: Liberal Party, John HEWSON; National Party, Timothy FISCHER; Australian Democratic Party, John COULTER Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 24 March 1990 (next to be held by NA November 1993); results - Labor 39.7%, Liberal-National 43%, Australian Democrats and independents 11.1%; seats - (148 total) Labor 78, Liberal-National 69, independent 1 Senate: last held 11 July 1987 (next to be held by NA July 1993); results - Labor 43%, Liberal-National 42%, Australian Democrats 8%, independents 2%; seats - (76 total) Labor 32, Liberal-National 34, Australian Democrats 7, independents 3 Communists: 4,000 members (est.) Australia Government Other political or pressure groups: Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splinter group); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Party splinter group) Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, COCOM, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIIMOG, UNTAG, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Michael J. COOK; Chancery at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 797-3000; there are Australian Consulates General in Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pago Pago (American Samoa), and San Francisco US: Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER; Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 (mailing address is APO AP 96549); telephone [61] (6) 270-5000; FAX [61] (6) 270-5970; there are US Consulates General in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, and a Consulate in Brisbane Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars Australia Economy Overview: Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Of the top 25 exports, 21 are primary products, so that, as happened during 1983-84, a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. purchasing power equivalent - $280.8 billion, per capita $16,200; real growth rate --0.6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (September 1991) Unemployment rate: 10.5% (November 1991) Budget: revenues $76.9 billion; expenditures $75.4 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (FY91) Exports: $41.7 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: metals, minerals, coal, wool, cereals, meat, manufacturers partners: Japan 26%, US 11%, NZ 6%, South Korea 4%, Singapore 4%, UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong Imports: $37.8 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: manufactured raw materials, capital equipment, consumer goods partners: US 24%, Japan 19%, UK 6%, FRG 7%, NZ 4% (1990) External debt: $130.4 billion (June 1991) Industrial production: growth rate --0.9% (1991); accounts for 32% of GDP Electricity: 40,000,000 kW capacity; 155,000 million kWh produced, 8,960 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel, motor vehicles Agriculture: accounts for 5% of GNP and 37% of export revenues; world's largest exporter of beef and wool, second-largest for mutton, and among top wheat exporters; major crops - wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruit; livestock - cattle, sheep, poultry Illicit drugs: Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.4 billion Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Australia Economy Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Australia Communications Railroads: 40,478 km total; 7,970 km 1.600-meter gauge, 16,201 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 16,307 km 1.067-meter gauge; 183 km dual gauge; 1,130 km electrified; government owned (except for a few hundred kilometers of privately owned track) (1985) Highways: 837,872 km total; 243,750 km paved, 228,396 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized soil surface, 365,726 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craft Pipelines: crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 km Ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville Merchant marine: 85 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,324,803 GRT/3,504,385 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 8 cargo, 8 container, 11 roll-on/roll-off, 1 vehicle carrier, 17 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 1 combination ore/oil, 30 bulk, 1 combination bulk Civil air: about 150 major transport aircraft Airports: 481 total, 440 usable; 237 with permanent-surface runways, 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 268 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international and domestic service; 8.7 million telephones; broadcast stations - 258 AM, 67 FM, 134 TV; submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; domestic satellite service; satellite stations - 4 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 6 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations Australia Defense Forces Branches: Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,769,005; 4,153,060 fit for military service; 138,117 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.5 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY92 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Australia - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Canberra is located at Moonah Place, Canberra, A.C.T. 2600; the telephone number is (61-6) 270- 5000. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney is located on the 36th floor of the Pacific Power Building, corner of Park and Elizabeth Streets, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000; the telephone number is (61-2) 261-9200. The U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne is located at 553 St. Kilda Road, P.O. Box 6722, Melbourne, VIC; the telephone number is (61-3) 526-5900. The U.S. Consulate General in Perth is located on the 13th floor, 16 St. Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Telephone: (61-9) 231-9400. The U.S. Consulate in Brisbane is at 383 Wickham Terrace, 4th Floor, Brisbane, QLD 4000, telephone: (61-7) 405-5555. There is also a U.S. consular agent in Adelaide at level 24, State Bank Centre, 91 King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000. The telephone number is (61-8) 233-5819 or 233-5858. Country Description: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: Passport, visa, and onward/return transportation are required. Transit visas are not required for up to eight hours' stay at the airport. For further information concerning longer stays or any other Australian regulations, travelers can contact the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000 or Australian Consulates General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Chicago, New York, or Houston. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Information on health matters can also be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at tel. (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Australia's crime rate is low. However, foreign visitors from the U.S. or elsewhere are targets for pick-pockets, purse snatchers and petty thieves. Automobile burglaries and theft of personal belongings also occur. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalities for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-092 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... AUSTRALI Austria false marked Austria showNameProp Austria most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Austria Geography Total area: 83,850 km2 Land area: 82,730 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: 2,591 km total; Czechoslovakia 548 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovenia 262 km, Switzerland 164 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers Terrain: mostly mountains with Alps in west and south; mostly flat, with gentle slopes along eastern and northern margins Natural resources: iron ore, crude oil, timber, magnesite, aluminum, lead, coal, lignite, copper, hydropower Land use: arable land 17%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 24%; forest and woodland 39%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: because of steep slopes, poor soils, and cold temperatures, population is concentrated on eastern lowlands Note: landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube Austria People Population: 7,867,541 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Austrian(s); adjective - Austrian Ethnic divisions: German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9% Languages: German Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1974 est.) Labor force: 3,470,000 (1989); services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture and forestry 8.1%; an estimated 200,000 Austrians are employed in other European countries; foreign laborers in Austria number 177,840, about 6% of labor force (1988) Organized labor: 60.1% of work force; the Austrian Trade Union Federation has 1,644,408 members (1989) Austria Government Long-form name: Republic of Austria Type: federal republic Capital: Vienna Administrative divisions: 9 states (bundeslander, singular - bundesland); Burgenland, Karnten, Niederosterreich, Oberosterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien Independence: 12 November 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire) Constitution: 1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1945) Legal system: civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by a Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 26 October (1955) Executive branch: president, chancellor, vice chancellor, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) consists of an upper council or Federal Council (Bundesrat) and a lower council or National Council (Nationalrat) Judicial branch: Supreme Judicial Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for civil and criminal cases, Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for bureaucratic cases, Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) for constitutional cases Leaders: Chief of State: President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992) Head of Government: Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986); Vice Chancellor Erhard BUSEK (since 2 July 1991) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman; Austrian People's Party (OVP), Erhard BUSEK, chairman; Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), Jorg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPO), Walter SILBERMAYER, chairman; Green Alternative List (GAL), Johannes VOGGENHUBER, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 19; compulsory for presidential elections Elections: National Council: last held 7 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - SPO 43%, OVP 32.1%, FPO 16.6%, GAL 4.5%, KPO 0.7%, other 0.32%; seats - (183 total) SPO 80, OVP 60, FPO 33, GAL 10 President: last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held 1996); results of Second Ballot - Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43% Communists: membership 15,000 est.; activists 7,000-8,000 Austria Government Other political or pressure groups: Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist); three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) representing business, labor, and farmers; OVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic Action Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, HG, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTRC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Friedrich HOESS; Embassy at 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 895-6700; there are Austrian Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Roy Michael HUFFINGTON; Embassy at Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1091, Vienna (mailing address is APO AE 09108-0001); telephone [43] (1) 31-55-11; FAX [43] (1) 310-0682; there is a US Consulate General in Salzburg Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red Austria Economy Overview: Austria boasts a prosperous and stable capitalist economy with a sizable proportion of nationalized industry and extensive welfare benefits. Thanks to an excellent raw material endowment, a technically skilled labor force, and strong links to German industrial firms, Austria occupies specialized niches in European industry and services (tourism, banking) and produces almost enough food to feed itself with only 8% of the labor force in agriculture. Improved export prospects resulting from German unification and the opening of Eastern Europe, boosted the economy during 1990 and to a lesser extent in 1991. GDP growth slowed from 4.9% in 1990 to 3% in 1991 - mainly due to the weaker world economy - and is expected to drop to around 2% in 1992. Inflation is forecasted at about 4%, while unemployment probably will increase moderately through 1992 before declining in 1993. Living standards are comparable with the large industrial countries of Western Europe. Problems for the l990s include an aging population, the high level of subsidies, and the struggle to keep welfare benefits within budget capabilities. Austria, which has applied for EC membership, was involved in EC and European Free Trade Association negotiations for a European Economic Area and will have to adapt its economy to achieve freer interchange of goods, services, capital, and labor within the EC. purchasing power equivalent - $164.1 billion, per capita $20,985; real growth rate 3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 5.8% (1991) Budget: revenues $47.7 billion; expenditures $53.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990) Exports: $40 billion (1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products, chemicals partners: EC 65.8%, (Germany 39%), EFTA 9.1%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 9.0%, Japan 1.7%, US 2.8% Imports: $50.2 billion (1991) commodities: petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals partners: EC 67.8% (Germany is 43.0%), EFTA 6.9%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 6.0%, Japan 4.8%, US 3.9% External debt: $11.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: 2.0% (1991) Electricity: 17,600,000 kW capacity; 49,500 million kWh produced, 6,500 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: foods, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and pulp, tourism, mining Austria Economy Agriculture: accounts for 3.2% of GDP (including forestry); principal crops and animals - grains, fruit, potatoes, sugar beets, sawn wood, cattle, pigs, poultry; 80-90% self-sufficient in food Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.4 billion Currency: Austrian schilling (plural - schillings); 1 Austrian schilling (S) = 100 groschen Exchange rates: Austrian schillings (S) per US$1 - 11.068 (January 1992), 11.676 (1991), 11.370 (1990), 13.231 (1989), 12.348 (1988), 12.643 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year Austria Communications Railroads: 6,028 km total; 5,388 km government owned and 640 km privately owned (1.435- and 1.000-meter gauge); 5,403 km 1.435-meter standard gauge of which 3,051 km is electrified and 1,520 km is double tracked; 363 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge of which 91 km is electrified Highways: 95,412 km total; 34,612 km are the primary network (including 1,012 km of autobahn, 10,400 km of federal, and 23,200 km of provincial roads); of this number, 21,812 km are paved and 12,800 km are unpaved; in addition, there are 60,800 km of communal roads (mostly gravel, crushed stone, earth) Inland waterways: 446 km Pipelines: crude oil 554 km; natural gas 2,611 km; petroleum products 171 km Ports: Vienna, Linz (river ports) Merchant marine: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 130,966 GRT/219,130 DWT; includes 26 cargo, 1 container, 4 bulk Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft Airports: 55 total, 55 usable; 20 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 6 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed and efficient; 4,014,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 21 (545 repeaters) FM, 47 (870 repeaters) TV; satellite ground stations for Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and EUTELSAT systems Austria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Flying Division, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,011,895; 1,693,244 fit for military service; 51,788 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion, 1% of GDP (1991) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp AUSTRIA - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. For longer stays check with Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/895-6767) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/444-9310), Chicago (312/222-1515) or New York (212/737-6400). Austria - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Vienna is located at Boltzmanngasse 16 in the Ninth District. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located on the fourth floor of Gartenbaupromenade 2 in the First District. The telephone number for both the Embassy and the Consular Section is (43) (1) 31-55-11. As of November 1992, that number will be changed to (43) (1) 31-339. There is also a Consulate in Salzburg at Giselaki 51; telephone (43) (662) 28-6-01. Country Description: Austria is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for business or tourist stays up to three months. For information concerning longer stays or any other Austrian regulation, travelers can contact the Embassy of Austria at 3524 International Court, N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 895-6700, or the nearest Austrian Consulate General in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Austria has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. Crimes involving theft of personal property, however, have been on the increase in recent years. Travelers can become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers who operate where tourists tend to gather, favorite spots being Vienna s two largest train stations. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: Certain Austrian Airlines flights between Austria and various Middle Eastern points (usually Damascus or Amman) make en route stops in Beirut. (The State Department warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to or through Lebanon). Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-004 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... AUSTRIA Azerbaijan false marked Azerbaijan showNameProp Azerbaijan most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Azerbaijan Geography Total area: 86,600 km2 Land area: 86,100 km2; includes the Nakhichevan' Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast; region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijan Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maine Land boundaries: 2,013 km total; Armenia (west) 566 km, Armenia (southwest) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (south) 432 km, Iran (southwest) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: NA Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm; Azerbaijani claims in Caspian Sea unknown; 10 nm fishing zone provided for in 1940 treaty regarding trade and navigation between Soviet Union and Iran Disputes: violent and longstanding dispute with Armenia over status of Nagorno-Karabakh, lesser dispute concerns Nakhichevan'; some Azeris desire absorption of and/or unification with the ethnically Azeri portion of Iran; minor irredentist disputes along Georgia border Climate: dry, semiarid steppe; subject to drought Terrain: large, flat Kura Lowland (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Karabakh Upland in west; Baku lies on Aspheson Peninsula that juts into Caspian Sea Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes 70% of cultivated land irrigated (1.2 million hectares) Environment: local scientists consider Apsheron Peninsula, including Baku and Sumgait, and the Caspian Sea to be "most ecologically devastated area in the world" because of severe air and water pollution Note: landlocked; major polluters are oil, gas, and chemical industries Azerbaijan People Population: 7,450,787 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 45 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Azerbaijani(s); adjective - Azerbaijani Ethnic divisions: Azeri 82.7%, Russian 5.6%, Armenian 5.6%, Daghestanis 3.2%, other 2.9%; note - Armenian share may be less than 5.6% because many Armenians have fled the ethnic violence since 1989 census Religions: Moslem 87%, Russian Orthodox 5.6%, Armenian Orthodox 5.6%, other 1.8% Languages: Azeri 82%, Russian 7%, Armenian 5%, other 6% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1992 est.) Labor force: 2,789,000; agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 26%, other 42% (1990) Organized labor: NA (1992) Azerbaijan Government Long-form name: Azerbaijani Republic; short-form name: Azerbaijan Type: republic Capital: Baku (Baky) Administrative divisions: 1 autonomous republic (avtomnaya respublika), Nakhichevan' (administrative center at Nakhichevan'); note - all rayons except for the exclave of Nakhichevan' are under direct republic jurisdiction;1 autonomous oblast, Nagorno-Karabakh (officially abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991) has declared itself Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Independence: 28 May 1918; on 28 April 1920, Azerbaijan became the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan; on 30 April 1992 it became the Azerbaijani Republic; independence declared 30 August 1991 Constitution: adopted NA April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: National Parliament (Milli Majlis) was formed on the basis of the National Council (Milli Shura) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President-elect Ebulfez ELCIBEY (since 7 June 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Rahim GUSEYNOV (since 14 May 1992) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held NA September 1990 (next expected to be held late 1992); results - seats - (360 total) Communists 280, Democratic Bloc 45 (grouping of opposition parties), other 15, vacant 20; note - these figures are approximate President: held 8 September 1991 (next to be held 7 June 1992); results - Ebulfez ELCIBEY (6,390 unofficial) Other political or pressure groups: Self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Member of: CIS, CSCE, IMF, OIC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: NA US: Ambassador (vacant); Robert MILES, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Intourist (telephone 8-011-7-8922-91-79-56) plus 8 hours; (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Azerbaijan Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band Azerbaijan Economy Overview: Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia, the other Transcaucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in its majority Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are cotton, oil, and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline for several years. With foreign assistance, the oil industry might generate the funds needed to spur industrial development. However, civil unrest, marked by armed conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Muslim Azeris and Christian Armenians, makes foreign investors wary. Azerbaijan accounts for 1.5% to 2% of the capital stock and output of the former Soviet Union. Although immediate economic prospects are not favorable because of civil strife, lack of economic reform, political disputes about new economic arrangements, and the skittishness of foreign investors, Azerbaijan's economic performance was the best of all former Soviet republics in 1991 largely because of its reliance on domestic resources for industrial output. $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --0.7% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 87% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $780 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton (1991) partners: mostly CIS countries Imports: $2.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles (1991) External debt: $1.3 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1991) Electricity: 6,025,000 kW capacity; 23,300 million kWh produced, 3,280 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Agriculture: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Azerbaijan Communications Railroads: 2,090 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 36,700 km total (1990); 31,800 km hard surfaced; 4,900 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: inland - Baku (Baky) Merchant marine: none - landlocked Civil air: none Airports: NA Telecommunications: quality of local telephone service is poor; connections to other former USSR republics by landline or microwave and to countries beyond the former USSR via the Moscow international gateway switch; Azeri and Russian TV broadcasts are received; Turkish and Iranian TV broadcasts are received from INTELSAT through a TV receive-only earth station Azerbaijan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA million, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp AZERBAIJAN - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916)or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922-6642). Azerbaijan - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, is temporarily located at the Hotel Intourist; 77 Prospekt Neftyanikov; telephone (7) (8922) 92-63-06. Country Description: Azerbaijan is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Because of the continuing conflict with Armenia, street demonstrations and other disturbances may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: All travelers to Azerbaijan must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Azerbaijan are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. Areas of Instability: Armed conflict is taking place in and around the Armenian-populated area of Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Armenian- Azerbaijani border. Fighting continues on a daily basis, and front lines change frequently. Medical Information: Medical care in Azerbaijan is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. insurance coverage is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information can be found in the Department of State brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia", which includes information on Azerbaijan and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime. There has been a recent increase in street crime, especially at night. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Azerbaijan is a cash-only economy. Traveler s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-005 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text AZERBAIJ The Bahamas false marked (|4@5N6' The Bahamas showNameProp The Bahamas most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp The Bahamas Geography Total area: 13,940 km2 Land area: 10,070 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 3,542 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 32%; other 67% Environment: subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood damage Note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain The Bahamas People Population: 255,811 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun--Bahamian(s); adjective--Bahamian Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15% Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% (1980) Languages: English; some Creole among Haitian immigrants Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 89%) age 15 and over but definition of literacy not available (1963 est.) Labor force: 127,400; government 30%, hotels and restaurants 25%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1989) Organized labor: 25% of labor force The Bahamas Government Long-form name: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Type: commonwealth Capital: Nassau Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Abaco, Acklins Island, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Biminis, Cat Island, Cay Lobos, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Cay, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Spanish Wells Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK) Constitution: 10 July 1973 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: National Day, 10 July (1973) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Clifford DARLING (since 2 January 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967) Political parties and leaders: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 19 June 1987 (next to be held by NA June 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(49 total) PLP 32, FNM 17 *** No entry for this item *** Other political or pressure groups: Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party (VNSP), a small leftist party headed by Lionel CAREY; Trade Union Congress (TUC), headed by Arlington MILLER Member of: ACP, C, CCC, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Margaret E. McDONALD; Chancery at 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 319-2660; there are Bahamian Consulates General in Miami and New York; The Bahamas Government US: Ambassador Chic HECHT; Embassy at Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau (mailing address is P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau); telephone (809) 322-1181 or 328-2206; FAX (809) 328-7838 Diplomatic representation: *** No entry for this item *** Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side The Bahamas Economy Overview: The Bahamas is a stable, middle-income developing nation whose economy is based primarily on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides about 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs about 50,000 people or 40% of the local work force. The economy has slackened in recent years, as the annual increase in the number of tourists slowed. Nonetheless, the per capita GDP of $9,900 is one of the highest in the region. purchasing power equivalent--$2.5 billion, per capita $9,900; real growth rate 1.0% (1990 est.) *** No entry for this item *** Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1991) Budget: revenues $627.5 million; expenditures $727.5 million, including capital expenditures of $100 million (1992, projected) *** No entry for this item *** Exports: $306 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.); commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish; partners: US 41%, Norway 30%, Denmark 4% Imports: $1.14 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.); commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, mineral fuels; partners: US 35%, Nigeria 21%, Japan 13%, Angola 11% External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1990); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 368,000 kw capacity; 857 million kWh produced 3,339 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral welded steel pipe *** No entry for this item *** Agriculture: accounts for less than 5% of GDP; dominated by small-scale producers; principal products--citrus fruit, vegetables, poultry; large net importer of food *** No entry for this item *** Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $1.0 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $345 million Currency: Bahamian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1--1.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year The Bahamas Communications Highways: 2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravel Ports: Freeport, Nassau Merchant marine: 778 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,129,173 GRT/30,002,421 DWT; includes 48 passenger, 19 short-sea passenger, 152 cargo, 37 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 42 container, 6 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 172 petroleum tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 16 combination ore/oil, 47 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 143 bulk, 7 combination bulk, 78 refrigerated cargo; note--a flag of convenience registry *** No entry for this item *** Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 59 total, 54 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3, 659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed; 99,000 telephones in totally automatic system; tropospheric scatter and submarine cable links to Florida; broadcast stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station *** No entry for this item *** The Bahamas Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Branches: Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 68,020; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion--$65 million, 2.7% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BAHAMAS - Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and onward/return ticket required for stay up to 8 months. Passport and residence/work permit needed for residence and business. Permit required for firearms and to import pets. Departure tax of $10 and security tax of $3 payable at airport. For further information call Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/319-2660) or nearest Consulate: Miami (305/373-6295) or New York (212/421-6420). Bahamas - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas is located in the Mosmar Building on Queen Street in Nassau; telephone (809) 322-1181 and 328-2206. This Embassy is also responsible for U.S. interests in the Turks and Caicos. Country Description: The Bahamas has a moderately developed economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: Visas are not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to eight months; however, U.S. citizens must carry proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and an onward/return ticket. Voter registration cards are not accepted as proof of citizenship. For further information concerning entry requirements, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 319-2660, or the nearest Consulate in Miami or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good, but may be limited in remote areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance which specifically grants overseas coverage has proved helpful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on the beaches are subject to theft. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register in the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in the area. No. 92-057 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... THE_BAHA Bahrain false marked Bahrain showNameProp Bahrain most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bahrain Geography Total area: 620 km2 Land area: 620 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Qatar Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: subsurface water sources being rapidly depleted (requires development of desalination facilities); dust storms; desertification Note: close to primary Middle Eastern crude oil sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf through which much of Western world's crude oil must transit to reach open ocean Bahrain People Population: 551,513 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bahraini(s); adjective - Bahraini Ethnic divisions: Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% Religions: Muslim (Shi`a 70%, Sunni 30%) Languages: Arabic (official); English also widely spoken; Farsi, Urdu Literacy: 77% (male 82%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 140,000; 42% of labor force is Bahraini; industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982) Organized labor: General Committee for Bahrain Workers exists in only eight major designated companies Bahrain Government Long-form name: State of Bahrain Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 12 districts (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa`wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat `Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December Executive branch: amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court Leaders: Chief of State: Amir `ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent HAMAD bin `Isa Al Khalifa (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950) Head of Government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970) Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active Suffrage: none Elections: none Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador `Abd al-Rahman Faris Al KHALIFA; Chancery at 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 342-0741 or 342-0742; there is a Bahraini Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLER; Embassy at Road No. 3119 (next to Alahli Sports Club), Zinj; (mailing address is P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO AE 09834-6210); telephone [973] 273-300; FAX (973) 272-594 Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side Bahrain Economy Overview: Petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 31% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. The liberation of Kuwait in early 1991 has improved short- to medium-term prospects and has raised investors' confidence. Bahrain with its highly developed communication and transport facilities is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports is petroleum products made from imported crude. exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, per capita $7,500 (1990); real growth rate 6.7% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: 8-10% (1989) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7%, other 13% partners: UAE 18%, Japan 12%, India 11%, US 6% Imports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nonoil 59%, crude oil 41% partners: Saudi Arabia 41%, US 23%, Japan 8%, UK 8% External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDP Electricity: 3,600,000 kW capacity; 10,500 million kWh produced, 21,000 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing Agriculture: including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient in food production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, and fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987 Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $45 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billion Currency: Bahraini dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1 - 0.3760 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year Bahrain Communications Highways: 200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks Pipelines: crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 km Ports: Mina' Salman, Manama, Sitrah Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 186,367 GRT/249,441 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 2 container, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulk Civil air: 27 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international telecommunications; good domestic services; 98,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; tropospheric scatter to Qatar, UAE, and microwave to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia Bahrain Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 190,937; 105,857 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $194 million, 6% of GDP (1990) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BAHRAIN - Passport and visa required. No tourist visas issued at this time. Transit visa available upon arrival for stay up to 72 hours, must have return/onward ticket. Business, work, or resident visas valid for 3 months, single-entry, require 1 application form, 1 photo, letter from company or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Immigration Dept. in Bahrain and $30 fee ($20 for bearer of NOC). Yellow fever vaccination needed if arriving from infected area. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. Holders of passports bearing Israeli stamps will be delayed or denied entry. For departure tax and other information, contact Embassy of the State of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/342-0741/2); or the Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017 (212/223-6200). Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BAHRAIN Baker Island false marked Baker Island showNameProp Baker Island most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Baker Island Geography Total area: 1.4 km2 Land area: 1.4 km2 Comparative area: about 2.3 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4.8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: treeless, sparse and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife Note: remote location 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia Baker Island People Population: uninhabited; American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators Baker Island Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Baker Island Economy Overview: no economic activity Baker Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m Telecommunications: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast Baker Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BAKER_IS Bangladesh false marked Bangladesh showNameProp Bangladesh most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bangladesh Geography Total area: 144,000 km2 Land area: 133,910 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Land boundaries: 4,246 km total; Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm Continental shelf: up to outer limits of continental margin Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Ganges Climate: tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, uranium, arable land, timber Land use: arable land 67%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 16%; other 11%; includes irrigated 14% Environment: vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summer monsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation Note: almost completely surrounded by India Bangladesh People Population: 119,411,711 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 112 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 54 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bangladeshi(s); adjective - Bangladesh Ethnic divisions: Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, and tribals less than 1 million Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, and other less than 1% Languages: Bangla (official), English widely used Literacy: 35% (male 47%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 35,100,000; agriculture 74%, services 15%, industry and commerce 11% (FY86); extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991) Organized labor: 3% of labor force belongs to 2,614 registered unions (1986 est.) Bangladesh Government Long-form name: People's Republic of Bangladesh Type: republic Capital: Dhaka Administrative divisions: 64 districts (zillagulo, singular - zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram, Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati, Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur, Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator, Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, Thakurgaon Independence: 16 December 1971 (from Pakistan; formerly East Pakistan) Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended NA March 1991 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman (since 20 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman; Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina WAZED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD; Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, leader NA; Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (National Socialist Party - SIRAJ), M. A. JALIL; Ganotantri Party, leader NA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party (NDP), leader NA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party, Kazi ZAFAR Ahmed Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, CBP 5, National Awami Party (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, SIRAJ 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami Oikya Jote 1, NDP 1, independents 3 President: last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results - Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote Bangladesh Government Communists: 5,000 members (1987 est.) Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abul AHSAN; Chancery at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-8372 through 8376; there is a Bangladesh Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador William B. MILAM; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka (mailing address is G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1212); telephone [880] (2) 884700-22; FAX [880] (2) 883648 Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam Bangladesh Economy Overview: Bangladesh is one of the poorest nations in the world. The economy is based on the output of a narrow range of agricultural products, such as jute, which is the main cash crop and major source of export earnings, and rice. Bangladesh is hampered by a relative lack of natural resources, population growth of more than 2% a year, large-scale unemployment, and a limited infrastructure; furthermore, it is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Despite these constraints, real GDP growth averaged about 3.5% annually during 1985-89. A strong agricultural performance in FY90 pushed the growth rate up to 6.2%, and FY91 saw further, though smaller, increases in output. Alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy. exchange rate conversion - $23.1 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.2% (FY91) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.9% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: 30%, including underemployment (FY90 est.) Budget: revenues $2.24 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion (FY91) Exports: $1.7 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimp partners: US 32%, Italy 8.1%, UK 6.2% (FY90) Imports: $3.5 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: capital goods, petroleum, food, textiles partners: Japan 9.2%, India 6.2%, Singapore 5.9%, US 5.7% External debt: $11.1 billion (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (FY91 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 1,990,000 kW capacity; 5,700 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 70% of employment, and one-third of exports; imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute; commercial products - jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef, milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils and cotton; fish catch 778,000 metric tons in 1986 Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $11.65 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6.52 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5 billion Currency: taka (plural - taka); 1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1 - 38.800 (January 1992), 36.596 (1991), 34.569 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988), 30.950 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Bangladesh Communications Railroads: 2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad gauge Highways: 7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved Inland waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) Pipelines: natural gas 1,220 km Ports: Chittagong, Chalna Merchant marine: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 328,382 GRT/479,985 DWT; includes 36 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 bulk Civil air: 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 16 total, 12 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate international radio communications and landline service; fair domestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 241,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth stations Bangladesh Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary forces - Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Coastal Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 29,891,224; 17,745,343 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $339 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY92 budget) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BANGLADESH - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 14 days. Business visa requires 2 application forms, 2 photos and company letter. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For official/diplomatic travel, visa required and must be obtained in advance. Consult Embassy of the PeopleUs Republic of Bangladesh, 2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/342-8373). Bangladesh - Caution June 3, 1992 U.S. citizens should be aware that public demonstrations, marches and labor strikes are widely-used mediums of political expression in Bangladesh, and that there is a potential for violence during these events. In the recent past, particularly violent political incidents have occurred on university campuses. Due to this potential for violence, U.S. citizens in Bangladesh should avoid public demonstrations and political gatherings, and should exercise caution if visiting university campuses. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register their presence at the American Embassy, located on Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone 884700-22. No. 92-119 This replaces the previous travel advisory, dated November 29, 1991, and corrects the phone number of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh. Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BANGLADE Barbados false marked Barbados showNameProp Barbados most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Barbados Geography Total area: 430 km2 Land area: 430 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 97 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region Natural resources: crude oil, fishing, natural gas Land use: arable land 77%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland 0%; other 14% Environment: subject to hurricanes (especially June to October) Note: easternmost Caribbean island Barbados People Population: 254,934 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Barbadian(s); adjective - Barbadian Ethnic divisions: African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4% Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%; none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) Languages: English Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 120,900 (1991); services and government 37%; commerce 22%; manufacturing and construction 22%; transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 9%; agriculture 8%; utilities 2% (1985 est.) Organized labor: 32% of labor force Barbados Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Bridgetown Administrative divisions: 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note - there may be a new city of Bridgetown Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK) Constitution: 30 November 1966 Legal system: English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Nita BARROW (since 6 June 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine SANDIFORD; Barbados Labor Party (BLP), Henry FORDE; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie HAYNES Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 22 January 1991 (next to be held by January 1996); results - DLP 49.8%; seats - (28 total) DLP 18, BLP 10 Other political or pressure groups: Industrial and General Workers Union, Sir Frank WALCOTT; People's Progressive Movement, Eric SEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Rudi WEBSTER; Chancery at 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-9200 through 9202; there is a Barbadian Consulate General in New York and a Consulate in Los Angeles US: Ambassador G. Philip HUGHES; Embassy at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown (mailing address is P. O. Box 302, Box B, FPO AA 34054); telephone (809) 436-4950 through 4957; FAX (809) 429-5246 Barbados Government Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) Barbados Economy Overview: A per capita income of $6,500 gives Barbados one of the highest standards of living of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean. Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane and related activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employer of the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. The economy slowed in 1990-91, however, and Bridgetown's declining hard currency reserves and inability to finance its deficits have caused it to adopt an austere economic reform program. purchasing power equivalent - $1.7 billion, per capita $6,500; real growth rate--3.1% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 18% (1991) Budget: revenues $514 million; expenditures $615 million (FY91-92) Exports: $210.6 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum, machinery and transport equipment partners: CARICOM 30%, US 20%, UK 20% Imports: $704 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, machinery, crude oil, construction materials, chemicals partners: US 35%, CARICOM 13%, UK 12%, Japan 6%, Canada 8%, Venezuela 4% External debt: $539.9 million (1990) Industrial production: growth rate--2.7% (1990); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: 152,100 kW capacity; 539 million kWh produced, 2,117 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops - vegetables and cotton; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $171 million Currency: Barbadian dollars (plural - dollars); 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Barbados Communications Highways: 1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earth Ports: Bridgetown Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,200 GRT/7,338 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 2 (1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station Barbados Defense Forces Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force, Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 69,678; 48,803 fit for military service, no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989) entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BARBADOS - If traveling directly from the U.S. to Barbados may enter for up to 3 months stay with proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and onward/return ticket, Passport required for longer visits and other types of travel. Business visas $25, single-entry and $30 multiple- entry (may require work permit) Departure tax of $25 is paid at airport. Check information with Embassy of Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-9200) or Consulate General in New York (212/867-8435). Barbados - Consular Information Sheet October 27, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Barbados is located in Bridgetown in the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building on Broad Street; telephone (809) 436-4950. The Consular Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside; telephone (809) 431-0225. This Embassy is also responsible for U.S. interests in Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Country Description: Barbados has a moderately developed economy. Facilities for tourism are widely available. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens may enter Barbados for up to three months without a passport, but must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and an onward/return ticket. A passport is required for longer visits and other types of travel. For further information concerning entry requirements for Barbados, travelers can contact the Embassy of Barbados at 2144 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 939-9200 or the Consulate General in New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good but may be limited in outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance specifically for use overseas may be useful. For additional health information, contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Street crime, sometimes involving assault, occurs. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Criminal penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security. No. 92-058 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Photos... .&+ +E .&+ +E showPhotos buttonUp 4s_bmpHandle startX countX wtime "down" showPhotos(i) Photos... BARBADOS Bassas da India false marked Bassas da India showNameProp Bassas da India most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Bassas da India Geography Total area: NA Land area: undetermined Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 m high Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other (rock) 100% Environment: surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones Note: navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide; located in southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar Bassas da India People Population: uninhabited Bassas da India Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since July 1991), resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion Bassas da India Economy Overview: no economic activity Bassas da India Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Bassas da India Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France entryText false sharedText textHeightProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BASSAS_D Belarus false marked Belarus showNameProp Belarus most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText false sharedText textHeightProp Belarus Geography Total area: 207,600 km2 Land area: 207,600 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: 3,098 km total; Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: mild and moist; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat and contains much marshland Natural resources: forest land and peat deposits Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; includes irrigated NA% Environment: southern part of Belarus highly contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl' Note: landlocked Belarus People Population: 10,373,881 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belarusian(s); adjective - Belarusian Ethnic divisions: Byelorussian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Poles 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, Jews 1.1%, other 0.8% Religions: Russian Orthodox NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Byelorussian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 5,418,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38% (1990) Organized labor: NA Belarus Government Long-form name: Republic of Belarus Type: republic Capital: Mensk Administrative divisions: 6 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Brest, Gomel', Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev, Vitebsk; note - all oblasts have the same name as their administrative center Independence: 1 January 1919 Belorussian Republic; 30 December 1922 joined with the USSR; 25 August 1991 redeclared independence Constitution: adopted April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: 24 August (1991) Executive branch: NA Legislative branch: unicameral with 360 seats Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav S. SHUSHKEVICH (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vyacheslav F. KEBICH (since NA April 1990), First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since early 1991) Political parties and leaders: Belarusian Popular Front, Zenon POZNYAK, chairman; United Democratic Party, Stanislav GUSAK, co-chairman; Social Democratic Gramada, Mikhail TKACHEV, chairman; Belarus Workers Union, Mikhail SOBOL, Chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: NA Supreme Soviet: last held 4 March 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) number of seats by party NA; note - 50 seats are for public bodies Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CE, CIS, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, ILO, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Martynov; Chancery at NA NW, Washington, DC 200__; telephone NA US: Ambassador (vacant); David SWARTZ, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Belarus (telephone 8-011-7-0172-69-08-02) plus 7 hours; (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Flag: white, red, and white Belarus Economy Overview: In many ways Belarus resembles the three Baltic states, for example, in its industrial competence, its higher-than-average standard of living, and its critical dependence on the other former Soviet states for fuels and raw materials. Belarus ranks fourth in gross output among the former Soviet republics, producing 4% of the total GDP and employing 4% of the labor force. Once a mainly agricultural area, it now supplies important producer and consumer goods - sometimes as the sole producer - to the other states. The soil in Belarus is not as fertile as the black earth of Ukraine, but by emphasizing favorable crops and livestock (especially pigs and chickens), Belarus has become a net exporter to the other republics of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes. Belarus produces only small amounts of oil and gas and receives most of its fuel from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline and the Northern Lights gas pipeline. These pipelines transit Belarus enroute to Eastern Europe. Belarus produces petrochemicals, plastics, synthetic fibers (nearly 30% of former Soviet output), and fertilizer (20% of former Soviet output). Raw material resources are limited to potash and peat deposits. The peat (more than one-third of the total for the former Soviet Union) is used in domestic heating as boiler fuel for electric power stations and in the production of chemicals. The potash supports fertilizer production. NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 81% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $4.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: NA Imports: $5.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery, chemicals, textiles partners: NA External debt: $2.6 billion (end of 1991) Industrial production: growth rate --1.5% (1991) Electricity: 7,500,000 kW capacity; 38,700 million kWh produced, 3,770 kWh per capita (1991) Belarus Economy Industries: employ about 27% of labor force and produce a wide variety of products essential to the other states; products include (in percent share of total output of former Soviet Union): tractors(12%); metal-cutting machine tools (11%); off-highway dump trucksup to 110-metric- ton load capacity (100%); wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight- wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for use in tundra and roadless areas (100%); equipment for animal husbandry and livestock feeding (25%); motorcycles (21.3%); television sets (11%); chemical fibers (28%); fertilizer (18%); linen fabric (11%); wool fabric (7%); radios; refrigerators; and other consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 5.7% of total agricultural output of former Soviet Union; employs 29% of the labor force; in 1988 produced the following (in percent of total Soviet production): grain (3.6%), potatoes (12.2%), vegetables (3.0%), meat (6.0%), milk (7.0%); net exporter of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Belarus Communications Railroads: 5,570 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 98,200 km total (1990); 66,100 km hard surfaced, 32,100 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: none - landlocked Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: telephone network has 1.7 million lines, 15% of which are switched automatically; Minsk has 450,000 lines; telephone density is approximately 17 per 100 persons; as of 31 January 1990, 721,000 applications from households for telephones were still unsatisfied; international connections to other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch Belarus Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); CIS Forces (Ground, Air, Air Defense, Strategic Rocket) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP entryText false sharedText textHeightProp BYELARUS - Passport and visa required. For additional information contact Embassy of Russia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8916) or the Consulate General: San Francisco (415/922- 6642). Belarus - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Minsk, Belarus is located at 46 Starovilenskaya; telephone (7) (0172) 34-76-42. Country Description: Belarus is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: Travelers to Belarus must have a visa. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and may be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. At this time, visas for Belarus are issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements. The Belarus Embassy (which does not yet issue visas), is located at 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, tel (202) 638-2954. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Belarus is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and others with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Additional medical information for the region can be found in the Department of State s brochure, Tips for Travelers to Russia , which includes information on Belarus and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Belarus has a low rate of violent crime, but common street crime has increased, especially at night. The Department of State pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Currency Regulations: Belarus is a cash-only economy. Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted only sporadically. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Other Information: According to a U.S. Department of Energy analysis, levels of background radiation and radiation found in food items affected by the fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl accident have decreased significantly with time. They are no longer of any known medical significance to travelers. Tap-water samples submitted in the months following the accident showed no detectable radiation. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-006 Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text BELARUS off-highway dump trucksup to 110-metric- ton load capacity (100%); wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight- wheel-drive Brunei France French Guiana Guatemala Ivory Coast countries Afghanistan Bouvet Island British Virgin Islands Coral Sea Islands Dominica Jamaica Glorioso Islands Per Capita GDP Japan NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY Albania Albania showNameProp Albania Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories showNameProp Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories most recent Zdobackup buttonUp objectFromPoint( dobackup() Go Back escape to begin buttonUp objectFromPoint( Go to Main countryText textHeightProp false sharedText )))) Albania Geography Total area: 28,750 km2 Land area: 27,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 720 km total; Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km (114 km with Serbia, 173 km with Montenegro) Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Kosovo question with Serbia and Montenegro; Northern Epirus question with Greece Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel Land use: arable land 21%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 15%; forest and woodland 38%; other 22%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast Note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) Albania People Population: 3,285,224 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 27 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Albanian(s); adjective - Albanian Ethnic divisions: Albanian 90%, Greeks 8%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) Religions: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice; estimates of religious affiliation - Muslim 70%, Greek Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% Languages: Albanian (Tosk is official dialect), Greek Literacy: 72% (male 80%, female 63%) age 9 and over can read and write (1955) Labor force: 1,500,000 (1987); agriculture about 60%, industry and commerce 40% (1986) Organized labor: Independent Trade Union Federation of Albania; Confederation of Trade Unions Albania Government Long-form name: Republic of Albania Type: nascent democracy Capital: Tirane Administrative divisions: 26 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Kore, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar, Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire); People's Socialist Republic of Albania declared 11 January 1946 Constitution: an interim basic law was approved by the People's Assembly on 29 April 1991; a new constitution is to be drafted for adoption in 1992 Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Liberation Day, 29 November (1944) Executive branch: president, prime minister of the Council of Ministers, two deputy prime ministers of the Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President of the Republic Sali BERISHA (since 9 April 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers Aleksander MEKSI (since 10 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: there are at least 18 political parties; most prominent are the Albanian Socialist Party (ASP), Fatos NANO, first secretary; Democratic Party (DP), Eduard SELAMI, chairman; Albanian Republican Party (RP), Sabri GODO; Omonia (Greek minority party), leader NA (ran in 1992 election as Unity for Human Rights Party (UHP)); Social Democratic Party (SDP), Skender GJINUSHI; note - in December 1990 then President ALIA allowed new political parties to be formed in addition to the then AWP for the first time since 1944 Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: People's Assembly: last held 22 March 1992; results - DP 62.29%, ASP 25.57%, SDP 4.33%, RP 3.15%, UHP 2.92%, other 1.74%; seats - (140 total) DP 92, ASP 38, SDP 7, RP 1, UHP 2 Member of: CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires ad interim (30 April 1991) Sazan Hyda BEJO; chancery (temporary) at 320 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021; telephone (212) 249-2059 US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Rruga Labinoti 103, room 2921, Tirane (mailing address is APO AE 09624); telephone 355-42-32875; FAX 355-42-32222 Albania Government Flag: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center Albania Economy Overview: The Albanian economy, already providing the lowest standard of living in Europe, contracted sharply in 1991, with most industries producing at only a fraction of past levels and an unemployment rate estimated at 40%. For over 40 years, the Stalinist-type economy has operated on the principle of central planning and state ownership of the means of production. Albania began fitful economic reforms during 1991, including the liberalization of prices and trade, the privatization of shops and transport, and land reform. These reform measures were crippled, however, by the widespread civil disorder that accompanied the collapse of the Communist state. Following their overwhelming victory in the 22 March 1991 elections, the new Democratic government announced a program of shock therapy to stabilize the economy and establish a market economy. In an effort to expand international ties, Tirane has reestablished diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Union and the US and has joined the IMF and World Bank. The Albanians have also passed legislation allowing foreign investment. Albania possesses considerable mineral resources and, until 1990, was largely self-sufficient in food; however, the breakup of cooperative farms in 1991 and general economic decline forced Albania to rely on foreign aid to maintain adequate supplies. Available statistics on Albanian economic activity are rudimentary and subject to an especially wide margin of error. purchasing power equivalent - $2.7 billion, per capita $820; real growth rate --35% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 100% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 40% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1991 est.) Exports: $80 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: asphalt, petroleum products, metals and metallic ores, electricity, crude oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco partners: Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary Imports: $147 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery, machine tools, iron and steel products, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria External debt: $500 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --55% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,690,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, basic metals, hydropower Albania Economy Agriculture: arable land per capita among lowest in Europe; over 60% of arable land now in private hands; one-half of work force engaged in farming; wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock; severe dislocations suffered in 1991 Economic aid: $190 million humanitarian aid, $94 million in loans/guarantees/credits Currency: lek (plural - leke); 1 lek (L) = 100 qintars Exchange rates: leke (L) per US$1 - 50 (January 1992), 25 (September 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Albania Communications Railroads: 543 km total; 509 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track and 34 km narrow gauge, single track (1990); line connecting Titograd (Serbia and Montenegro) and Shkoder (Albania) completed August 1986 Highways: 16,700 km total; 6,700 km highways, 10,000 km forest and agricultural cart roads (1990) Inland waterways: 43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa (1990) Pipelines: crude oil 145 km; petroleum products 55 km; natural gas 64 km (1988) Ports: Durres, Sarande, Vlore Merchant marine: 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,886 GRT/76,449 DWT Airports: 12 total, 10 usable; more than 5 with permanent-surface runways; more than 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: inadequate service; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 1 TV; 514,000 radios, 255,000 TVs (1987 est.) Albania Defense Forces Branches: Army, Coastal Defense Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Troops Manpower availability: males 15-49, 886,032; 731,072 fit for military service; 33,028 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 1.0 billion leks, NA% of GNP (FY90); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results entryText textHeightProp false sharedText ALBANIA - Passport and visa required. Apply Albanian Mission, 131 Rue de la Pompe, Paris 16e France or Via Asmara 9, Rome, Italy or any other country that maintains diplomatic relations with Albania. (At the time of publication there was no Albanian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.) Albania - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, is located at Rruga Labinoti 103; telephone (355) (42) 32875. Although the U.S. Embassy in Tirana is open, routine consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Albania is not yet available. Services are limited to emergency assistance only. A limited appointment system for U.S. citizenship and passport services began in January 1992. Country Description: Albania is undergoing profound political and economic change. Recent economic and political tensions in Albania have led to several large demonstrations and some violence. Persons who participate in or photograph demonstrations risk arrest. Facilities for tourism are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: The Albanian government no longer requires visas of American citizens. A 10 dollar airport fee must be paid to customs upon departure. Americans planning to travel to Albania can contact for specific entry/exit requirements the Embassy of the Republic of Albania at 1150 18th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202) 223-4942, or an Albanian mission abroad (for example, the Albanian mission to France in Paris or the Albanian Embassy in Rome, Italy). Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Medicine is in short supply. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international traveler's hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Crime against tourists (robbery, mugging, and pickpocketing) is a growing problem, especially on city streets after dark. The Department of State s pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Other Information: Credit cards and traveler s checks are rarely accepted in Albania. In addition, hotel accommodations are very limited, and even confirmed reservations are sometimes not honored. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Adoption Information: On March 19, 1992, the Albanian government suspended the adoption process until further notice. The Albanian government intends to draft new legislation governing the international adoption process. Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. No. 92-001 Show Text bshowtext buttonUp objectFromPoint( bshowtext() Show Text Albania Cook Islands Norway Pitcairn Islands Vietnam Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna SIKH TERRORISM PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATIO State Department Literature Algeria ,1bE LEAEBECEDEEEFElFL :HDMEDIAPATH Created by: ConvertIt! v1.5 DLL Version: 1.5 of Apr 28 1992 11:33:15 Creation date: 2/12/93 cvtitInfo System System Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman Modern Tms Rmn Courier New Times New Roman World Factbook 1993 Edition CDBSE&File &Open... Ctrl+O &Save Ctrl+S Save &As... saveas &Import... import &Export... export Print Set&up... printsetup &Print Pages... Ctrl+P printpages Prin&t Report... printreport Send &Mail... sendmail &Run... E&xit Alt+F4 &Edit &Undo Ctrl+Z Cu&t Ctrl+X &Copy Ctrl+C &Paste Ctrl+V paste C&lear Del clear Select &All Shift+F9 selectall Select Pa&ge Shift+F12 selectpage &Size to Page F11 sizetopage F&ind... F5 Re&place... replace Aut&hor F3 author &Text &Character... F6 character &Paragraph... F7 paragraph &Regular Ctrl+Space regular &Bold Ctrl+B &Italic Ctrl+I italic &Underline Ctrl+U underline Stri&keout Ctrl+K strikeout Superscrip&t/Subscript superscriptSubscript &Normal Script normalscript Su&bscript Ctrl+L subscript Su&perscript Ctrl+Shift+L superscript &Show Hotwords F9 showhotwords &Page &Next Alt+Right &Previous Alt+Left previous &First Alt+Up first &Last Alt+Down &Back Shift+F2 &History... Ctrl+F2 history N&ew Page Ctrl+N newpage &Help &Contents F1 contents Status &Bar F12 statusbar loating-point error: une Help! countries countryName buttonUp -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4countryName 4onHitList selectedTextlines textHeightProp Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Arctic Ocean Argentina Armenia Aruba Ashmore and Cartier Islands Atlantic Ocean Australia Austria Azerbaijan The Bahamas Bahrain Baker Island Bangladesh Barbados Bassas da India Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burma Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chile China Christmas Island Clipperton Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Coral Sea Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czechoslovakia Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Estonia Ethiopia Europa Island Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Faroe Islands Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern and Antarctic Lands Gabon The Gambia Gaza Strip Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Glorioso Islands Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City) Honduras Hong Kong Howland Island Hungary Iceland India Indian Ocean Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Jan Mayen Japan Jarvis Island Jersey Johnston Atoll Jordan Juan de Nova Island Kazakhstan Kenya Kingman Reef Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Man, Isle of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Midway Islands Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Navassa Island Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Ocean Pakistan Palmyra Atoll Panama Papua New Guinea Paracel Islands Paraguay Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Spratly Islands Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tromelin Island Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands Wake Island Wallis and Futuna West Bank Western Sahara Western Samoa World Yemen Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Taiwan Regional Maps Click on map to view Regional maps textHeightProp !Market in El Harrach, Algeria *State Dept* Carpet market in Khroub, Algeria *State Dept* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Perth, Australia *Scott Overby* Brisbane, Australia *Scott Overby* Hobart, Australia *Scott Overby* Barbados *Scott Overby* Barbados *Scott Overby* Barabados *Scott Overby* Waterloo monument, Belgium *State Dept* Brussels, Belgium *State Dept* Brussels *Rosanne Engelhardt* Benin *State Dept* Beach near La Crique, Benin *State Dept* Gabarone, Botswana *State Dept* Diamonds from Botswana *State Dept* Rio de Janeiro, Brazil *Scott Overby* Rio de Janiero, Brazil *Scott Overby* Rio de Janiero, Brazil *Scott Overby* Young Boy, Burkina *State Dept* Masai Houses, Burkina *State Dept* Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma *State Dept* Thatbyinnyu Temple, Burma *State Dept* Burmese farmer *State Dept* Angkor Thom, Cambodia *State Dept* On the road from Phonm Penh, Cambodia *State Dept* Angkor Wat, Cambodia *State Dept* Tree near Mindelo, Cape Verde *State Dept* Water carriers on Fogo Island, Cape Verde *State Dept* Crioula girl on Maio, Cape Verde *State Dept* Brava Island section called Lim, Cape Verde *State Dept* Oubangui river, Central African Rep. *State Dept* Great Wall, China *Stephen Ledoux* Street in China *Stephen Ledoux* Children playing, China *Stephen Ledoux* Hradcany Castle, Czechoslovakia *State Dept* Denmark *Jochen Fuehrer* Mosque, Djibouti *State Dept* Goats in a tree, Djibouti *State Dept* Market, Djibouti *State Dept* Camel, Djibouti *State Dept* The pyramids, Egypt *Scott Overby* Cairo Egypt *Scott Overby* Winged victory in Plaza Libertad, El Salvador *State Dept* Side walk fast food in San Salvador, El Salvador *State Dept* Parliament, England *Rosanne Engelhardt* London, England *Rosanne Engelhardt* London and Double decker bus, England *Rosanne Engelhardt* Buckingham Palace, London England *Rosanne Engelhardt* Children, Equitorial New Guinea *State Dept* Malab, Equitorial New Guineao *State Dept* House in Rio Muni, Equitorial New Guinea *State Dept* Lake Langano, Ethiopia *State Dept* Falls near Baherdar, Ethiopia *State Dept* Wildlife of Awash Game Park, Ethiopia *State Dept* Finish folk dancing *State Dept* Helsinki's neoclassic center Finland *State Dept* Cross Country skier, Finland *State Dept* France coastline of Corsica *Jochen Fuehrer* Paris France from the Eifel To *Rosanne Engelhardt* Leather worker at main market, Gambia *State Dept* Stripcloth weaver, Gambia *State Dept* Farming in Georgia *State Dept* Rhein River, Germany *Rosanne Engelhardt* Glockenschpiel, Germany *Lynn Hart* The cliff edge of Gibraltar *Scott Overby* Roussanou, Greece *Pierre Flener* Castelli, Greece *Pierre Flener* Example of victorian architecture, Guyana *State Dept* Kingston, a suburb of Georgetown, Guyana *State Dept* Pope John Paul II *State Dept* Vatican City *Rosanne Engelhardt* Hong Kong Buildings *Scott Overby* Hong Kong Buildings *Scott Overby* Budapest Hungary *Pierre Flener* Budapest Hungary *Pierre Flener* Street scene in Hyperbad, India *Anand Rao* Assembly in Madras Tamil Nadu, India *Anand Rao* One of the Rathos (chariot) of Pandavas, India *Anand Rao* Mosque, Iran *State Dept* Marsh arabs, Iran *State Dept* Pre-Islamic temple, Iraq *State Dept* Kadhimain mosque in Baghdad, Iraq *State Dept* Cliffs of Mohar, Ireland *Lynn Hart* Countryside in Ireland *Lynn Hart* Kyemore Abbey, Ireland *Lynn Hart* Temple on the Mount, Israel *Scott Overby* Temple on the Mount and Wailing Wall, Israel *Rosanne Engelhardt* Jerusalem, Israel *Simonsen* Haifa seaport, Israel *Simonsen* Hebron, Israel *Simonsen* Venice, Italy *Rosanne Engelhardt* Italy *Rosanne Engelhardt* Colliseum in Rome, Italy *Rosanne Engelhardt* Venice, Italy *Rosanne Engelhardt* Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy *Rosanne Engelhardt* Jordan *Pierre Flener* Pharoah's treasury, Jordan *State Dept* Aqaba, Jordan *State Dept* Chetaah in Kenya *Jim Kasper* Maasai, Kenya *Jim Kasper* Market in Kenya *Jim Kasper* Nairobi, Kenya *Jim Kasper* Giraff in Kenya *Jim Kasper* Chin Har, Korea *Scott Overby* Chin Har, Korea *Scott Overby* Nomadic herder, Kuwait *State Dept* Fishing dhow, Kuwait *State Dept* Mosque, Kuwait *State Dept* Macau *Scott Overby* Macau *Scott Overby* Camels at a nomadic cam, Mali *State Dept* Dogon village, Mali *State Dept* Sunset on the Niger river, Mali *State Dept* Arial view of Malta *State Dept* Stepped streets in Malta *State Dept* Baie du Cap, Mauritania *State Dept* Sugarcane fields, Mauritania *State Dept* Port Louis, Mauritania *State Dept* Mauritania *Robert B. Slobins* Woman in Mauritania *Robert B. Slobins* Boy in Mauritania *Robert B. Slobins* Monaco seaport *Scott Overby* Monaco *Scott Overby* Ulaanbaator, Mongolia *State Dept* Hourse breeder, Mongolia *State Dept* Qasbah duh Sud, Morocco *State Dept* Fez, Morocco *State Dept* Morocco *Pierre Flener* Morocco *Pierre Flener* Mozambique port city *State Dept* Windmills, Netherlands *State Dept* Amsterdam, Netherlands *Rosanne Engelhardt* Amsterdam, Netherlands *Rosanne Engelhardt* Snow capped mountains and rolling green pastures, New Zealand *State Dept* Auckland, New Zealand *State Dept* Masaya artisan center, Nicaraugua *State Dept* Riben Dario theater, Managua Nicaraugua *State Dept* Plaza de la Revelution, Managua Nicaraugua *State Dept* Young Djerna girls, Niger *State Dept* Watersellers, Niger *State Dept* Hot peppers, Niger *State Dept* Tuareg honor guard, Niger *State Dept* Khanjaro in the Muscat souk, Oman *State Dept* Fort Jalalai near Muscat, Oman *State Dept* Muscat, Oman *State Dept* Panama Locks *Scott Overby* Village, Papua New Guinea *State Dept* Plaza de Armas, Peru *State Dept* Lima vegetable market, Peru *State Dept* Philipines *Scott Overby* Bataan Memorial, Philipines *Scott Overby* Ash from Mount Pinatubo, Subic Base Philipines *Scott Overby* Atheneul Romen concert hall, Romania *State Dept* Romanian government building, Romania *State Dept* Peles Castle, Romania *State Dept* Red Square, Moscow Russia *State Dept* Peter and Paul's Cathedral, Russia *State Dept* The Kremlin, Russia *State Dept* Zulu matron, South Africa *State Dept* Capetown house of Parliment, South Africa *State Dept* Pretoria, South Africa *State Dept* Elephant, South Africa *State Dept* Falcon trainer, Saudi Arabia *State Dept* Mosque in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia *State Dept* Ruins of ruling Al Saud family building, Saudi Arabia *State Dept* Lochness *Lynn Hart* Edinburgh, Scotland *Lynn Hart* Archway in Senegal *Robert B. Slobins* Fishing boat, Senegal *Robert B. Slobins* View in Senegal *Robert B. Slobins* Center of Mahe Island, Seychelles *State Dept* Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone *State Dept* Century old cotton tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone *State Dept* Singapore skyline *Scott Overby* Nomads with camels, Somalia *State Dept* Downtown Mogadishu, Somalia *State Dept* Cartegena, Spain *Scott Overby* Swazi official with Peace Corp volunteer, Swaziland *State Dept* Campers dancing around a maypole, Sweden *State Dept* Skeppsbron harbor, Sweden *State Dept* Lucerne,Switzerland *Rosanne Engelhardt* House in Switzerland *Rosanne Engelhardt* Wat Arun Temple of Dawn, Thailand *Tarry Edington* Floating market, Thailand *Tarry Edington* Wat Benchamorebopit, Thailand *Tarry Edington* Emerald Budda entrance, Thailand *Tarry Edington* Thailand *Scott Overby* Bosphorus Bridge between continents, Turkey *State Dept* Mosque of Suleyman, Istanbul Turkey *State Dept* Istanbul, Turkey *Pierre Flener* Istanbul, Turkey *Pierre Flener* Downtown Montevideo, Uruguay *State Dept* Legislative Palace, Montevideo Uruguay *State Dept* Mount McKinley, Alaska United States *James Wick* Boston and Boston Commons United States *Tamara Wick* North Shore of Lake Superior Minnesota United States *James Wick* Elderly resident of Bukhara, Uzbekistan *State Dept* Coastal waters off Ha Long, Vietnam *State Dept* Free market in Hanoi, Vietnam *State Dept* Lighthouse, Bahamas *Jim Henrichsen* Harbor, Bahamas *Jim Henrichsen* Rural farmer near Sanaa, Yemen *State Dept* Veiled Yemeni woman in Sanaa, Yemen *State Dept* Belgrade, Yugoslavia *State Dept* Young woman in traditional dress, Yugoslavia *State Dept* Kishasa Boulevard, Zaire *State Dept* Harare skyline, Zimbabwe *State Dept* Photos Click on photo to view Country, photo and map tour photofnames Alger1.bmp Alger2.bmp Austria1.bmp Austria2.bmp Austria3.bmp Austrl1.bmp Austrl2.bmp Austrl3.bmp Barb1.bmp Barb2.bmp Barb3.bmp Belg1.bmp Belg2.bmp Belg3.bmp Benin1.bmp Benin2.bmp Botsw1.bmp Botsw2.bmp Brazil1.bmp Brazil2.bmp Brazil3.bmp Burk1.bmp Burk2.bmp Burma1.bmp Burma2.bmp Burma3.bmp Cambo1.bmp Cambo2.bmp Cambo3.bmp Capev1.bmp Capev2.bmp Capev3.bmp Capev4.bmp Centr1.bmp China1.bmp China2.bmp China3.bmp Czech1.bmp Denm1.bmp Djib1.bmp Djib2.bmp Djib3.bmp Djib4.bmp egypt1.bmp egypt2.bmp Elsalv1.bmp Elsalv2.bmp England2.bmp England1.bmp England3.bmp England4.bmp EquitG1.bmp EquitG2.bmp EquitG3.bmp Ethiop1.bmp Ethiop2.bmp Ethiop3.bmp Finalnd1.bmp Finalnd2.bmp Finland3.bmp Franc1.bmp Franc2.bmp Gambia1.bmp Gambia2.bmp Georgia1.bmp Germ1.bmp Germ2.bmp gibralt1.bmp Greece1.bmp Greece2.bmp Guyana1.bmp Guyana2.bmp Holysee1.bmp Holysee2.bmp HongK1.bmp HongK2.bmp Hunga1.bmp Hunga2.bmp India1.bmp India2.bmp India3.bmp Iran1.bmp Iraq1.bmp Iraq2.bmp Iraq3.bmp irel1.bmp irel2.bmp irel3.bmp Israel1.bmp Israel2.bmp Israel3.bmp Israel4.bmp Israel5.bmp Italy1.bmp Italy2.bmp Italy3.bmp Italy4.bmp Italy5.bmp Jordan3.bmp Jordan1.bmp Jordan2.bmp Kenya1.bmp Kenya2.bmp Kenya3.bmp Kenya4.bmp Kenya5.bmp Korea1.bmp Korea2.bmp Kuwait1.bmp Kuwait2.bmp Kuwait3.bmp Macau1.bmp Macau2.bmp Mali1.bmp Mali2.bmp Mali3.bmp Malta1.bmp Malta2.bmp Maurit1.bmp Maurit2.bmp Maurit3.bmp maurit4.bmp maurit5.bmp maurit6.bmp Monaco1.bmp Monaco2.bmp Mongol1.bmp Mongol2.bmp Moroc1.bmp Moroc2.bmp Moroc3.bmp Moroc4.bmp Mozam1.bmp Netherl1.bmp Netherl2.bmp Netherl3.bmp Newz1.bmp Newz2.bmp Nicar1.bmp Nicar2.bmp Nicar3.bmp Niger1.bmp Niger2.bmp Niger3.bmp Niger4.bmp Oman1.bmp Oman2.bmp Oman3.bmp Panama1.bmp Papng1.bmp Peru1.bmp Peru2.bmp Philip1.bmp Philip2.bmp Philip3.bmp Romania1.bmp Romania2.bmp Romania3.bmp Russia1.bmp Russia2.bmp Russia3.bmp SAfrica1.bmp SAfrica2.bmp SAfrica3.bmp Safrica4.bmp Saudi1.bmp Saudi2.bmp Saudi3.bmp Scotl1.bmp Scotl2.bmp senegal1.bmp senegal2.bmp senegal3.bmp Seychel1.bmp Sierra1.bmp Sierra2.bmp Singa1.bmp Somalia1.bmp Somalia2.bmp Spain1.bmp Swazi1.bmp Sweden1.bmp Sweden2.bmp Switz1.bmp Switz2.bmp Thai1.bmp Thai2.bmp Thai3.bmp Thai4.bmp Thai5.bmp Turkey1.bmp Turkey2.bmp Turkey3.bmp Turkey4.bmp Uruguay1.bmp Uruguay2.bmp USA1.bmp USA2.bmp USA3.bmp Uzbek1.bmp Vietn1.bmp Vietn2.bmp Bahama1.bmp Bahama2.bmp Yemen1.bmp Yemen2.bmp Yugo1.bmp Yugo2.bmp Zaire1.bmp Zimbab1.bmp regionfnames AFRICA2.bmp ANTARC2.bmp ARCTIC2.bmp ASIA2.bmp CARIBB2.bmp CIS_ASIA.bmp CIS_EUR2.bmp ETHNIC2.bmp EUROPE2.bmp MIDEAST2.bmp NORTH_A2.bmp OCEANIA2.bmp SOUTHAM2.bmp S_ASIA2.bmp TIMEZ.bmp Photo Slide Show Regional maps textHeightProp Africa Antarctica Arctic Caribbean Common Wealth of Independent States (Asia) Common Wealth of Independent States (Europe) Ethnic divisions of Eastern Europe Europe Middle East North America Oceania South America South Asia Time Zones Country List Click on country/area to View Search for Country .&, " countries searchText Search text not found. Enter Country to search for: buttonUp 4searchText objectFromPoint( #) = fieldtype "countries" noWrap ("Enter Country sysErrorNumber -- excluding -- -- CountryList "Search xfound." singleSelect Search for Country AjFgF Help! buttonUp .&+ +E Photos photofnames photos.tbk buttonUp tbkBitmap close bmpFile s_bmpHandle bmpButtonDown single ctbkTimerStart bmpWindowClose 5fbmpButtonDown tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 selectedTextlines DOSfName photofnames "Photos" currentPage 8"photos.tbk" --close DIB untranslate emessages they bmpButtonDown 4s_bmpHandle unTranslateAllWindowMessages tbkBitmap(" bmpFile") a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) bmpWindowClose lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer .&+ +E region.tbk Regions regionfnames buttonUp tbkBitmap close bmpFile s_bmpHandle bmpButtonDown single ctbkTimerStart bmpWindowClose 5fbmpButtonDown tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4s_bmpHandle selectedTextlines DOSfName regionfnames "Regions" currentPage :.tbk" --close DIB untranslate emessages they bmpButtonDown unTranslateAllWindowMessages tbkBitmap(" zbmpFile") a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) bmpWindowClose lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer Click on photo to viewSQ ( Hold down ESCAPE to stop ) .&+ +E -#, #? .&+ +E bmpWindowClose tbkBitmap bmpButtonDown LowName status bmpFile window fPath close bmpFile \charts\bmap\ alias bmpFile style overlapped parent s_bmpHandle window bmpFile state show buttonUp tbkBitmap close bmpFile s_bmpHandle bmpButtonDown single ctbkTimerStart bmpWindowClose 5fbmpButtonDown tbkMMTimer lastCard leavePage lastCard dobackup 4lastCard dobackup -- card that called false dontSearch buttonUp ("OK" jWayzataGoNext buttonUp WayzataGoNext Go back go back buttonUp wayzataGoTo buttonUp wayzataGoTo 2 Beginning enterpage lastCard leavepage 4lastCard false marked Help! NE Asia buttonUp ("OKOKOK" objectFromPoint( " ) = Click on Continent to view buttonUp -- on mouseUp there e"SpnGlobe.mov" Fclose -- -- - currTime "dummy" -- -- QTMovie OpenMovie, Plain, " r topLeft , dontPaintWhite , nocontroller, loop, e"ZmGlobe. -- global movieID -- -- -- DisposeVideo -- Mone's already Direct, " -- the result "Error" -- answer empty showNameProp Click on Continent to view North America buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Africa buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Europe buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Middle East buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = SE Asia buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Oceania buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Wayzata World Factbook 1993 Edition Spinning Globe \windows\player.exe \maps\SpnGlobe.mov buttonUp "\windows\player.exe \maps\SpnGlobe.mov" showNameProp Spinning Globe Help! buttonUp Beginning Central America Antarctica Area Cape Verde Germany Ethiopia Sri Lanka Macau Slovenia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tokelau POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT generic false dontSearch New Button New Button `-WayzataGoPrevious buttonUp WayzataGoPrevious jWayzataGoNext buttonUp WayzataGoNext Go back go back buttonUp wayzataGoTo buttonUp wayzataGoTo 2 Statistics lastCard leavePage lastCard dobackup 4lastCard dobackup -- card that called false dontSearch go back `-WayzataGoPrevious buttonUp WayzataGoPrevious jWayzataGoNext buttonUp WayzataGoNext Go back buttonUp LowName wayzataGoTo buttonUp wayzataGoTo 2 highList false sharedText textHeightProp HighName false sharedText textHeightProp lowList false sharedText textHeightProp false sharedText textHeightProp Lowest to Highest showNameProp Lowest to Highest Highest to Lowest showNameProp Highest to Lowest .&+ +E LowName Photos charts.tbk bName buttonUp LowName "Photos" & ".BMP" bName currentPage 8"charts.tbk" .&+ +E HighName Photos charts.tbk bName buttonUp HighName "Photos" & ".BMP" bName currentPage 8"charts.tbk" Help! 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wDwq& wwtGq GwtG D tDDGtDDtDD GDDww wDDwq wDDGq tDDGq3 tDDGq tDDGwq qwt)D GwqwtDGw GDDGDw qtw*D wtDDG GwDDtDtGDw tDtDtDtGGD GDDGDtDtGG wqwwt tDtGGDGtt tDtGGDDGt wtDDwt wDtGGDtDt GDwDDG GDDGDtwDGG Gww&D tDtDt GwDDtDDGG GDGwt"D wDtGtDGwtD wwtDDwwDDG wtDDwDw!D wDtGtDwDwG tDwDGtGtDw DwDDwDw!D GDDGtGt wGwGtGtDGw tDwDw GtDGtDwDw!D tGtDGtDGwD GtDGtGtwGt D wwGwtGtDGt wwtDw GtDGtGtwGt GtDDwtDwtG tDGwwtDDw GtDGtGDwDt wDDwtDwtGt DGwtDwDw GtDGtwDwDw GtDwDDGtDw DwGtDwDGtG tDwDwDwDwD tDwDDGtDGw tDwwtDDwwD DGwtDwDwDw Gwwq3 wDDwt Gwt1D wDDqt GDDGw wwtDwwtDtt twt2D GwtDDG Gqt3D GDDGwt Gwt3D GwtDwt tDDGw wtDDw3 wDDw3 wDDwqq tDGwDDG wtDGwqwq wwDGt wwDGq Gwt(D GwDGt wtDDw tGwq$ wwDGw GDGDGDGDwD tDwGDwDtDw GDwDtGDG GDGDGDGGDw DGDwGDwDGD wGDwDGDG GtGDttGGDG DtDGGDGDtD GGDGDGDG GtGDttGDwG DtDGDwGDtD GDwGDGDG GDGGDGGDDw DtDGDDwDtD GwDwDGDG GDGGD DGDGDwGDGD GDwGtGDGtG wtGtDDwDwt DDwGDwtDDw wDwtDGGt wDGtDDw GtDwDGDGwt D wwDDwwG GwGDGDGDG GDGGw tGwDG wwpwp GDDtDt wwpww wwpqp wwtDwq wDGDG GwDDw wDDGw GDttDDtw wtDDG tDDwGGDDwD wwDGDGw tDGDwGDGDw Gww'D DDGww tDGDGGDGDG tDGDGGDDwG tDGDGG GwwDD DDt+D tDGDGGtGDG GwwtDwDGt,D GwG-D GDt.D wDDwwt wGwwq GDt$D wwDGwqq wwtDDwq tDDwt GDw$D GtDDG wtDGw GDw$D GtDDG wtDDG GtDDw GwwtDDt GtDDG GGt#D wtDGww tDGwq wDDGtDGw tDGww GDDGtDtDtD tDwGDwGtGD DGwDGt tDDGw GDDtGDtDtG DGDwGDtGt tDDGq Gqwwt GDGDDttDtt DGDGGDtDt wwDwq ttGDDttDwD DGDGGDGtt GtDGq ttGDDttDtt DGDGGDDGt GDGDtGDwDt GDGDGGDtDt D GDGDGtDtwt DtGDGGwGwD wwt D Gwwt/D wwt D wDDGw wDDGw tDDGww wDDwq wwDDGww wtDDGqw wwtGq wwt D wDDwtGt D wtDGw wDGw>D wwqww wDDGwq wDGw?D wDGwDGw?D wwDGCD tDDtDwDGDD tGDDwtGDG+D GGDwt tDDtGDtGDD tGDGDGGDt+D tDGttDGGDD DGGDDtGDDw tGt-D tGDttDGGDD tGDGDDGG.D ttDtGDtGtD tGDGDGGDt-D wDDtDwDGGt tGDDwtGDG-D GDtDDG/D tGDtDDG/D pwwqp wqwwpqpqw tDwwq GqqwKD qwtDDGw tDDww tDDwq tDGwq tDDGw GwGww- wqwtDDw wtDwq GtDDGq DDGwqwDwt qwDDGw wqwtAD tDDGq wtDww tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq GwtDt"D GDDGwq wwqwt GtDGwq GtDqw wDGwwq wDGww GtDGDGq GtDGq wtDDGw tDDGw tDDGq GDwtDDGw GDGqqQ tDDGq tDwwtGq tDDGw wDDtG wDGwDDwwT tDDGw wtDDGww wDDqwq wwtDDGw wDDGw tDDGwq GwwtGw tDDGq Gwqwwq tDDGw GtDDGwq wDDGw GtDDGqq GwDDwq GGtGw wtDDww wGwGw Gqwwt wwtDDwW wtDDwq Gwt D wGwqq wtDDGwW tDDGq' wDDwwq wDDwqW wwtDDGw* wDGwX wwtDGqw0 wwDGww0 qwDDwwq/ wtDDGww, Gwwtww wtDDG wwtGwM wwDDGq GwwtDGw tDGwT wwt D tDwqT GwwtwwtwwU Gwwq- wDDGw wDDwq wwtDG qwtGw Gwwq+ wtDGw6 wtDDwq DDGwq tDDGwq wwDGw$ GwwtGwq# wtDDG wtDDG wtDDG wwDDG wwtDDG wwtDGwq pwqww wwDGw wEw6 wwtDD wwtDDGp wtDDtDGtGD tDtDwGDGtt DwGDGtt GDGDDtDtGt DtDtGDwDtG tGDwDtGt tDDtGGDtDt DtDttDGDtD ttDGDtDt twtDDt GGDGttDtDt tDGDtDttDG DwtDDt tDtDGtDtDt tDGDtDttDG wtwtDDt tDttDtDwDt GDwDtDtGDw tDDttDtGwD DtwDDwGDtD tDwGDtDt GDG/D DGwp( wtDDq wwpwwt wDDGTD DtDwRD GtDwDwD tDGtGwwtw GtGtDwGtDw wtDGtGtDDw GtwDDwwDDG DGtDDw GwtDDwwDDG twDwDGtDDw wwDGwtGwtD GtDDw GwtDDww GwtDGtDDw GtwDDwwDDG tDwDDGtDDw GtGtDwGtDw DDwDDGtDDw GtDwDwDwwt DDwDDGtDDw wwGDtGwDDw DDtDtDtDG:D GDDwDttDtG DtDtDtDtDG:D tDDGDtDDtt tDtGGDG:D wwDGwDDtD DGDtGwD DtDtGGDG:D wwtGwDDtDG wDttDDtDGD tDttDtG:D wtGwDDt ttDtGDtDwD ttDtG:D tDDGDtGwDD wDDtwDtDtG:D GDDtJD wwDDt wwt4D GwwDDtDDwG tDGtG GDDtDtDGDw GDGDGGtGDt GDDtGGDGDG GDGDGGDDtt GwDDGDDtGG DGDGGDGDGG DDtGtt GwDDGwwDtD tGDGGDGDGG DDtDGt GwDDGDDttD tGDGGtGtGG tGDtDt GDDttDtGD tGtGGtDGw Gww D wwt!D tDDww wDGww tDDwpH tDGpH wDwwq wDGww wwt D GwtGq wwt+D GwwtDDww Gwwt D DDwwDww wwtmD DGwwq wtDDGw wwtyD wwtDwDDtDt DwGDGDGDDw DDGtDDwG tDDGDtDtDt GDwDGDGDGD tDtGDGDw tDDtDGDtDt tDGDGDGDtD GGDDttDG wtDDtDDtDG DtDttDGD DGGDDttDG wtDDtDDtDG DtDttDGD DGGDDttDG wtDDtDDGDt DwDtGDwGDG DGGDtDtGDG wDDtwDDwGG DGDGDwDDGt GwwGw wwtjD GwtGtDGtwD DwwtDGtDGw wDDGtGtDwD wDwGtDGtwD wDwGtDDGtD wDGtDwDGtD GtGtDwDDw%D DwGwtwGt wDGtGtDDwD GtGtDwDGw$D wDwDwDwGwt wDGtGtDDwD DwDww$D wDGwtDwwDw DDwtDGtGtD DwGtw$D wDGwtDwwDw wtDDGtGtDD wGtwwGtwwD wDDwDDwtDG wGtDDGt GtGtDDwGtG tGtwtDw wDDwDDwtDG wGtDDGtDwD GtDwDGtwDG tDtwDDw wDDwDDw tGwwDwDGtD twDDw GwwtCD GwwtBD wwDwq wwqwt wwDGww wGwq{ tDDGq qwDDw wtDGtDGt wDDGq wqwq tDDGq tDDGq wwtGwDDtD tDwDDtGwDD wDDGttGGq DDtDtDtDtG DtDttDtGDt DtGtGDw wwtDDGDDG DtDttDGDtD tDtGDwq wwGwDDG tDttDGDtGw DtDtGDGwq wtDGwDDG tDttDGDttD DtDGDtDtGD wtDDGwDDG wDtGDtDttD tGDtDtDtG GDDGDtwDDw DDtGwDDwDD tDtDt GwDDt GwtGtDGtDw wtDGtDwDGt tGwwDDGq wDwGtDGtGt DwDGtDwDGt wDGtDGq tDDGtDGt wDGtDwDGtG GtDGq tDDGt wDGtD tDDGt wtDGtDwDGt tDGwDDw wDDGt GwtDDwtDDG tDwDGtGtw wDDGtDGtDw GtDwDGtGtw wDwDDwDDGt DwDGtDwDGt wDGtGq GwtDDw tGwwDGq GtDGt wwDDwwq wDDwq wtDGq wwqwwq wwtwwq wDDGq wDDww wDDwwq wwDDG Gwwtw wtDDwwt GwwtDwq GwwtDGq wtDDwq tDGwq tDDwwt wwt D wwtGw wDDGw wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGw wDDGw wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGq tDDGw wDDwq wtDGq wDDwq wtDDwq tDGq wtDGq wDDGq wDDGq wtDDG tGwwt wwtwq twtGwq twtDwwq wtDDwwq wtDDwq wwDDw tDDGq wDDGq wtDww wDDGq wDDGq wDDGq wwtDDw wwtDGq wDwDDw wDDGwwt wwqwq GwwGtDGtGt DGtDwDwDww DDwDwDGtGt wDDwDwwtw wDGwtDGtGt DGtDwDwDww DDwDwDGtGt wDDwGtDwwp DGtDwtDwGw twGwwtDwDG tGtwDGwwDD GtwDwDGtGw tDwGwtwGtG DGtwD DDGtwp GwDGwtDGtw GtDwwDwwDw wDDwDGtGtw GtwwDDGtGw| GwDDGwtDGw tGtDwwDwwD wwDDwDGtGt wwDwwDDGtD wDDGwDGtDw tDGwDGtDDw DGtGtwtDww DDGtDGwz wDGtDwDDGt DGtDwtDGwD GtDDwDGtGt wDDwGtDw GwwDDwDDGt DGtDw wDGtDD DGtwDDwDww GtDGt wDGt"D Gwwp: wtDGww8 wDwqwq wDDwtw wDDwDGw GwwtDwq GwwtDw wwDGq GtDGq GtDwq wwDDwt wwt D wtDwq wwDDGwq wwqwq wqwwL twwp) tGww) wtDGwp( wtDDwwp( wDwwp wDGwp wDDGw wDDGw wwDDGw wtDDGw wwDDG wtwt%D Gwwt.D wwt=D wwttD wwt}D tDtDtDwDDG tDGtDwDt|D tDtDtGDtDt GDtGGDw~D tGGDttDDGD DGDDGDG~D GwDDtGGDt GwDDttD DGGDDG GwDDttDttG DtDtGDtGGD wDDGtDwDDG tDGtDwt wDDGt wDGtGtDwDw DGtDGt D wDGtGtDwDw DDwDwDGtGt DGt D wDGtGtDwDG wwtDwDDwGt DGt D DGtDwDGtGt DwDDwGtDGt D wDGtGtDwDD wwDDwDDwG wDGtGtDwDD wwDDwDDwGt wDGtGtGwtD GtDDwDDwGt wDGtGtwDwD GtDDwDGtGt DGwtDGtGtD DGtDGt wwtsD wwtsD wDDw!D Gwwt D Gwwt D GDDGDtDDwt wDDwDtDtDG GDDGDtDGDG DtGtwDtGDw DDtDG wwtDtDGDGD tDttDGGDGD tDtDt GDtDttDGDw GDGGDGDDwt GGDDt GDtDttDGDD wDtDtGDDwt GGDDt GDtDtwDtGD GDtDtGDDwt GDtDttwDDw tDtDtG GDDGww GDDww wtwwwD GwwRD pwwtFD wwtAD wwt2D wwt)D pqwpq pwwp4 pwppwq wwGwwt GwwpC tDDwtDDww Gwwp/ GtGwwp, DDwwp+ wtDDwDG wtDDqw wDDwwt tDGwtq tDwtGwGw wwqtw wDDGw wqwDDw tDwDG DGDwDG wDDGq wGtDwt wDtDw wwtDw wwtDDwwt tDGDDtDG wwtAD qwtDt>D GDwwt9D GwwtGt wwtGwt Gtt9D GDDGt wwtDtDwGDt DtDwDDtDtG tDGDtGDwDt DtGDtDtDtt tDGDttDGDt DttDGDtDtt wtDDtDGDtt DGDtDttDGD tDtGtt8D wtDDwwtDtt DGDtDttDGD tDtDGt8D wtDDtDGDtG DwDwDtGDtD wDttDt7D tDGDtDwGDt wDDwDDtwDG tDGJD wwtDtGD pwtXD pwwXD wtDDG-D tDDwp wwGwt,D wwpwG.D wwDt-D wwG-D wwtDwwp wtt-D wtDGwwp wwtt-D wwDww wwt/D tDwDttDtDt twDDwDtDwD DwDDGttGDG DGttGtGDDG tGDwDtDtDt wDtGDwDGDt GDtDtGtGDG DtGttGtDDw tGDGDtDtDt tDGGDGDtDD tDGDtDtGDG GDDttDtDGw tDwGDtDtDt tDGDwGDtDD tDGDtDtGDG GDDtGttDGw tDDwDtDtDt tDGDDwDtDD tDGDtDtGDG GDDtDGtDwp tGDGDwDwDt wDtGDGDGDt GDtDtDtGtG DtGttDtGwp tDwtDtwDwD twDDwtDDwD DwDDtDtGGt DGttGwDGw wqt!D wtwwq tDtDDGvD wqtGtDDG tDGDwDtDwD DtGtGDGtGD tDtGDwDGDt DttGtDtGGD tGDGDGDtDG DttDtGDDGGSD wwtDGww D wtDDttDDwG DtDGDtGttG DDGtSD wwtDG wtDDw wDtDGDtDGt GDDGGSD wtDDttDGDG DGDtDttDtD tGGDtRD tGDDwtDDwD DtGwDDGtGD tDDtDDG qtGsD wwt}D wwt~D Gwtww wwDGtGDtGD GDwDDGwwDG tDDwGDtGw0D GDDttGtDtG tGDGDwDttD ttDtDtGDGG GDDGDDtGDG DtDDt.D tGttDtGDGG DwtGDDGDDt GDGDtGw/D wDDGtDtGDG GDDGDDtGDG Dtt/D wDDtDtDtGt tGDGDGDttD GwDDtGGtGw GtDGDGDtGw.D pwtGD wwtBD wwtAD pwtAD pwtAD pwwt@D wwt=D wwtD wDDGp wqwtDDG wtDGw wDDwqtD wtDwp wwDGp tDwDw DGwDGtDDG wwtDwGDtDt GwDGtGG wtGDDG tDDGDwDtDt tDttGtG tDDGDGDtDt DDttDtG wtDDtDDGDG DtDtGwDGtt wtDDtDDGDG DtDtt wtDDtDDGDG DwDttDttDt tDDGDGDtwD GwDGwDGGt wtGt=D wwtBD wwtBD GDDtGtGGDG tDGDwDt GDGDtGtGDG DGGtGDGGDw GDtDtDtGDG DGGDDtGGDG wDDGwDDGG DDGttGDGDG GDDtGDwG wDDGwDDGt GtGDGDGGDD tGDDw wtDGwDDGGD DtDtGtGtGG tGDGGDG GDtDGwDGGt GtGGtDGDwt wwppF wwt/D GDDtGt tDGtGDtGtG D GDGDtGtGtG DtGtDttGt D GDtDtDtGDD ttDtDttDt D GGDDGttGDD tGttDtGttD GtGDDtDGtD tDGtDDwt GGDDtDtGtG DtDtDttDtD GDtDGwDGGt DGwDDtGw wwqwpw wqpw: tDDGq wDDww GwwtGwtDDG wqwwt GwDDwGGDDG tDGDGDGtt tDtGDwGDDt GDGDGDtGt tDtGDGGDGD DtGDGGDDt tGDGGDGDDt GDGGDDt tGDGGDGDDt GDGGDDt tGDGGtDtGD GtGDtGt tGtDGGtDGt tDDww tDDww wDGqw wtDDq wpwwpp wtDDww GwDGw wwDGw wwGwwp wDwwt Gwpwt wwt9D qpwqw wwtAD wwtCD wwtDD wwtED GwwtwwDDww DGwwtwwDwD DwDwDGtwDD GtDGtGtDwG tDwDGtGtDG tGtwDDwDwD GtwDDw GtDGtGtGtD wDwDGtGtDG tGtwDDwDwD wtwDDw GtGtDwDwDG GtGwwtDwDw tGwwt GtGtDwD GtGtGtDwGG tGtGt wtDGw GtGtDwDwDG GtGtGtDwGG tGtGt GtGtDwDwDG GtDtGDDwtG GtGtDwDwDG GtDwwDDwtG Gwwp2 GtGtDwD GtDGtDDwDG wtwt#D Gww$D GwwtDGw' wwtLD wwtMD wwtOD wtGwVD tDGGDDwDtG DGDtED tDtGDGDwDG DGDtFD tGDGDGDGDG DGDtFD ttDGDDwGDG DGDtFD wDGDGDtFD ttDGtGDGDG tGDtDGwCD tGDGGtwtDG GtDtDGwDD tDt D tDtDtGtGGD DttwDDGtDt tDtDttGtGD DtwDtDtGDt wwtDwwtGwp tGGDttDtGD DttDGGDDtt tGGDtGttGD DttDGGDDtt ttDttDGtGD DttDGGDDtt DtGtDtwDtD wDDGtGwDGG wDDGtDtw wDDGt GwtDws wpwwt pwwp4 wtDGq DDGwq tDGww qwGwq wDwq< wwDDw wtDDwq GtDGtww tGwwq DDGww wwt9D wwtDwDtGDG ttDwDDwDt tDGGDwDGDt GtGDtGDw tDGGDGDGGD DttDGGDG 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GDttGDGtGD GDGtGDGDt GGDGGDDGwD GDDGwDGD DDGwt GGDGG GDGDtDGDDG GtDDwDtDGD GDtDGDGDGD GtDDwDGwtD wtGwtDGDDw wDwt4D tDGqw0D wDGwt/D wDGwt/D tDGDDtGDDt DGtDDwDGDD tDGDwtGDtD GtDDGt tDGDDtGDDt DtGDGDtGDD tDGGDGtDtD tGDDtG tDGDDtGDDt tDGGDDtDGG DDtDtGDDtG tDGDDtGDDt tDGGDDtDGD wDtDtG tDGDDtGDDt tDGGDDtDGD DwtDtGwwtG tDGDDtGDDt tDGGDDtDG tDtGDDtGDD tDGtDtGtGD DtGDGDtGtG GDtGDDtDtD tGDDtG tDGGttGGtD DGtDDwDGGt DwDDwwDDtD GtDDGtDGwD GwwtDw GwwGq wwDGq wDDwq wtGww Gwwtw tGwqtDq wwDGtwq tDDGGw wqqww wwDwqtw GqwtDGwwGw DDwqtwq wwDDGw wtDtD wGqww Gqtwq pqwpR Gwqtwq wDDww pwqpS DwqtDDGq wwt D wtDDGwp tDwpF wwt!D wDDwDt GDGDtGtwDt wtDwI GDGDtDttDG GDtDttDGDw tDDwU pwt#D GDtDttDGDD wtDDwpU GDtDtwDtGD GDtDttwDDw wwDGwp Gpwp[ wwt'D wwt+D wwt*D GwwDDwDG GDDtGDtG GDDttDGG wwt*D GwDDGDDttD GwDDGwwDtD GwDDGDDtGD GDDtDwDGGt GDDt D Gwwpr wwt-D tGwwt GwtDDG GwDGwwt wwtPD wtDGp GwDDw wwtZD GDDGDGDDwD tGDwDt5D GDDGDGDGDw DGGDw6D GDDwDttGDG DGGDG6D GwDDGDGGDt tDwGDGDwG7D GwDDGDtGGD GDDwDGDDw6D GwDDGGDGGD 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Gwwp3 Gwwp( Gwwp$ tDGwp tDwDtDwGGD GDGDG tGDwDGDwGD GDGDtGtt%D tGDGDtDGGD GDGDtDtt%D tDwGDtDGGD GDGDtDtt%D tDDwDtDGGD GDGDtDtt%D tGDGDGDwGt GtGDtDtw$D tDwtDDw tGtDtDttw#D wtDDwtTD tDDwqt tDDGwt Gwt"D wwtGtGDwGt GGDGDtGtGnD tDDtGtGDtG tGDtDttGtmD tDDtDtGDtD tGGDDttDtmD wDwtDDtDD GttGDGttGt DDtGttlD wDwtDDt GtGDDGtGGD DtDGtkD wDwtDDtDDt DtGDtDtGDt DttDtkD tDDGwDGwGw DGDGDtGwlD wwt3D wwDG?D GDGDG?D tDDtt?D GwtFD wwtED wwtFD wDDGw wtDGw wwGwp wwt8D wwt5D GDDGDtDwDG GtDtwDDGt GDDGDtGDtG tGDwDtDtG wwtDttDDGD DttDGGDDt GwDDtDtDt GDDttDGGDD GwDDGGDDtt DGGDDttDGG GwDDGGDDtG DtGtGDwDtD tDDtDwDGGt DtwDDGt wDwt2D wGwtDDwwt-D GwwdD tDDtGDDGDD GDwDtGwDGt GGDGDwDtGD tDDtGDDGDD GGDwDtDttG tGDtGDwDGD GwwDGDDGDD ttDtGGDGDG GDGDGDDGDD GDwGDGwDGt tGtDDwGDGD GDDwt ttDGDDG DDwDt wDGDGDDwt ttDGDDGDDG GDGDtDttDt GDtGDGDGtG GDDGDDGDDG DwtDGwDGwD GDGDwtDGGt GDDGDDGDDG GDDGDDGDDG wwtFD wwtCD wwt>D wwt;D wwtDG wwt;D Gww!D wwt D wDDGww wwGww wwGwwp wtDGw# wtDGww wDwwpN wtDDG tDDwwN GDt'D wDGwDtDGDt DtDwDGDDGt DDwG&D tDtDtDtGDt GDDtGDGDw&D wwDDwp tGDDtDttDG GDGDDttDG%D ttDDtDttDG GDGDDttDG%D tDttDGGDGD DttDG%D ttDDwDtGDt GtDtGDGDw%D tGDDtwDDwD GGtGtDDwG%D tDtDt3D tDGDt3D wwt#D wwGww tDDGwD Gwt=D GwwDtGDGDG tGDGDtGtG GwtwwL tGDGGDDtG tGDGGDDtGD DwwqwqM tGDGGDDtGD tGtGDtGtGD DwtwqN tGGtDGttG wtGwt wwtOD pww D wwtcD wwteD GwwqP tDDwDDGDDw GDGDGGtGDG DtDGDGDwBD GDttGGDDtt ttGDGBD wtDGDttGGD DttDwGBD wtDGGD DDttDGGDGD wtDGGD tGDGDtGDGG GtDDwGGtDD wDGDGDwtAD GtDDwGMD DDwwtD Gww^D tDDwq GwwtGtDGtG tDwDDG DwwtDDGwwG tDGtG tDGtwDDwGt GtDwGtDGtG tDwDDGtDDG tDwDDwDGwt DGtGtDGtDG twDDwGtGtG GtDGt DGtDwDDGt DGtDD DGwwtGtwwG GtDGtwDwDG wwtDDGt GtwDwDGtDD wDwDGtGtGt GtDGtGwtDG tDwDDG GwDGwtDGtD DGwtDDwwDG wtGwt GtDGtGwtDG tDwDDGt GwDDGwtDGt DDGwtDDwwD GwtGwt GtDGtDwDDG tDwDDGtDDG wDDGt GtDGwDDwt GtDwDDwDDG tDwDDGtDDG tDwDDwDGtD wDDGt GtDGwDDwtD GwwtDDwDDG wwtDDG DwwtDDGwwD DwDDGt GtDGtDDGtD wwGwwR tDGwwR wtDGqwR tDGqqR tDGqS tDwqS GDGtGDtDtD wGDwDt GDtGtDtDtG DwGDw GDtDtDtDtt DGGDG GDGttDtDtt DGDwGDDGwG GDDGtDtDtt DGDDwDDGwG GDtDtDwDtG DwGDGDDGwG GDGwDDtwDD wGDwt GDt~D tDGDtDwGDG tDtDtDtGtGrD tDtDtGDwDt GDtDtDttGtrD tGDDttDGGD DttDtDttDtrD wDwtDDttDD ttDGGDDttD tDtGttrD DwtDDw ttDGGDDttD tDtDGtrD DwtDDttDD tGDwDtGDwD wDttDtrD tGDDtDwGDG tDtwDwDGwtD tDGDt Gwwp wwt>D wwtAD wwtcD tDtDtDtDtD wDtGDGGwwD wDt,D tDtDtDtDtG DwDGDGGDDG tGGDtDtDtG DGDGDGDtDG tGGDt DwGDGDGDGD DwG+D ttDtt DDwDGDGDDt DDw+D qtDDttD DtDwDGDGtG DDGGDG*D qtDDwDDGtt DtDtwtDGGt GwwDwt)D qtDDwDDGt9D wwGwt GqtD tDw/D wGwt.D GDDwDDGtDG GDGDtDtGDt GDtDGGDDGD GDtDGGDDGD DtDGwDw GDtDGGDDGD DtDGwDw GDGDtDtGDt GDDGwDw GDDwDDGtDG GqwGwm wtDGql wwt D wwDDG wwGww wtDGqX wDGqX Gwt D wwt!D Gww"D wwt"D Gww#D wwt#D Gww$D wwt$D Gww%D wwt&D Gww'D wwt'D Gww(D wwt(D Gww)D wwt)D Gww*D wwt*D Gww+D Gwt+D Gww,D wwt,D Gww-D wwt-D Gww.D wwt.D Gww/D wwt/D Gww0D wwt/D Gww0D wwt0D Gww1D wwt1D Gww2D wwt2D wDtGGDDwtD wwtDDGDwDG GDGDGGDtDG GDGDGG GGDtDGGDDt wGDGGDDwtG DtDGGDDt wDGGDGDDGD tDGGDDt GDGDGGtGDG GDwDGGtG twtGwtw wwt5D Gww6D wwt5D Gww6D wwt6D Gww7D wwt6D Gww7D wwt7D Gwt7D wwt7D Gww8D wwt7D Gww8D wwt8D Gww8D wwt8D Gww9D wwt8D Gww9D wwt9D Gww9D wwt9D Gww9D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gwt9D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gww9D wwt9D Gww:D wwt9D Gww8D wwt8D Gww8D wwt8D Gww8D Gwt7D Gww6D wwt6D Gww6D wwt6D Gww6D wwt5D Gww5D Gwwt5D Gww5D Gwt4D tDtDDwDDwD tGttDtDwDG wwDGtwDtGt tDwDDtDt tDtDGDtGDw DtDtDtGDtG GDDttGDwDt DtGDtDtDt tDtDtDDGDG DtDtDttDDG ttGDGDtDtt DGDtDt DwGDtDtDt ttDwGDtDtt DGDtDt DtDGDDwDtD tDttDGG wDtDDwDtDt tDGDtDtDDw wtDDtGGDtG DtGDGDtDwD tGDtGt wDDtGDGDtD tGDtDwDtDG tDtDtDwDDw tDwttwDDwD GGtDG wtwtDwttDw DDtwDDwq GDDtDG GDDtt GDDtDG wwqq/ DDGww tDwwp tDGww wwt D wwt'D GwwpI wwt*D wwt+D GwwpC wwt1D wwt5D tDtDtDwDDG ttDwDDtDtG DtDtDw tDtDtGDtDt GtGDtDtDtG DtDtGDt tGGDttDDGD tDtGDtDtt tGGDt DtDtGDtDt DGGDDttDGD tDtGDtDttD GDDwt ttDttGDtDt GtGDtDwDtG DwDtGDtDDw wDDGtDwDDG ttDwDDtwDG DtwDDw wDDGt wtDDGq< wwDDGq{ wtDGq{ tDwq{ GwwDDw GwttGt tDDwDDwt tDGttGtGtG DGDtGDG wqwwq~ ttDtGDDtt tGttGDDt DwtDDwtGw twtDwq} GDDwtDGtGD DttDGG tDtGtGDGDt GDGDD tGwDGGtDDw wDDGw~ wwt&D GwttGtGGDG wDGtGDDww tDGttGtGDt DttGt ttDtG tGttGDGwDG wtDGDDwtDG tDtGDtDttD tGwDGwGwDG wwt-D Gwwq} Gwwq~ wwtDwDGDGD tDDGDtGDtD tDDtDDGGDG wtDDtDD GtDGwwtt wtDDtDDtD DGDDtt wtDDtDDGDt GDtDtGDt wDGDGDGtDw GtDDwwDGtD GtwDwwtDDG GtDGtGtGtD GtwGtDwDDG GtDwDDwGtD GtDwDDwGtG GtDwDDwGtw GtwDDwt GtDwDDwGwt GtwDwt GtDwDDwGwD GtwGt GtDwDDwGtD GtwGtDw twDDwGtDGt wDwwt wwt+D GtDGt Gwt D wtDGw; wwDGq; wDGq: wwGq9 tDDGwq= wtDGww> tDDGwB wtDwwp wtDDwwp tDDGwp wwtDDG wtwwq wwDDGww wwqwq wtwtwpA wqwwq wDGtDq tDGwwp wwtwqww wDDGwwt tDDtGDGDwG tGDtDtDGtG-D tDDtDDtGDG GDtGtDtDtD tGt-D GDGwp GwwDGDGGDt DtDtGGDtDt)D wqwt(D wtDGDGDGDG GDGttDtGGD Gtt)D wtDDttDGDG GDDGtDttDt DGt)D wtDDttDGtG GDtDtDttDt tDtLD GDDGGtGwGw DDttDtGw/D tDwGDwDtGD GDwDt wGwwDDG tDDtGDwGDw DGDGGDw wtDww DGwwt*D GwwDtDGGDG DGDGGDG GDGDtDGDwG DGDGDwG ttDtDGDDwD GDGDDw ttDGDwGDGD GtGGDG wGDwtDGGtD wtDGp tDGww wtDDGwp DGwwt wtDDGw wtDDGp GDDGt4D twGG3D GwwtDDGw tDt2D GwwDDww5D wwt/D GDDwDtGDG GDGDwDGDG GDGDGDGDG ttDwGDGDG ttDDwDGDG GDGGDGDGtG GDGDwtDGGt qwt5D wwt;D Gww7D Gwwt7D wtDGq Gwt7D Dwt D Dwt D Dwt D wtDwq GwwDGw GwDDG tqtHD tqtID GDGtDDw wwtVD tDDGDG wwtVD tDGJD GwwtDDwwt tDGJD GDDGww9D GwtOD GwtSD GtDDGwwt GDG?D wqwtZD wDDwDwDDwG tDwGtDGtGt DwGtDGt wtDwqwt wDDwDwDDwG tGtGtDGtGt DwGtDGt GwwtDwDGwG DGtDwD GtGtDwDwwG wtDDwDwDGw wtDwDw wDDwq tDDGw wwDDwGtwGw GwtDGtDwDG wtDGq wwDDwwDwGw tDDGwtDGtD wDGwt GtDDwtDwGt wDDGtDwDDw GtDDwDDwGt GtDDwDDGtD GtDDwDDwGt DwDDwDDGww tGDwq wtGwt tDDGww wwtwwt GDGDDwDttw DGwwDGtDGD GDGDGDwDwD tGDGDG GDGDGDGDtD GDtDGDDtGD GDGDDwGDtD GDGDGDDtGD wwDDGw wDtDGDDtGD DtGDG GDGtGDGDwD tDDGDtGDGt wwDDtGwDGt wDtGD tDDwDDt GDGGtwtDtw DGwwDGtDGG wtDDttDtt GDwDGDGGtG DGDtDtmD tDDttGDGDG DGGDDttDGD tGwDtDwGDG DGGDDttDGD ttDDtDDwDG DGGDDttDGD ttDttGDGDG tGGtGDtDGD wDDww tGwDwtwtDG GtGGt GwwtDGq tDGw wwtDwwq GtDGw wwt%D G wWD wwt"D wtGwwq> wwtBD wwt?D wtDDwwp tDwtDwO twtwwO wwt$D tDDGq wwtDGq wwDwwq wGwtw wwtDDwwp wqwqK wqwqJ Gwwp^ Gwwp[ tGwwq wwt pqwwp# wtDGw wtDDwwOD wwtDDwDDtD tDwDDwGwDt DtDwt tDGDGDtDtD tGDtGDtDtt GDDwt tDDttDGDtD ttDDG tDDttDGDtD GDGwDw wwt.D tDDttDGDtD ttDGGDtDDt wwtUD tDDtGDtDwD tGDtGDtDtt tDDtDwDDtw DDwDGwGwDt wGwwt GwwtGp GwpwwGp wwtDDGwD GDDtDGtDDt DGDGDGtvD GDDtDtGDDt DGDGDtGiD GDDtGDDtDt DGDGGDDtgD GwwDGDDtGG DGDGGDDtdD GDDtGDDtGG DGDGGDDt\D GDDtDtGDtD tGtGDtG]D tDDwp GDDtDGtDtD tGGtDGt]D wtDGw wwDwp GtDGwtGwwt DGt'D GtDwGtGt GtGtGtGt GtwDGtGt GwtDGtGwwt GtGt&D GwtDGtGtDD GtGt%D GtwDGtGtDD GtGt%D GtGtGtGtDD wDDw%D GtDwGtGwwt wDDw%D wtwt3D Gww4D wtDDGp1 DDGp1 Gwpw&D pwwtDDw wwDGw wwGwwDDwp wwt*D wwt(D wwt'D wwt$D wtDGww wwt&D pwt$D wwGwp wtwtGwtDw wwtDDGww wwt D wwtPD GwtDwwq wtDDG wwtGD wwtDDw wtwwq wtDGw wqwDDGw wDGq( wtDDwwq wwtED GwtGwtDGq! tDwqR DDGwq wDwq> wtDGww wtDDGwq wtDwq wtDGDGq wDDw* wwtBD GwtDDwq wwDwq wtDGw wDDwq wDDGwq wtDDwwq wwDDGww wtDwwq wwtDGwq wtGw3D tGwt2D wwt-D wwt-D wwt)D wwt(D wtDDwwt wtDDwwp wDDwwt wtDGww Gwwq3 wDGww wtwqw twt&D wwt$D GwtDGww5 wtDDww tDGwp tDDwq wtDDGw wtDww wDDGw tDDGw GwDDG wtDGq GwwDG wwDGw GwwtGwwDGt DDwwtDwDDw DDGwq GtDDwDGtGt DGtwDGtGtD wDwDDwDDGw GtDGtDDwGt DwtwDDwwDD GtwDGwDDGw GtDGtDDwGt GwtwDDwwDD GtwDwwDDGw GtDGtDDwGt wGtwDDwwDD GtwGtwDDGw GtDGtDDwGw tGtwDDwwDD GtwwDwDDGq GtDGtDDwGw DGtwDDwwDD GtwtDwDDGq GtDDwDGtGt DGtwDGtGtD wDwDDwDDG GtDDGwwDGt DDwwtDwDDw wwDwq wwt>D wwt DDww? DGwp? wwtww@ wDDGww wpwpZ wpwpA wpwpA wDwp( wtDGw( wwt(D wwt,D wwt.D GDDtGtGGDD wtDtDtG D GwDDGDGDtG tGDGDGDtDt GwDDGDtDtD GDtDtG D GwDDGGDDGt tGDDwtDtDt wwtww GtGDG tDtG D GGDDtDtGtG DGDwDtG GDtDGwDGGt wtDtwDG GwDDGw? wwt5D tDDww wwtDG DtGDGDwDtt DGtG%D tDGDtGttGD GDGGDwDtDt tDGDtD DGDGGDGDtD tDt%D GwDDtDGDtD twDDGDGDwG DtDGtt%D GwDDwwtDtD DGDGDDwDtD DGt%D GwDDtDGDtD ttGDGtGGDG DwDtDt&D wtDDt tDGDtDttDt GGtDwtDtwG tDDG2D wtDDG tDDG3D wGwGw tDDGw tDDGp! tDDGp! tDDGp" tDGwp# GwDDw tDww$ GwwDGwwDtD tGGwwDwDtt GDDtG tDtGGDDGDw GDDGDtDDtD tGDtDGDGDt GDDGDGDDtD tGDGDDwGDw wDDwt3D GDDGDDtDtD tGDDtDDwDt wtDDt4D GDDGDDGDwD tGDDGGDGDt wDDG5D GDDGGwwDtw DGGwwDwtDt wtDDt5D Gww D wtDGwwp tDDGRD wtDDGRD tDDGND tDDGMD Gwwt D wtDDtMD wGwwND wwt2D DwwDw wDDwtwt GwDwwED wtDDGww wtDGww wDDGw5 wDDwp5 wDGw6 wDwp6 GwtMD wwDGtND wwGwt wtGwtOD wwtDtXD wtDDtXD wDDGZD DDGZD tDDGZD GwwDDGw GwDDwpJ wwDDtED wwtDD wtDGDtD wtDGt tDDGqd Gwwt"D tDDGt GwGtqa wwDq_ GtDGa qtDGa wDGwwa tDDGq wwtGw tGGwq` wtDww wqtwwG qwDww wtwttq wwqttqy wwtGwq wDDGw wwtwwq wttDDq wwDtDG wtwtDG tDDqv DDwqu tDDqa wtGDDwq tDDqb wtGDDtG wtDwa wtGqq tDqq^ twwG^ wqwDq] GDGq+ tGDw] wwqwG tDDG] wwqww DDGtDq tDGwq GwDDq= tDG D GDwGtDGq; wDGDwDDw; tDtGwDDwq9 GwGtDqG GDDtDtG GDwwDGG tDGGDGG wwDDGGtDwF twGtt GwwDDqE wDGDDwqD tDDGG GDDGG wDtww GDDGt GtGDDt tDDG7 GwDGDw tDDG7 wDDtDtt tDwq2 tDDGDDG tDDG7 GtDDGw1 GDDtDDG tDDG7 tGDGt GwGDDG wtDDtDG tGDDq7 GGDDG. GGwwDw Gwwtt GwwGwD twGwt GwwDGt GGtDDt ttDDGwt GtDDGq GDGtwt GwDwDGw wDDGt GwwDDGDt GwDwwt wDDGq= tDDq= wDDww DDGDw GtDGDG Gttwwt tDDGDG GDGDG GwDwt GDDtG tDtDt tDtDt tDtDG tGGwGwwD tDDwt tDtDG GwtGtGGD twwtDq GDDtDt wwDttGGttG GtDDGwqE tDDtDDG GDDtDt GDDtDwt ttDtDDG tDtDt GDDtDwt DtDGDwt tDDtDGDDtw DtDGDt wtwDDq( wDGwGw wtDGG GDDwwtt wwGDwq tDDGG wDGDDwtDq wDDGG wDDwtDw tDGDt DGtDGG tDGtt GqwDw tDtDDGDt GDDGt GtDwt wtDDG tDDwt tDGwt tDDtt ttDtG3 tDGDDt DtDDG tDDtt wDGq1 wGwtG GwDtGtDGtD tDtDDtDt GDDGwq) tDwwDG GwDGwtDw qtDDw tDDwDDtww wDDwtwtDwD Gwwq* tDDwDG tDDww tDtDDt tDDGDG tGwqw wwDGw tDww- tDDwD DDGDDGG wtDwwq. tDDGDG tDDwq Gwwq. wtDDGDDww DDGqq GwDDt GDDq, wqtGwwq tDGww D tGDwtDww wGwDt GDDG+ wtDGwwq twtwwtDDG tDGtG twGDt wwDGGtG qtGqwDq GwGtGtDDtD DtGwwDw3 GwwtDDtG DDtG- DwGwtDt GtDwtDDtDt DDtDw$ DGtwDDG wDGtGwDtDt DttDw# wGDGwtDwDG DtDGww wDDw) GDtGtDwtGq" tGDGwwDwq tDGqq wDDGDDwq# GDDGq GDDGDG Gwwq# GDDwGwwtDt DGDGDDG wDGDDwDGD tDDtGDDG GtDGt tDDGDw wtDGtDDtDG tDtGtDwDG DDwGG wGtDDttDwt wDDGDt wGwGDGGq% DGtDwDGDG DGwGG ttGtt wwtDGD tDwDGq& DGtDw DDwtDDwtGG tDwDt DGtDt twDtDGwwDD tDwwq wqww! twwDDtDGw GGDGw GDGGtGt wDtqt wDGwq& wDDGDD DGDtGGDGw wDtqtDDww GDDGtG tGGDtwDDGw wwtDG wGttw wtGwtDG tDwDw tGGDD GtDGwGDtDD tDtDq wDwwtD ttDwDDttDt tGGDG wwqwwGtwGD wwtDttDDw DGDGDD twtGGDGGD wwDDw wDDGDDwtDw wwGDwD DGDtw tGwtGt DGDDwq wtwDDq tGwDDwDw8 GDtDw GGDDGDDG tDtDDG tDDGDDw wDDGDDq wtDGtGDGtw tDDtDq twwttDDGDw wDDtDDwwq tDGtwq GGDGDDG wDtGq tGttDDG wDDtq tDDG wDDGq+ GDDwtGw wtGw, GwtDDt tGDDtt DGDGttDG DGDDGGwDD wwDwq0 tDDtDDtGtG DDtwqwwM GtDwDDq GGwqwDDGDD wwDwwDw GtDwq tGwGDDGDDw GDwtwGt wwDww tGwtDDGDDw GwtDDGq tGDDwDDGww GDDw D GwtGDDtGww tGDDttDG GwG D tDGttwDGwG Gwwtwwttww tDGDGww DDwwtDDt tGtDt GDDGwtDDG wGGwtDGDDG tDGtwDG tDDwtDDGGD DtDtGtGtwD wDDwDDGwwG DGwDGDGGwt GDGwt GDDGwwGDGD GDGGt GtDwwDtw wDGtDDGw GDtDww GDDwDGDDwj twwDGt tDDww ttDtDw tDDGq wtDDw wGwtDtDGqh wqtDq< ttDtDDt wGwt D tDDwtGwGtD tGDGq< wGttDtDDtD DGtDDGwt wtDDG GwttDGtDwt tDDtDDG DDGtDDtDDw tDDGDtDwtD wtwDGDt tGwwGGww wDDGDG tDDtt tDGDGDDGG GGtGq DwtwDDtGw tDtDGDDG wGwDDw tDGwq wtDDGDtG GDDwDGDDG GDDGww twwttDDG GtGDDwtDDw GDDGDGDDG ttDGt wDt D GGtDtDDG tDtDDG GwwtDGDGGD DGDG= tDGwtDwwG GDGDtDDGw tDGwGt tDtDDG wtwDDtDGDG GtDtDDq= GDwtG GtGDtDGwwt GtwwtwDDtD tDtDDG GtDGwDDtDG GDtDDGq< tGwwG tDtDDGDDG tDtGDDwwtG GDDGtGq; GDtDGwGDG GwwDG tDGDDGDDG tDDwq: ttGDDt D GDwwtDwDw tDDGq tDGDDGDDG GwwDDtG tDGwDt GDwtGwGw wDDGq wwtwDDtDDt DGDDG GtDtG GDGwGDDtDD GwDGqq tGwDDt GtGtDG GwDDt wDDGwq wDDGS tDtDGDD tDGtw9 Gqwqw wDGwtDw tGGww twtGq qtDG8 tDDGtDDtDG DtDDtDDG GwwGDDwq8 DDqwq ttDGwt tGDDG qwDG8 tDDttGw GGwtGDDt wDtDDwq8 DwqwwDDGt GwDDw tDDGt GwwtDGwDDt tDtGtDDtDG DGww8 tDDGtDDwtD tDwwtDGDwG wtDGDGwG8 DqwDGqq GwwtG wDDtDDG wttGDDGDDt DtDGwGww8 DwtDG GwtDDGDDGD tGDGDDGDDt DGwGwwDtq7 tGwtDGw GDDGtDDtq qtDwtDGq tDwtDDG tDDGDDtDDG DGtGDww ttDDG tDDtDDG tDDGDDtDDG tDtDq GtDDGt GwDDG ttDDGDDtDD Gwwq5 GtwwG DGtDG wDDGDDtDwG DGDtDDq GGtGwq3 wDDGt tDGtDD tGwtGq3 GwwqtDDG GtDq4 GtDwwDDq GwDGq ttDDww tDGwwtDGDt GwDDt D tGDDtDDG tDDGwL DGwtD DGDttw GDDt D GtDtDDG tGwqqL GDtDDq GDtDDq tDDGwwt GDDGtDDG DDqwG tDGtD GGtDDG tDDGD tDDwtDDGDD tDDGqtDwq3 tDwGwDDqtt DDwtt wDGww wDDtDt GDDGtDDGDG wqtDqw GwwtGwDDGw wDDw3 tDGDDGDww tDGDDtDt GDDGtDDGDG tDGDDtDG DGDDt DGDtDGwtG wDGDDtDDww GtGtDDtDDw wDDtDt tDwwtDGq twtDGDDt GDDGtDDGDG ttDtDGwtw wDtDtDGwwq GwwDDwDtDt tDDwDtGGw tDDwwt GwtDGDDGtw tDDGDDtDwD tDDtDDGttD GDtDt wtDDwwt GDGGwtG wwDGDDtG tDttDwq GGttDq wwtq) wtDDwwtGDD tDDwtDGtDw GwtDDG GwGtDtG GwwDtDDG wwDGDDtGGD tDGDwt ttDDw GDDwwt twDDGGDGG GwDDG qtwDDwtDt GDGwt wwDDwDwt GtGww GwtDDtDGtD DwwtDwGt wDDtGtDDGt GDDww tDtGtDDw qwDGDq tDDGDGww GDGtt GtDDG tGwwDtDDww wtDtDG wtDDwq* wDtG+ GDtDDtDtG wtDDwDDGGw wGww' tDDGGDG GtDDG GtDwtDDw wGwtwtDDt DGtGDGDGw wwtGGDG GwtGt GtDDq tDGDDwDDG GGDDtDtwtG tDDtDwGtDD GDwDtDDt GtGwDGwt GDDtG wDDwwqwDDG GDDtDDGwt tDwDt GDDtDDtG tDGGt tDGDwGDDGw wwtDG tGGDDGD wwtDD tDGww GDDtwtG GtGDDG GwDDG wwtDDGD tDtDt tDtDDGwt twDGtGDDG tDDGD tDwGwwt Gwtwt wDqtG tDttDww tDDtDDt GtDDt wGqtG wDDtDG GDGDDG GDDwt wDGGDDt wtDDq wwDDGDGtD tDDGw wttGt tDDGwDDwwt GtDGG& tDtDq tDDtDGDt wDDwqtDDw GtDwtDw GwDww& Dtwqq tDwtwwtDtD tDwwq GGDDww GttDww GtDtDG GtDtGwt GGqwtDq GDDGt tGDDG wtwDwDq GDDGw GwDGDDGww* qtDDq GDwDGwtG GDDGw- DwtwG DtDGt GDDw- wDDww GwtDt wwtGDw GGwttDDG GDGq- GwDDt GDGGww GDwq- wwDDq GDtDDGGq tDwq- tDtDq GtDGw GwDGw wtDDG GqtGDDq tDDGw wDDGw tGtww GDDwtDG DDtDqq twwDDt GDDGDDwwtD DDtDq DDGtD tDDq tGqwq GtDDGGq. 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D~D ~wPPP 88Pww -::wDD P88rw }}~~r SSDDY~ wDS}8 \\\X- w}8~qP \-XXX r r r P"X\- % PPP Dw]S8 8SDDS r~D~S }w~wP ]]]-PD SP:wS "qqx`" ---\--X DDwD8}~ ]]]8D }~r~wP ~r~Dq ]]]PDD -P88xI r. w~ }wPP: ~DPDD PSS~S --:}}888 ~ r~D~r5r IIXIx --]IX S r~D 8}SDw~ ~SP ~ 88I PPPDSP 88}8] IIXII ]8S88 ``X\X\X\- --]xx --XXXXX "XX-- 888888 ~~DDrr -XxXX\ 161\\\ 8}88} D88}8 -\\\\\ ;tt116 qy t1111 ]]]88 xII]] S8888DP xX--X ]88D~} X-X`" `IXXI -P8SS8}88P XXxxX q"8888w ]]X;11ttg \X\Xxxx yJyyJy ]]]]XXX]] NN,yy,1; y$0JJJJyy 11 ;t11\\\ -"``X]88 6, 1 888S -XX\X ;;g1t1 ]]]8] ]-:]] 1g;ttt 1;;61 66, , ,,,6\1; ;;g1 11,, xx`XX qgg-I IIxx] yy,;1>Ny \\\111 -"""-X x\\ , g1g1 t,t11 8MMM] ]]]]` X----xx 6;11tt1; gygg, X"IxI` 1161116; ]]-Xx` b,1 S888D~ X"""- , \I] ;1\XX g116, ,,,1; gg11;g;;;1; ;;;;gg t , "]]xxx 8888} \1t\1 1;1;11 66t ttt66 t1g1\ g;;xx t11;1;1; g xx---X- ""xX`x-X" MP-xI 111661 6, 6t611 `xx`x y ,1;, ,,,,;11, ;t ;g1;Xx; 888]]]8 ;;11; 61,11 ;;;;1g1 XXXXX "I""""` t111;, , ,,,1; ]"Xxx1166 88SS~ M88SDDw`` -1g1\ ;1;11; t61g1 1; 1,1, 1 6 ,t1; .~.r "Ixx;; t,t1,t6;; ;;;;; XX--- ]--]] 11ttt;;g1g1 ;]]]]] ,11g11y ggg1,1 t1 1g16 111;; 6t 1 1 tt6ttttt ;;1, 1; \\tg1 t 1;1 ygg;6t ,,1111 \t g ;;;;g1; \XXxX ;161,y \I;1,1-] 1N;;111g 6t1xx1g XxxxIX- ,11,,11 g1 ;1;1 , ;;1t11 t -XX\\\- -"`x\\ ;;t,y -6y1;;;111 t1gy1, ,111;1 I--\\-" IX---I"" 6 t;;x 166,, 1,t6,t t ,g,y,, ,g1,,,1 6,1gg tt1;1t \1 111, t , ,, b0,,,gy,11, t66t11gg1 8888SD `x\\X xxIXXX t;;,y Ny,111, y161g ,,11, t11 yyy ,tt1 ;1g11 1,11tt ,gg11 xXXIS 1xx`I t1111 , ``x1t 11g;] ;;166 1, 11t1gI] ,,g,61,,,,t 11t>b^11 ,,,,t 61111 5.r55w .....5~ }88`h h```] X1ttt\ Xx""]` 1t6tt1\X 6,6,t ,, ; ...55 \-X-\xxx\ -X\--" y g 1; 11 t .r .5 55..~ . . r SDw88 `]x8` \Xxxx `---- 00y,11 r. 5 r . x--]}8} x1;,1; z9=|=* XXX\\ .555rr 5.m -X\\\ r~r 5r555 . rm5r~.5r 888h} t6 -] ;1g1] >q""x Xxx`\ ;111 ,1 1t1,, y61 1, 00yy,, rr . r r ..%. r r5... . r~ 611;; y ygggg ,,;ggN^ ... ~ XXXXxxx 1;t111\ Jyy,, -XI`xI ]II````I] 1g66; ;\ttx gS8888 `x\-" \xxXXXX-- ;111; ,111;16\` ,1, 1g t y,,;g1gg "`\\\x SS888 x`h]]-8 116Xx Bd*dd XxxxIXXIXX ttt11;; ;;;; g161tyy ;6,11 , 1;gg1,6 \1111 ;111g16 t111; g;;;; hIxx;6 VBoL< xx`"X \-\\\ t1;11g1t1\, X;;\1gX \\\"8 gtt1, ,111,;; 111t 1 16;111 ttt,y 1t g11t1 6611; 111g,116t61 1t t6 tt1g1 x\X"` 1, 1t t,1;; 11,6g; -1gggt 11ttt1 8]-XX a77zA 1;g11 g1,, ;1t1 , ,1 61;\6 1;;16ttt1 XXX`x- `xxx] 1t, g;g111 ;1tt1 h;\XX xx``8 16gt1t11t; }MMxx ;;g11 ;;1 6t;1t111, 11;1g 111111 ;;gg1t 1t6;;11 111;; 11g11 6 t1g111 ;11 1tt ;1tt1 11 tt1 11, ,tt 11t11 t1gg11 ;1t11g t11;; 1;;;1 ;16ttt gg 11 1;;11g ;111; \\\x` yyy y 1 =zzzn 11;g; ;1;1t g11 11g1y ;\;;6 ``xx\ Ix`IX NNNNNN NNyyN yyyyNy NyyNNN NNNNy f|abJE f|=aaff ;;;;;1t g;, xxxxx J$$$$$ b$bba g 11; $$0ff|a0$0 NbNb$ fJ0ff |f|Jf |b?babba ffffE7 11,g0 ,;111 111g;; ;;;11 Jb$$$bJ JJb$$N$0bb0b 6N^0Nb E|f00 baJ||fa yyy,g ;g1;g; $0Jf0 JEfJb =77^7fEa7 $bfJb0J$ |E^b$ bbb$000b0b uQuzja9 yyyNyN b$b$J0b n9jAQ yy,y, ,y,,y ,11 1 ;1,1; ]-\\\-X1 abbJfJ |fab| EE7=E EEff0JJJ0fJJf |aJ$$f b0JJJ Jb$b0b f0f0fb|ff ||ffJJ N$$$0 fJa|f yyyyy, ygyyyyyyg yy,1,y x\\Xx JfJbJ b=a7bb JJ|aEE EJJff bbfJ||| aJJ|ff 77a|| Jb$$0$0f yyyy 1 ygy,g ff|||JaEa ||faa Effffb EEaaabbEffJ |ff|J aa0Jb fEbJff|f Eaba||| bb0f0f| z9n99! yyyyy N$N0N , y 11 aEEa|0||fffa JJJ|Jff| EaEafJ0JafbbEbbE fJaa=aabEf fEEE|||fE?aa JJ|E77 n999j EE7a7f|a7 EafafEfEfEaaaf aT/af 7aaaEEaEa !VVdF y|fab JfJ0bb E?|aaaf|b| nnzzAA EEEff ||fa=Ef|aaaEE aE|aa |a=7a JJfbabJ =7//^ EEfaj 7E=a=a |fJ$Nbb J$$$$J0b fffE= E|E||Eaa 7EE|afa ||||| =EaE7 zznFs9 BBcF! 0E0J0f J$$bJJ|a a7E?|faEf? Effa|Ea= jaEaEE e&Wee 7aaf= f77a|| ?==abaa /=aa7 Jb7=Eabb |JJ0|0J JbJJJ0 ffaaa|E= |fEEEjRu aaEE=/=a/ JJJ?E Ea7af Effa7a=<< |f|0|a?f /7Ea7T=7E/ |JaEEbb nzn9zAAaEnA 77E=|?=77EE a7=aaJ|aa aaa0f EaJbJbb?|$0JJJ0J fbbfJ0JJa7 y$J0J0J $JJ||EE== Jb0JJb Eaa0| JfEaa|a=7f|| zz/77=7f7aE/=Ea=?/=aaaEa= 7aaaa ?7af| |EEa7J JJaEE a77E|f| b9___ ((___( ____( _((_(_ (7_(U ___T(/ (((U_ /=___ _(__( _(_+/_ =+((_ _(_U( =_l(_ bl__(>_ =_((_ _UU__l_ _+_(_ U__++ U(__/((U _(((/( U(___(_ l(_=/ _U____ /(____/ U____ _((U_ _l((l_ ____/U ((_/_ __//_ (__(_ __//_ _____ ___(_ __2__ (((_U __(_+__ _U__>_ __U_U ___((__ _____(UU U___( __((/ (=(2= _(__((_ __//___ EEl(( >l?|| 4lastCard dobackup -- card that called -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 showRegionX rName 4s_bmpHandle "earth_mi. "\maps\regions\bmap\" & fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && 8 && "alias " style overlapped " && H state the bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4s_bmpHandle selectedTextlines DOSfName photofnames "earth_mi. "\photos\bmap\" & fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && 9 && "alias " style overlapped " && H state bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer 4s_bmpHandle wtime "down" photofnames) countX lastC i >= 1 "\photos\bmap\" & fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && G && "alias $ style overlapped " && L state -- bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4s_bmpHandle selectedTextlines DOSfName regionfnames "earth_mi. "\maps\regions\bmap\" & fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && 9 && "alias " style overlapped " && H state bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer 4s_bmpHandle DOSfName num HighName "earth_mi. "\charts\bmap\" & & ".BMP" fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && 9 && "alias " style overlapped " && H state bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer 4s_bmpHandle DOSfName num LowName "earth_mi. "\charts\bmap\" & & ".BMP" fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && 9 && "alias " style overlapped " && H state bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer 4lastCard leaveCountry() startCountry(); dobackup -- card that called -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4onCountryPage bshowtext -- the Hide/Show Text over map") redoCountryText() 4countryName 4countryNum 4doingHitList 4textshown 4firstSearchWord sysSuspendMessages redoCountryButtons() countryText -- avoid flashing entryText -- "most recent" "escape begin" ID 2 "Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories" showPhotos num 4s_bmpHandle -- DOSfName photofnames -- "earth_mi. "\photos\bmap\" & fPath tbkBitmap("close bmpFile") " && < && "alias # style overlapped " && J state bitmap's translating emessages status translatewindowmessage bmpWindowClose bmpButtonDown untranslate they unTranslateAllWindowMessages a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer showPhotos num 4s_bmpHandle photofnames currentPage V" = 8"photos.tbk" dobackup -- card that called 4lastCard "Show Buttons over map" Text c"Options" "Wayzata World Factbook Help" "About "tbkmm.sbk" tbkmmInitializeSystem ook" redoCountryText 4textshown entryText countryText BUTTON " "Hide BID 0 B"Entry Rqments /Travel Advisories" BID 0 suspendStack -- Called upon HELP --ConvertIt!: ccommands & ximplemented -- HyperTalk: reset -- Don't display CATEGORIES resumeStack helpMenu -- Re- -- Display no conversion THERE IS A operator, writing OpenScript functions: there helpMenuItems() following Ucould xbe translated ( menuMessage HelpFactbook ht_go 8" & wayzataGoTo cardName iris direction xsupported: mapping "visual", try: expression used zmay need tweaking: wayzataGoToNum wayzataGoToBack WayzataGoPrevious WayzataGoNext redoCountryButtons ap") ( "most recent" = "escape begin" sysErr (result ("YES" ? ..." ..." ..." ShowButtonsovermap 4onCountryPage ap") 3 ap" E ap" P-- redraw ]Coutries ShowTextovermap WayzataWorldFactbookHelp AboutWayzataWorldFactbook aboutText 1993 Edition" & CRLF & " HJames Wick Dave Jackson."\ (Copyright 1993 Technology, Inc." & RData compiled Central Intelligence Agency The State Department." & you publishing your tdatabase on CD-ROM."\ 1-800-735-7321 (218) 326-0597" ryPage DRESDNER DRESHER DRESS DRESSAGE DRESSED DRESSEL DRESSEN DRESSENDORFER DRESSER DRESSERS DRESSES DRESSIER DRESSING DRESSING/SITTING DRESSINGS DRESSLER DRESSMAKER DRESSMAKING DRESSSED DRESSY DRETELJ DREUX DREVERMANN Help! countries countryName buttonUp -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4countryName 4onHitList selectedTextlines textHeightProp Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Arctic Ocean Argentina Armenia Aruba Ashmore and Cartier Islands Atlantic Ocean Australia Austria Azerbaijan The Bahamas Bahrain Baker Island Bangladesh Barbados Bassas da India Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burma Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chile China Christmas Island Clipperton Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Coral Sea Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czechoslovakia Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Estonia Ethiopia Europa Island Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Faroe Islands Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern and Antarctic Lands Gabon The Gambia Gaza Strip Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Glorioso Islands Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City) Honduras Hong Kong Howland Island Hungary Iceland India Indian Ocean Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Jan Mayen Japan Jarvis Island Jersey Johnston Atoll Jordan Juan de Nova Island Kazakhstan Kenya Kingman Reef Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Man, Isle of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Midway Islands Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Navassa Island Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Ocean Pakistan Palmyra Atoll Panama Papua New Guinea Paracel Islands Paraguay Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Spratly Islands Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tromelin Island Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands Wake Island Wallis and Futuna West Bank Western Sahara Western Samoa World Yemen Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Taiwan Regional Maps Click on map to view Regional maps textHeightProp !Market in El Harrach, Algeria *State Dept* Carpet market in Khroub, Algeria *State Dept* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Austria *Jochen Fuehrer* Perth, Australia *Scott Overby* Brisbane, Australia *Scott Overby* Hobart, Australia *Scott Overby* Barbados *Scott Overby* Barbados *Scott Overby* Barabados *Scott Overby* Waterloo monument, Belgium *State Dept* Brussels, Belgium *State Dept* Brussels *Rosanne Engelhardt* Benin *State Dept* Beach near La Crique, Benin *State Dept* Gabarone, Botswana *State Dept* Diamonds from Botswana *State Dept* Rio de Janeiro, Brazil *Scott Overby* Rio de Janiero, Brazil *Scott Overby* Rio de Janiero, Brazil *Scott Overby* Young Boy, Burkina *State Dept* Masai Houses, Burkina *State Dept* Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma *State Dept* Thatbyinnyu Temple, Burma *State Dept* Burmese farmer *State Dept* Angkor Thom, Cambodia *State Dept* On the road from Phonm Penh, Cambodia *State Dept* Angkor Wat, Cambodia *State Dept* Tree near Mindelo, Cape Verde *State Dept* Water carriers on Fogo Island, Cape Verde *State Dept* Crioula girl on Maio, Cape Verde *State Dept* Brava Island section called Lim, Cape Verde *State Dept* Oubangui river, Central African Rep. *State Dept* Great Wall, China *Stephen Ledoux* Street in China *Stephen Ledoux* Children playing, China *Stephen Ledoux* Hradcany Castle, Czechoslovakia *State Dept* Denmark *Jochen Fuehrer* Mosque, Djibouti *State Dept* Goats in a tree, Djibouti *State Dept* Market, Djibouti *State Dept* Camel, Djibouti *State Dept* The pyramids, Egypt *Scott Overby* Cairo Egypt *Scott Overby* Winged victory in Plaza Libertad, El Salvador *State Dept* Side walk fast food in San Salvador, El Salvador *State Dept* Parliament, England *Rosanne Engelhardt* London, England *Rosanne Engelhardt* London and Double decker bus, Help-Search false marked Page Pict State Department wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 4 showNameProp State Department Statistics wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 5 showNameProp Compare countries Search for country/area geographically Click on area to view Europe/Asia North/ Central America Africa Oceania/ Australia South America Antarctica Africa buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = North America buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Oceania buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = South America buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Antarctica Area buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Eur-Asia buttonUp objectFromPoint( ) = Photo and Map Tour wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 6 showNameProp Country, photo and map tour Search All Text buttonUp objectFromPoint( Search All Text Help! Help! buttonUp wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 5 wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 4 wayzataGoToNum buttonUp wayzataGoToNum 6 Show Text over map active,unchecked buttonUp objectFromPoint( ("Show Text over map") buttonUp .&+ +E Photos photofnames photos.tbk buttonUp tbkBitmap close bmpFile s_bmpHandle bmpButtonDown single ctbkTimerStart bmpWindowClose 5fbmpButtonDown tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 selectedTextlines DOSfName photofnames "Photos" currentPage 8"photos.tbk" --close DIB untranslate emessages they bmpButtonDown 4s_bmpHandle unTranslateAllWindowMessages tbkBitmap(" bmpFile") a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) bmpWindowClose lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer .&+ +E region.tbk Regions regionfnames buttonUp tbkBitmap close bmpFile s_bmpHandle bmpButtonDown single ctbkTimerStart bmpWindowClose 5fbmpButtonDown tbkMMTimer -- Copyright 1992 Wayzata Technology, Inc. (218) 326-0597 4s_bmpHandle selectedTextlines DOSfName regionfnames "Regions" currentPage :.tbk" --close DIB untranslate emessages they bmpButtonDown unTranslateAllWindowMessages tbkBitmap(" zbmpFile") a timer edirectly (Alt-f4) bmpWindowClose lets efinish closing 4sending a --which turn sends a windows tbkTimerStart("single",500,100, tbkMMTimer