Pipelines: none

Ports: Takoradi, Tema

Merchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 27,427 GRT/35,894 DWT ships by type: cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 12 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 70,000 (1988 est.)

Telephone system: poor to fair system domestic: primarily microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 4 (repeaters 8)

Televisions: 250,000 (1993 est.)



Defense ———-

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, Palace Guard, Civil Defense

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 4,135,538 males fit for military service: 2,303,423 males reach military age (18) annually: 176,332 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $30 million, 0.8% of GDP (1994)



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



@Gibraltar ————-

(dependent territory of the UK)

Map —-

Location: 36 11 N, 5 22 W — Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain



Flag ——

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



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 36 11 N, 5 22 W

Map references: Europe

Area: total area: 6.5 sq km land area: 6.5 sq km comparative area: about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 1.2 km border country: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline: 12 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: source of friction between Spain and the UK

Climate: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain: a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources: NEGL

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: limited natural freshwater resources, so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA

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



People ———

Population: 28,765 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 20% (male 3,109; female 2,728) 15-64 years: 66% (male 10,668; female 8,292) 65 years and over: 14% (male 1,582; female 2,386) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.54% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 13.94 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 8.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.29 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female all ages: 1.15 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.83 years male: 74.5 years female: 81.31 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.26 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Gibraltarian(s) adjective: Gibraltar

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

Religions: Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 11% (Church of England 8%, other 3%), Muslim 8%, Jewish 2%, none or other 5% (1981)

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

Literacy: NA



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Gibraltar

Data code: GI

Type of government: dependent territory of the UK

Capital: Gibraltar

Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)

National holiday: Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March)

Constitution: 30 May 1969

Legal system: English law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects resident six months or more

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor and Commander in Chief Field Marshal Sir John CHAPPLE (since NA March 1993) head of government: Chief Minister Joe BOSSANO (since 25 March 1988) was appointed by the governor Gibraltar Council: advises the governor cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed from the elected members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation with the chief minister

Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly: elections last held 16 January 1992 (next to be held NA January 1996); results - SL 73.3%, SD 20.2%, NP 4.7%, independents 1.8%; seats - (18 total, 15 elected) SL 8, SD 7

Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party (SL), Joe BOSSANO; Gibraltar Labor Party/Association for the Advancement of Civil Rights (GCL/AACR), leader Adolfo CANEPA; Gibraltar Social Democrats (SD), Peter CARUANA; Gibraltar National Party (NP), Joe GARCIA

Other political or pressure groups: Housewives Association; Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization

International organization participation: Interpol (subbureau)

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

US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)

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



Economy ———-

Economic overview: Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade and offshore banking. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 11% to the local economy. The financial sector accounts for 15% of GDP; tourism, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. Because more than 70% of the economy is in the public sector, changes in government spending have a major impact on the level of employment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $205 million (1993 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $6,600 (1993 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%

Labor force: 14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) note: UK military establishments and civil government employ nearly 50% of the labor force

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $116 million expenditures: $124 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992-93)

Industries: tourism, banking and finance, construction, commerce; support to large UK naval and air bases; tobacco, mineral waters, beer, canned fish

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 47,000 kW production: 90 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,539 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: none

Exports: $57 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: (principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%, other 8% partners: UK, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, US, FRG

Imports: $420 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs partners: UK, Spain, Japan, Netherlands

External debt: $318 million (1987)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Gibraltar pound (LG) = 100 pence

Exchange rates: Gibraltar pounds (LG) per US$1 - 0.6535 (January 1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991); note - the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June



Transportation ———————

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

Highways: total: 49.9 km (including 12.9 km public highways) paved: 49.9 km unpaved: 0 km

Pipelines: none

Ports: Gibraltar

Merchant marine: total: 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 357,730 GRT/635,769 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1, oil tanker 13 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 19,529 (1993 est.)

Telephone system: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities domestic: automatic exchange facilities international: radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 4

Televisions: NA



Defense ———-

Branches: British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK



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



@Glorioso Islands ————————

(possession of France)

Map —-

Location: 11 30 S, 47 20 E — Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Madagascar



Flag ——

Description: the flag of France is used



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Map references: Africa

Area: total area: 5 sq km land area: 5 sq km comparative area: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 35.2 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: claimed by Madagascar

Climate: tropical

Terrain: NA lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 12 m

Natural resources: guano, coconuts

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms)

Irrigated land: 0 sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: periodic cyclones international agreements: NA



People ———

Population: uninhabited



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Glorioso Islands local long form: none local short form: Iles Glorieuses

Data code: GO

Type of government: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence: none (possession of France)

Flag: the flag of France is used



Economy ———-

Economic overview: no economic activity



Transportation ———————

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Airports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)



Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France



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



@Greece ———



Map —-

Location: 39 00 N, 22 00 E — Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey



Flag ——

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



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references: Europe

Area: total area: 131,940 sq km land area: 130,800 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries: total: 1,210 km border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 228 km

Coastline: 13,676 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 6 nm

International disputes: complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Turkey in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question; dispute with The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over name; border demarcation with Albania, the treatment of Albania's ethnic Greek minority, and migrant Albanian workers in Greece remain unresolved issues

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

Terrain: mostly mountains with ranges extending into sea as peninsulas or chains of islands lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

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

Land use: arable land: 23% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 40% forest and woodland: 20% other: 9%

Irrigated land: 11,900 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: air pollution; water pollution natural hazards: severe earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification

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



People ———

Population: 10,538,594 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (male 899,029; female 837,308) 15-64 years: 68% (male 3,571,918; female 3,542,556) 65 years and over: 16% (male 736,818; female 950,965) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.42% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 9.78 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 9.53 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 3.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.1 years male: 75.6 years female: 80.78 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.37 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Greek(s) adjective: Greek

Ethnic divisions: Greek 98%, other 2% note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in ======================================================================



@Greenland ————-

(part of the Danish realm)

Map —-

Location: 72 00 N, 40 00 W — Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada



Flag ——

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



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references: Arctic Region

Area: total area: 2,175,600 sq km land area: 383,600 sq km (ice free) comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 44,087 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain: flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Gunnbjorn 3,700 m

Natural resources: zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, cryolite, uranium, fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 0% other: 99%

Irrigated land: 0 sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island international agreements: NA

Geographic note: dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast



People ———

Population: 58,203 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 27% (male 7,871; female 7,723) 15-64 years: 68% (male 21,755; female 17,961) 65 years and over: 5% (male 1,307; female 1,586) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 17.06 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 7.11 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.21 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female all ages: 1.13 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 23.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.24 years male: 63.97 years female: 72.53 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.22 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Greenlander(s) adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic divisions: Greenlander 86% (Eskimos and Greenland-born whites), Danish 14%

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran

Languages: Eskimo dialects, Danish

Literacy: NA



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Greenland local long form: none local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Data code: GL

Type of government: part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division

Capital: Nuuk (Godthab)

Administrative divisions: 3 municipalities (kommuner, singular - kommun); Nordgronland, Ostgronland, Vestgronland

Independence: none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division)

National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Constitution: 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system: Danish

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (of Denmark since 14 January 1972), a constitutional monarch, is represented by High Commissioner Steen SPORE (since NA 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Lars Emil JOHANSEN (since 15 March 1991) was elected by the Landsting cabinet: Landsstyre is formed from the Landsting on basis of strength of parties

Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Landsting): election last held on 4 March 1995 (next to be held NA 5 March 1999); results - Siumut 38.5%, Inuit Ataqatigiit 20.3%, Atassut Party 29.7%; seats - (31 total) Siumut 12, Atassut Party 10, Inuit Ataqatigiit 6, conservative splinter grouping 2, independent 1 Danish Folketing: election last held on 21 September 1994 (next to be held by NA September 1998); Greenland elects two representatives to the Folketing; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Liberals 1, Social Democrats 1; note - Greenlandic representatives are affiliated with Danish political parties

Judicial branch: High Court (Landsret)

Political parties and leaders: two-party ruling coalition; Siumut (Forward Party, a moderate socialist party that advocates more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark), Lars Emil JOHANSEN, chairman; Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) (Eskimo Brotherhood, a Marxist-Leninist party that favors complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule), Josef MOTZFELDT; Atassut Party (Solidarity, a more conservative party that favors continuing close relations with Denmark), Daniel SKIFTE; Akulliit Party, Bjarne KREUTZMANN; Issituup (Polar Party), Nicolai HEINRICH

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

US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

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



Economy ———-

Economic overview: Greenland's economic situation at present is difficult. Unemployment is increasing, and prospects for economic growth in the immediate future are dim. Following the closing of the Black Angel lead and zinc mine in 1989, Greenland became almost completely dependent on fishing and fish processing, the sector accounting for 95% of exports. Prospects for fisheries are not bright, as the important shrimp catches will at best stabilize and cod catches have dropped. Resumption of mining and hydrocarbon activities is not around the corner, thus leaving only tourism with some potential for the near future. The public sector, i.e., the central government and its commercial entities and the municipalities, plays a dominant role in Greenland, accounting for about two-thirds of total employment. About half the government's revenues come from grants from the Danish Government, an important supplement of GDP.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $892 million (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $15,500 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1993 est.)

Labor force: 22,800

Unemployment rate: 6.6% (1993 est.)

Budget: revenues: $667 million expenditures: $635 million, including capital expenditures of $103.8 million (1993 est.)

Industries: fish processing (mainly shrimp), lead, zinc, handicrafts, small shipyards

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 84,000 kW production: 210 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,361 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: forage crops, small garden vegetables; sheep; 1988 fish catch of 133,500 metric tons

Exports: $330.5 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: fish and fish products 95% partners: Denmark 79%, Benelux 9%, Germany 5%

Imports: $369.6 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: manufactured goods 28%, machinery and transport equipment 24%, food and live animals 12.4%, petroleum products 12% partners: Denmark 65%, Norway 8.8%, US 4.6%, Germany 3.8%, Japan 3.8%, Sweden 2.4%

External debt: $297.1 million (1993)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: substantial annual subsidy from Denmark

Currency: 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oere

Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 5.652 (January 1996), 5.602 (1995), 6.361 (1994), 6.484 (1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 150 km paved: 60 km unpaved: 90 km

Ports: Faeringehavn, Frederikshaab, Holsteinsborg, Nanortalik, Narsaq, Nuuk (Godthaab), Sondre Stromfjord

Merchant marine: total: 1 short-sea passenger (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,162 GRT/610 DWT (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 8 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 17,900 (1984 est.)

Telephone system: adequate domestic and international service provided by cables and microwave radio relay domestic: microwave radio relay international: 2 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 7 (repeaters 35), shortwave 0

Radios: 23,000 (1991 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 4 (repeaters 9)

Televisions: 12,000 (1991 est.)



Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark



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



@Grenada ———-



Map —-

Location: 12 07 N, 61 40 W — Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago



Flag ——

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



Geography ————-

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates: 12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total area: 340 sq km land area: 340 sq km comparative area: twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 121 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain: volcanic in origin with central mountains lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources: timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use: arable land: 15% permanent crops: 26% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 9% other: 47%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

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



People ———

Population: 94,961 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 20,975; female 20,246) 15-64 years: 52% (male 26,089; female 23,068) 65 years and over: 5% (male 2,112; female 2,471) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.55% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 29.13 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 5.74 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -17.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female all ages: 1.07 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.89 years male: 68.39 years female: 73.44 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.78 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Grenadian(s) adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic divisions: black African

Religions: Roman Catholic, Anglican, other Protestant sects

Languages: English (official), French patois

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Grenada

Data code: GJ

Type of government: parliamentary democracy

Capital: Saint George's

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

Independence: 7 February 1974 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution: 19 December 1973

Legal system: based on English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General Reginald Oswald PALMER (since 6 August 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June 1995) was appointed from members of the House of Assembly by the governor general cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of a 13-member body, 10 appointed by the government and three by the leader of the opposition House of Representatives: elections last held on 20 June 1995 (next to be held by NA October 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) NDC 5, GULP 2, NNP 8

Judicial branch: West Indies Associate States Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: National Democratic Congress (NDC), George BRIZAN; Grenada United Labor Party (GULP), Sir Eric GAIRY; The National Party (TNP), Ben JONES; New National Party (NNP), Keith MITCHELL; Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement (MBPM), Terrence MARRYSHOW; New Democratic Party (NDP), James MITCHELL; Unity Labor Party (ULP), Vincent BEACHE

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

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Denneth MODESTE chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: the ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada; Charge d'Affaires Dennis CARTER embassy: Point Salines, Saint George's mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, W.I. telephone: [1] (809) 444-1173 through 1178 FAX: [1] (809) 444-4820

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



Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy is essentially agricultural and centers on the traditional production of spices and tropical plants. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and 80% of exports and employs 24% of the labor force. Tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner, followed by agricultural exports. Manufacturing remains relatively undeveloped, but is growing due to a favorable private investment climate since 1983. The economy achieved an impressive average annual growth rate of 5.5% in 1986-91 but has slowed since 1992. The new MITCHELL government has moved forward with a plan to eliminate personal income tax in the hope of spurring domestic consumption.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $284 million (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 3% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $3,000 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10.2% industry: 40.3% services: 49.5% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 36,000 by occupation: services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%, manufacturing 5%, other 32% (1985)

Unemployment rate: 14% (1995 est.)

Budget: revenues: $75.7 million (1996 est.) expenditures: $126.7 million, including capital expenditures of $51 million (1996 est.)

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

Industrial production growth rate: 1.8% (1992 est.)

Electricity: capacity: 12,500 kW production: 60 million kWh consumption per capita: 639 kWh (1993)

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

Illicit drugs: produces and exports marijuana for US markets

Exports: $24.2 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace partners: Caricom 32.3%, UK 20%, US 13%, Netherlands 8.8% (1991)

Imports: $162.2 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%, chemicals 10%, fuel 6% (1989) partners: US 31.2%, Caricom 23.6%, UK 13.8%, Japan 7.1% (1991)

External debt: $89.1 million (1995 est.)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 994 km paved: 597 km unpaved: 397 km (1988 est.)

Ports: Grenville, Saint George's

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 5,650 (1988 est.)

Telephone system: automatic, islandwide telephone system domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links international: new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0

Radios: 80,000 (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1 (1988 est.)

Televisions: 30,000 (1993 est.)



Defense ———-

Branches: Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA

Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP



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



@Guadeloupe —————

(overseas department of France)

Map —-

Location: 16 15 N, 61 35 W — Caribbean, islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico



Flag ——

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



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total area: 1,780 sq km land area: 1,706 sq km comparative area: 10 times the size of Washington, DC note: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands, of which Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, and Marie-Galante are the three largest

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 306 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity

Terrain: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grand-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,467 m

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

Land use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 40% other: 24%

Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcano international agreements: NA



People ———

Population: 407,768 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 26% (male 53,118; female 51,219) 15-64 years: 66% (male 132,846; female 136,147) 65 years and over: 8% (male 14,617; female 19,821) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.2% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 17.78 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 5.59 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -0.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.4 years male: 74.37 years female: 80.58 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.92 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Guadeloupian(s) adjective: Guadeloupe

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

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

Languages: French (official) 99%, Creole patois

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982 est.) total population: 90% male: 90% female: 90%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Department of Guadeloupe conventional short form: Guadeloupe local long form: Departement de la Guadeloupe local short form: Guadeloupe

Data code: GP

Type of government: overseas department of France

Capital: Basse-Terre

Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)

Independence: none (overseas department of France)

National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system: French legal system

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President (of France) Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Michel DIEFENBACHER (since NA March 1995), who was appointed by the French Ministry of Interior head of government: President of the General Council Dominique LARIFLA (since NA); President of the Regional Council Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)

Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional Council General Council: elections last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (43 total) FRUI.G 13, RPR/DUD 13, PPDG 8, FGPS 3, PCG 3, UPLG 1, PSG 1, independent 1 Regional Council: elections last held 31 January 1994 (next to be held by 16 March 1998); results - RPR/FGPS-dissadents 48.30%, FGPS 17.09%, FRUI.G 7.44%, PPDG 8.90%, UPLG 7.75% PCG 6.05%; seats - (41 total) RPR/FGPS-dissadents 22, FGPS/FRUI.G 9, PPDG 5, PCG 3, UPLG 2 French Senate: elections last held in September 1995 (next to be held NA September 2004); Guadeloupe elects two representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PPDG 1, FGPS 1 French National Assembly: elections last held on 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1998); Guadeloupe elects four representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) FGPS 1, RPR 1, PPDG 1, independent 1

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

Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Daniel BEAUBRUN; Communist Party of Guadeloupe (PCG), Christian Medard CELESTE; Socialist Party (FGPS), Georges LOUISOR; Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG), Claude MAKOUKE; FGPS Dissidents (FRUI.G), Dominique LARIFLA; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Marcel ESDRAS; Progressive Democratic Party (PPDG), Henri BANGOU

Other political or pressure groups: Movement for Independent Guadeloupe (MPGI); General Union of Guadeloupe Workers (UGTG); General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers (CGT-G); Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (KLPG)

International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU

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

US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France)

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



Economy ———-

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

GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.7 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $9,200 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 9% services: 85% (1993 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1990)

Labor force: 129,700 by occupation: agriculture 15%, industry 20%, services 65% (1993)

Unemployment rate: 31.3% (1995)

Budget: revenues: $395 million expenditures: $407 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995)

Industries: construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 320,000 kW production: 650 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,421 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats

Exports: $130 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: bananas, sugar, rum partners: France 70%, Martinique 17% (1991)

Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: foodstuffs, fuels, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods, construction materials partners: France 60%, EC, US, Japan (1991)

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: substantial annual French subsidies

Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.0056 (January 1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: total: NA km; privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation lines

Highways: total: 2,082 km (national 329 km, regional 582 km, community/local 1171 km) paved: 1,742 km unpaved: 340 km (1985 est.)

Ports: Basse-Terre, Gustavia, Marigot, Pointe-a-Pitre

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 9 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 6 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 64,916 (1984 est.)

Telephone system: domestic facilities inadequate domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Martinique

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 8 (private stations licensed to broadcast FM 30), shortwave 0

Radios: 100,000 (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 9

Televisions: 150,000 (1993 est.)



Defense ———-

Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France



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



@Guam ——

(territory of the US)

Map —-

Location: 13 28 N, 144 47 E — Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines



Flag ——

Description: territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag



Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 541.3 sq km land area: 541.3 sq km comparative area: three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 125.5 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center, mountains in south lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources: fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)

Land use: arable land: 11% permanent crops: 11% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 18% other: 45%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August) international agreements: NA

Geographic note: largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean



People ———

Population: 156,974 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate: 2.34% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 24.24 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 3.86 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate: 15.17 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.29 years male: 72.42 years female: 76.13 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Guamanian(s) adjective: Guamanian

Ethnic divisions: Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, white 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other 18%

Religions: Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%

Languages: English, Chamorro, Japanese

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Territory of Guam conventional short form: Guam

Data code: GQ

Type of government: organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Capital: Agana

Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US)

Independence: none (territory of the US)

National holiday: Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March) (1521); Liberation Day, 21 July

Constitution: Organic Act of 1 August 1950

Legal system: modeled on US; federal laws apply

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch: chief of state: President (of the United States) William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Carl GUTIERREZ (since 8 November 1994) and Lieutenant Governor Madeleine BORDALLO (since 8 November 1994) were elected for a four-year term by popular vote; election last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1998); results - Carl GUTIERREZ (Democrat) defeated Tommy TANAKA (Republican) with 54.6% of the vote cabinet: executive departments; heads appointed by the governor with the consent of the Guam legislature

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislature: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) Democrats 14, Republican 7 US House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); Guam elects one delegate; results - Robert UNDERWOOD was reelected as delegate; seats - (1 total) Democrat 1

Judicial branch: Federal District Court, judge is appointed by the president; Territorial Superior Court, judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor

Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (controls the legislature); Republican Party (party of the Governor)

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), IOC, SPC

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

US diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US)

Flag: territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag



Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy depends mainly on US military spending and on revenues from tourism. Over the past 20 years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. Visitors numbered about 900,000 in 1992. The slowdown in Japanese economic growth has been reflected in less vigorous growth in the tourism sector. About 60% of the labor force works for the private sector and the rest for government. Most food and industrial goods are imported, with about 75% from the US. Guam faces the problem of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of military downsizing.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $2 billion (1991 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $14,000 (1991 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1992 est.)

Labor force: 46,930 (1990) by occupation: federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%, services 15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990)

Unemployment rate: 2% (1992 est.)

Budget: revenues: $525 million expenditures: $395 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991)

Industries: US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 300,000 kW production: 750 million kWh consumption per capita: 4,797 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Exports: $34 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products partners: US 25%, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12%

Imports: $493 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods partners: US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58%

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: recipient: although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transfer payments from the general revenues of the US Federal Treasury into which Guamanians pay no income or excise taxes; under the provisions of a special law of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury, rather than the US Treasury, receives federal income taxes paid by military and civilian Federal employees stationed in Guam

Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: US currency is used

Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September



Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 674 km (all-weather roads) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Ports: Apra Harbor

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 4 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 26,317 (1989 est.)

Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); submarine cables to US and Japan

Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 3

Televisions: 75,000 (1993 est.)



Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US



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



@Guatemala ————-



Map —-

Location: 15 30 N, 90 15 W — Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico



Flag ——

Description: three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath



Geography ————-

Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico

Geographic coordinates: 15 30 N, 90 15 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total area: 108,890 sq km land area: 108,430 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries: total: 1,687 km border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline: 400 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: border with Belize in dispute; talks to resolve the dispute are stalled

Climate: tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Natural resources: petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle

Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 12% forest and woodland: 40% other: 32%

Irrigated land: 780 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution natural hazards: numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequent violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geographic note: no natural harbors on west coast



People ———

Population: 11,277,614 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 2,464,498; female 2,362,457) 15-64 years: 54% (male 3,026,834; female 3,031,278) 65 years and over: 3% (male 184,927; female 207,620) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.48% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 33.96 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 7.15 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -1.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female all ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 50.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.24 years male: 62.64 years female: 67.97 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Guatemalan(s) adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic divisions: Mestizo - mixed Amerindian-Spanish ancestry (in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 44%

Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan

Languages: Spanish 60%, Indian language 40% (23 Indian dialects, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 55.6% male: 62.5% female: 48.6%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala conventional short form: Guatemala local long form: Republica de Guatemala local short form: Guatemala

Data code: GT

Type of government: republic

Capital: Guatemala

Administrative divisions: 22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution: 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986 note: suspended 25 May 1993 by President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president

Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen (since 14 January 1996); Vice President Luis Alberto FLORES Asturias (since 14 January 1996); results - Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen (PAN) 51.2%, Jorge PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG) 48.8%; ARZU was elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage; election runoff held on 14 January 1996 (next to be held November 2000) cabinet: Council of Ministers was named by the president

Legislative branch: unicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica): elections were held on 12 November 1995 to select 80 new congressmen (next election will be held in November 2000); results - seats (80 total) PAN 43, FRG 21, FDNG 6, DCG 4, UCN 3, UD 2, MLN 1 note: on 11 November 1993 the congress approved a procedure that reduced its number from 116 seats to 80; the procedure provided for a special election in mid-1994 to elect an interim congress of 80 members to serve until replaced in the November 1995 general election; the plan was approved in a general referendum in January 1994 and the special election was held on 14 August 1994

Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia); additionally the Court of Constitutionality is presided over by the President of the Supreme Court, judges are elected for a five-year term by Congress

Political parties and leaders: National Centrist Union (UCN), (vacant); Solidarity Action Movement (MAS), Oliverio GARCIA Rodas; Christian Democratic Party (DCG), Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo; National Advancement Party (PAN), Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen; National Liberation Movement (MLN), Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mario SOLORZANO Martinez; Revolutionary Party (PR), Carlos CHAVARRIA Perez; Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG), Efrain RIOS Montt; Democratic Union (UD), Jose CHEA Urruela; New Guatemalan Democratic Front (FDNG), Jorge GONZALEZ del Valle

Other political or pressure groups: Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations (CACIF); Mutual Support Group (GAM); Agrarian Owners Group (UNAGRO); Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC); leftist guerrilla movement known as Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union (URNG) has four main factions - Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP); Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA); Rebel Armed Forces (FAR); Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT/O)

International organization participation: BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pedro LAMPORT Kelsall chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952 through 4954 FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marilyn McAFEE embassy: 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City mailing address: APO AA 34024 telephone: [502] (2) 311541 FAX: [502] (2) 318885

Flag: three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath



Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, which accounts for 25% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and supplies two-thirds of exports. Manufacturing, predominantly in private hands, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 12% of the labor force. In both 1990 and 1991, the economy grew by 3%, the fourth and fifth consecutive years of mild growth. In 1992 growth picked up to almost 5% as government policies favoring competition and foreign trade and investment took stronger hold. In 1993-94, despite political unrest, this momentum continued, foreign investment held up, and annual growth averaged 4%. Strong international prices for Guatemala's traditional commodity exports featured 4.9% growth in 1995. Given the markedly uneven distribution of land and income, the government faces major obstacles in its program of economic modernization and the reduction of poverty.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $36.7 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.9% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $3,300 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 20% services: 55%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 3.2 million (1994 est.) by occupation: agriculture 60%, services 13%, manufacturing 12%, commerce 7%, construction 4%, transport 3%, utilities 0.7%, mining 0.3% (1985)

Unemployment rate: 4.9%; underemployment 30%-40% (1994 est.)

Budget: revenues: $1.6 billion expenditures: $1.88 billion, including capital expenditures of $570 million (1996 est.)

Industries: sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 700,000 kW production: 2.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 211 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Illicit drugs: transit country for cocaine shipments; illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; the government has an active eradication program for cannabis and opium poppy

Exports: $2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: coffee, sugar, bananas, cardamom, beef partners: US 30%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, Honduras

Imports: $2.85 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motor vehicles partners: US 44%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Germany

External debt: $3.1 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $84 million (1993)

Currency: 1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates: free market quetzales (Q) per US$1 - 5.9346 (December 1995), 5.8103 (1995), 5.7512 (1994), 5,6354 (1993), 5.1706 (1992), 5.0289 (1991); note - black-market rate 2.800 (May 1989)

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 884 km (102 km privately owned) narrow gauge: 884 km 0.914-m gauge (single track)

Highways: total: 12,033 km paved: 3,117 km (including 125 km of expressways) unpaved: 8,916 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water season

Pipelines: crude oil 275 km

Ports: Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 463 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 320 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 9 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 124 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 210,000 (1993 est.)

Telephone system: fairly modern network centered in the city of ======================================================================



@Guernsey ————

(British crown dependency)

Map —-

Location: 49 28 N, 2 35 W — Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France



Flag ——

Description: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag



Geography ————-

Location: Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates: 49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references: Europe

Area: total area: 194 sq km land area: 194 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 50 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain: mostly level with low hills in southwest lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m

Natural resources: cropland

Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA

Geographic note: large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port



People ———

Population: 62,920 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 5,592; female 5,439) 15-64 years: 67% (male 20,636; female 21,472) 65 years and over: 15% (male 3,925; female 5,856) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.28% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 13.06 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 9.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 9.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female all ages: 0.92 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.22 years male: 75.28 years female: 81.27 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.56 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic divisions: UK and Norman-French descent

Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist

Languages: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy: NA



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey conventional short form: Guernsey

Data code: GK

Type of government: British crown dependency

Capital: Saint Peter Port

Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)

Independence: none (British crown dependency)

National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system: English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Vice-Admiral Sir John COWARD (since NA 1994) and Bailiff Mr. Graham Martyn DOREY (since February 1992) were appointed by the queen cabinet: Advisory and Finance Committee (other committees); appointed by the Assembly of the States

Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the States: elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party since all are independents; seats - (60 total, 33 elected), all independents

Judicial branch: Royal Court

Political parties and leaders: none; all independents

International organization participation: none

Diplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)

US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)

Flag: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag



Economy ———-

Economic overview: Financial services account for about 55% of total income. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Bank profits (1992) registered a record 26% growth. Fund management and insurance are the two other major income generators.

GDP: $NA

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $NA

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1988)

Labor force: NA

Unemployment rate: 3%-4% (1994 est.)

Budget: revenues: $238.3 million expenditures: $223.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Industries: tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 173,000 kW production: 525 million kWh consumption per capita: 9,060 kWh (1992)

Agriculture: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Exports: $NA commodities: tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables partners: UK (regarded as internal trade)

Imports: $NA commodities: coal, gasoline, and oil partners: UK (regarded as internal trade)

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: none

Currency: 1 Guernsey (LG) pound = 100 pence

Exchange rates: Guernsey pounds (LG) per US$1 - 0.6535 (January 1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991); note - the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Ports: Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 41,850 (1983 est.)

Telephone system: domestic: NA international: 1 submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: NA



Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK



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



@Guinea ———



Map —-

Location: 11 00 N, 10 00 W — Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone



Flag ——

Description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band



Geography ————-

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 10 00 W

Map references: Africa

Area: total area: 245,860 sq km land area: 245,860 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries: total: 3,399 km border countries: Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline: 320 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish

Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 12% forest and woodland: 42% other: 40%

Irrigated land: 240 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Hazardous Wastes



People ———

Population: 7,411,981 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (male 1,632,414; female 1,637,007) 15-64 years: 53% (male 1,928,586; female 2,013,343) 65 years and over: 3% (male 84,005; female 116,626) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.85% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 42.59 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 18.71 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -5.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) note: in prior years Guinea received several hundred thousand refugees from the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, many of whom are now returning to their own countries

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 134.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.06 years male: 42.73 years female: 47.47 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 5.72 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Guinean(s) adjective: Guinean

Ethnic divisions: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller tribes 10%

Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages: French (official), each tribe has its own language

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 35.9% male: 49.9% female: 21.9%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea conventional short form: Guinea local long form: Republique de Guinee local short form: Guinee former: French Guinea

Data code: GV

Type of government: republic

Capital: Conakry

Administrative divisions: 33 administrative regions (regions administratives, singular - region administrative); Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Independence: 2 October 1958 (from France)

National holiday: Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984)

Constitution: 23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system: based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal codes currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Lansana CONTE, elected in the first multiparty election 19 December 1993 (president must be elected by a majority of the votes cast); prior to the election he had ruled as head of military government since 5 April 1984 cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president

Legislative branch: unicameral People's National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire): the People's National Assembly was dissolved after the 3 April 1984 coup; framework established in December 1991 for a new National Assembly with 114 seats; legislative elections were held on 11 June 1995; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (114 total) PUP 71, RPG 19, PRP 9, UNR 9, UPG 2, PDG 1, UNP 1, PDG/RDA 1, other 1

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel)

Political parties and leaders: political parties were legalized on 1 April 1992; of the more than 40 with legal status, the following won seats in the legislature in the 11 June 1995 elections pro-government: Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) other: Rally for the Guinean People (RPG), Alpha CONDE; Union for a New Republic (UNR), Mamadou BAH; Party for Renewal and Progress (PRP), Siradiou DIALLO; Union for Progress of Guinea (UPG), Secretary-General Jean-Marie DORE; Democratic Party of Guinea (DPG), Ahmed Sekou TOURE; National Union for the Prosperity of Guinea (UNPG), Lt.Col. Facine TOURE, leader; Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG), El Hadj Ismael Mohamed Gassim GUSHEIN, leader

International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Bangoura Mahawa CAMARA chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-9420 FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph A. SALOOM III embassy: Rue KA 038, Conakry mailing address: B. P. 603, Conakry telephone: [224] 41 15 20, 41 15 21, 41 15 23 FAX: [224] 44 15 22

Flag: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band



Economy ———-

Economic overview: Although possessing major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The agricultural sector employs 80% of the work force. Guinea possesses over 25% of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounted for 85% of exports in 1991. Long-run improvements in literacy, financial institutions, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Except in the bauxite industry, foreign investment remains minimal.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,020 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 31% services: 45% (1995 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.1% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 2.4 million (1983) by occupation: agriculture 80.0%, industry and commerce 11.0%, services 5.4%, civil service 3.6%

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $449 million expenditures: $708 million, including capital expenditures of $361 million (1990 est.)

Industries: bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing industries

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 180,000 kW production: 520 million kWh consumption per capita: 77 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Exports: $562 million (1994 est.) commodities: bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palm kernels partners: US 23%, Belgium 12%, Ireland 12%, Spain 12%

Imports: $688 million (1994 est.) commodities: petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs partners: France 26%, Cote d'Ivoire 12%, Hong Kong 6%, Germany 6%

External debt: $3.02 billion (1994)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates: Guinean francs (FG) per US$1 - 995.3 (August 1995), 976.6 (1994), 955.5 (1993), 902.0 (1992), 753.9 (1991) note: the official exchange rate of the Guinean franc was set and quoted weekly against the US dollar until end-October 1993; since 1 November 1994, the exchange rate is determined in the interbank market for foreign exchange

Fiscal year: calendar year



Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 1,086 km standard gauge: 279 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 807 km 1.000-m gauge; note - includes 662 km in common carrier service from Kankan to Conakry

Highways: total: 29,750 km paved: 4,490 km unpaved: 25,260 km (1991 est.)

Waterways: 1,295 km navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Ports: Boke, Conakry, Kamsar

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 14 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 6 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 (1995 est.)



Communications ———————

Telephones: 18,000 (1994 est.)

Telephone system: poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay system domestic: microwave radio relay and radiotelephone communication international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 1, shortwave 0

Radios: 257,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: 65,000 (1993 est.)



Defense ———-

Branches: Army, Navy (acts primarily as a coast guard), Air Force, Republican Guard, Presidential Guard, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force (Surete National)

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,684,264 males fit for military service: 849,404 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $50 million, 1.6% of GDP (1994)



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



@Guinea-Bissau ——————-



Map —-

Location: 12 00 N, 15 00 W — Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal



Flag ——

Description: 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



Geography ————-

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Geographic coordinates: 12 00 N, 15 00 W

Map references: Africa

Area: total area: 36,120 sq km land area: 28,000 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries: total: 724 km border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline: 350 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-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 lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location in the northeast corner of the country 300 m

Natural resources: phosphates, bauxite, unexploited deposits of petroleum, fish, timber

Land use: arable land: 11% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 43% forest and woodland: 38% other: 7%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands



People ———

Population: 1,151,330 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 247,471; female 246,725) 15-64 years: 54% (male 295,132; female 329,681) 65 years and over: 3% (male 15,603; female 16,718) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.35% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 39.7 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 16.23 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 115.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.28 years male: 46.63 years female: 49.99 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 5.34 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Guinea-Bissauan(s) adjective: Guinea-Bissauan

Ethnic divisions: African 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, African languages

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 54.9% male: 68% female: 42.5%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau local long form: Republica de Guine-Bissau local short form: Guine-Bissau former: Portuguese Guinea

Data code: PU

Type of government: republic, formerly highly centralized, multiparty since mid-1991

Capital: Bissau

Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali

Independence: 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

National holiday: Independence Day, 10 September (1974)

Constitution: 16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991 (currently undergoing revision to liberalize popular participation in the government)

Legal system: NA

Suffrage: 15 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (assumed power 14 November 1980) was elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last held August 1994 (next to be held 1999); results - Joao Bernardo VIEIRA 52%, Kumba YALLA 48% head of government: Prime Minister Manuel SATURNINO (since 5 November 1994) was appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president

Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly: (Assembleia Nacional Popular) elections last held 3 July and 7 August 1994 (next to be held 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (100 total) PAIGC 62, RGB 19, PRS 12, Union for Change Coalition 6, FLING 1

Judicial branch: none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of Ministers

Political parties and leaders: African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader; Guinea-Bissau Resistance (RGB), Helder Jorge VAZ Gomes Lopes, leader; Democratic Front (FD); Social Renovation Party (PRS), Koumba YALLA, leader; Union for Change Coalition; Front for the Liberation and Independence of Guinea (FLING); Democratic Social Front (FDS), Rafael BARBOSA, leader; Bafata Movement, Domingos Fernandes GARNER, leader; Guinea-Bissau Resistance (RGB); Union for Change Coalition

International organization participation: ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIL, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alfredo Lopes CABRAL chancery: 918 16th Street NW, Mezzanine Suite, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 872-4222 FAX: [1] (202) 872-4226

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Peggy BLACKFORD embassy: Bairro de Penha, Bissau mailing address: C.P. 297, 1067 Bissau Codex, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau telephone: [245] 252273, 252274, 252275, 252276 FAX: [245] 252282

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



Economy ———-

Economic overview: Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world. 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. With IMF support, the country is committed to an economic reform program emphasizing monetary stability and private sector growth. This process will continue at a slow pace because of a heavy foreign debt burden and internal constraints.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1 billion (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $900 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 44% industry: 8% services: 48% (1993 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 403,000 (est.) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry, services, and commerce 5%, government 5%

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries: agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 22,000 kW production: 40 million kWh consumption per capita: 37 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; fishing and forest potential not fully exploited

Exports: $32 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: cashews, fish, peanuts, palm kernels partners: Portugal, Spain, Senegal, India, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire

Imports: $63 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: foodstuffs, transport equipment, petroleum products, machinery and equipment partners: Portugal, Netherlands, China, Germany, Senegal

External debt: $692 million (December 1993 est.)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates: Guinea-Bissauan pesos (PG) per US$1 - 17,659 (December 1995), 12,892 (1994), 10,082 (1993), 6,934 (1992), 3,659 (1991), 2,185 (1990)

Fiscal year: calendar year



Communications ———————

Telephones: 3,000 (1988 est.)

Telephone system: poor system domestic: combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiotelephone communications international: NA

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0

Radios: 40,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: NA



Defense ———-

Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force), paramilitary force

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 259,738 males fit for military service: 148,291 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9 million, 4.5% of GDP (1994)



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



@Guyana ———



Map —-

Location: 5 00 N, 59 00 W — Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela



Flag ——

Description: 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



Geography ————-

Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela

Geographic coordinates: 5 00 N, 59 00 W

Map references: South America

Area: total area: 214,970 sq km land area: 196,850 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries: total: 2,462 km border countries: Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline: 459 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International 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 lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Natural resources: bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 83% other: 8%

Irrigated land: 1,300 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation natural hazards: flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Whaling



People ———

Population: 712,091 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (male 118,796; female 114,327) 15-64 years: 63% (male 224,219; female 222,562) 65 years and over: 4% (male 14,582; female 17,605) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: -0.9% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 19.03 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 9.55 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -18.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female all ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 51.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 60.1 years male: 57.55 years female: 62.78 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.19 children born/woman (1996 est.)

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: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1995 est.) total population: 98.1% male: 98.6% female: 97.5%



Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Co-operative Republic of Guyana conventional short form: Guyana former: British Guiana

Data code: GY

Type of government: 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)

National holiday: Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution: 6 October 1980

Legal system: based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Executive President Cheddi JAGAN (since 9 October 1992); the president is elected by the majority party in the National Assembly after legislative elections, which must be held within five years; legislative elections last held 5 October 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Cheddi JAGAN was elected president by the PPP head of government: Prime Minister Sam HINDS (since 9 October 1992) was appointed by the president cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers was appointed by the president; is responsible to the legislature

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held on 5 October 1992 (next to be held in 1997); results - PPP 53.4%, PNC 42.3%, WPA 2%, TUF 1.2%; seats - (65 total, 53 elected) PPP 36, PNC 26, WPA 2, TUF 1