Front matter (continued 3)

*Belgium, Government

Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium conventional short form: Belgium local long form: Royaume de Belgique local short form: Belgique Digraph: BE Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the process of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing the Belgian state Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831) Political parties and leaders: Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman VAN ROMPUY, president; Walloon Social Christian (PSC) , Melchior WATHELET, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), Guy SPITAELS; Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD), Guy VERHOFSTADT, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis VAN GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel VAN DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; National Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV; Flemish Green party), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO; Francophone Green party), NA; other minor parties Other political or pressure groups: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal and compulsory Elections: Senate: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (184 total; of which 106 are directly elected) CVP 20, SP 14, PVV (now VLD) 13, VU 5, AGALEV 5, VB 5, ROSSEN 1, PS 18, PRL 9, PSC 9, ECOLO 6, FDF 1

*Belgium, Government

Chamber of Representatives: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - CVP 16.7%, PS 13.6%, SP 12.0%, PVV (now VLD) 11.9%, PRL 8.2%, PSC 7.8%, VB 6.6%, VU 5.9%, ECOLO 5.1%, AGALEV 4.9%, FDF 2.6%, ROSSEM 3.2%, FN 1.5%; seats - (212 total) CVP 39, PS 35, SP 28, PVV (now VLD) 26, PRL 20, PSC 18, FB 12, VU 10, ECOLO 10, AGALEV 7, FDF 3, ROSSEM 3, FN 1 Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish - Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre des Representants) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) Member of: AG (observer), ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australian Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Juan CASSIERS chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 333-6900 FAX: (202) 333-3079 consulates general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce S. GELB embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent, Brussels mailing address: B-1000 Brussels, PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09724 telephone: [32] (2) 513-3830 FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725 Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France

*Belgium, Economy

Overview: This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC countries. The economy grew at a strong 4% pace during the period 1988-90, but economic growth slowed to a 1% pace in 1991-92. The economy is expected to turn in another sluggish 1% performance in 1993. Belgium's public debt remains high at 120% of GDP and the government is trying to control its expenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrialized countries. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $177.9 billion (1992) National product real growth rate: 0.8% (1992) National product per capita: $17,800 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.8% (end 1992) Budget: revenues $97.8 billion; expenditures $109.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $118 billion (f.o.b., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products partners: EC 75.5%, US 3.7%, former Communist countries 1.4% (1991) Imports: $121 billion (c.i.f., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: EC 73%, US 4.8%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communist countries 1.8% (1991) External debt: $31.3 billion (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.6% (1992 est.) Electricity: 17,500,000 kW capacity; 68,000 million kWh produced, 6,790 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Agriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; net importer of farm products Illicit drugs: source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; increasingly important gateway country for cocaine entering the European market

*Belgium, Economy

Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billion Currency: 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 33.256 (January 1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Belgium, Communications

Railroads: Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,568 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 2,207 km electrified Highways: 103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000 km unpaved rural roads Inland waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Pipelines: petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 96,949 GRT/133,658 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 5 oil tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk Airports: total: 42 usable: 42 with permanent-surface runways: 24 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 14 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 3 Telecommunications: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system

*Belgium, Defense Forces

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,556,189; fit for military service 2,133,051; reach military age (19) annually 63,532 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4 billion, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Belize, Geography

Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 22,960 km2 land area: 22,800 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: total 516 km, Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south note: from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial sea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala International disputes: border with Guatemala in dispute; negotiations to resolve the dispute have begun Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 44% other: 52% Irrigated land: 20 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south); deforestation Note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean

*Belize, People

Population: 203,957 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.42% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 35.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 6.15 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 36.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.85 years male: 65.91 years female: 69.88 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.53 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean Ethnic divisions: Mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8% Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980) Languages: English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib) Literacy: age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) total population: 91% male: 91% female: 91% Labor force: 51,500 by occupation: agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3% note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985)

*Belize, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras Digraph: BH Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Belmopan Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK) Constitution: 21 September 1981 Legal system: English law National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; National Alliance for Belizean Rights, leader NA Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR), Assad SHOMAN; United Workers Front, leader NA Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: National Assembly: last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count PUP 16, UDP 12 Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Minita Elmira GORDON (since 21 September 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989) Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador James V. HYDE

*Belize, Government

chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 332-9636 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA embassy: Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City telephone: [501] (2) 77161 through 77163 FAX: [501] (2) 30802 Flag: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland

*Belize, Economy

Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $373 million (1990 est.) National product real growth rate: 10% (1990) National product per capita: $1,635 (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.5% (1991) Unemployment rate: 12% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $95.6 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: sugar, citrus, clothing, bananas, fish products, molasses partners: US 49%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991) Imports: $194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 60%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991) External debt: $143.7 million (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 3.7% (1990); accounts for 12% of GDP Electricity: 34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 393 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 22% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to about 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 million Currency: 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate)

*Belize, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Belize, Communications

Highways: 2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol, Punta Gorda, Big Creek Merchant marine: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,768 GRT/12,721 DWT; includes 3 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off Airports: total: 42 usable: 32 with permanent-surface runways: 3 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,229-2,439 mr: 2 Telecommunications: 8,650 telephones; above-average system based on microwave radio relay; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Belize, Defense Forces

Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 47,135; fit for military service 28,070; reach military age (18) annually 2,066 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.4 million, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Benin, Geography

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Nigeria and Togo Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 112,620 km2 land area: 110,620 km2 comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total 1,989 km, Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km Coastline: 121 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 35% other: 45% Irrigated land: 60 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation; desertification Note: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no natural harbors

*Benin, People

Population: 5,166,735 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 3.33% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 48.09 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 14.8 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 112.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 51.31 years male: 49.51 years female: 53.16 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Beninese (singular and plural) adjective: Beninese Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 23% male: 32% female: 16% Labor force: 1.9 million (1987) by occupation: agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2% note: 49% of population of working age (1985)

*Benin, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local long form: Republique Populaire du Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey Digraph: BN Type: republic under multiparty democratic rule dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 Capital: Porto-Novo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: 2 December 1990 Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990) Political parties and leaders: Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), Timothee ADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-Roger AHOYO; Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; National Rally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for Democracy and Development (MNDD), leader NA; Movement for Solidarity, Union, and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; Union for Democracy and National Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU; Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD), Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Akindes ADEKPEDJOU; Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio Gado Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), Robert TAGNON; Party for Progress and Democracy, Theophile NATA; numerous other small parties Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: National Assembly: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7, MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1

*Benin, Government

President: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu KEREKOU 32% Executive branch: president, cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU chancery: 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 232-6656 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Ruth A. DAVIS embassy: Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92 FAX: [229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side

*Benin, Economy

Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Low prices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1991) National product real growth rate: 3% (1991) National product per capita: $410 (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.) Exports: $263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa partners: FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4% Imports: $428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4% External debt: $1 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production, petroleum Agriculture: accounts for 35% of GDP; small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated by food crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, rice; cash crops include cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept up with consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 million Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)

*Benin, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Benin, Communications

Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou Airports: total: 7 usable: 5 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,439-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay microwave; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Benin, Defense Forces

Branches: Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,075,053; females age 15-49 1,170,693; males fit for military service 550,645; females fit for military service 591,506; males reach military age (18) annually 56,872; females reach military age (18) annually 55,141 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Bermuda, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Bermuda, Geography

Location: in the western North Atlantic Ocean, 1,050 km east of North Carolina Map references: North America Area: total area: 50 km2 land area: 50 km2 comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 20% other: 80% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360 small coral islands Note: some reclaimed land leased by US Government

*Bermuda, People

Population: 60,686 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 0.78% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 15.21 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 7.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.03 years male: 73.36 years female: 76.97 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% Languages: English Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99% Labor force: 32,000 by occupation: clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984)

*Bermuda, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda Digraph: BD Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget,, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick, Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 8 June 1968 Legal system: English law National holiday: Bermuda Day, 22 May Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONS Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: House of Assembly: last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other 1 Executive branch: British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Lord David WADDINGTON (since NA) Head of Government: Premier John William David SWAN (since NA January 1982) Member of: CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC Diplomatic representation in US: as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are represented by the UK US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES consulate general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton

*Bermuda, Government

mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002 telephone: (809) 295-1342 FAX: (809) 295-1592 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag

*Bermuda, Economy

Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion (1991) National product real growth rate: -1.5% (1991) National product per capita: $22,000 (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.4% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6% (1991) Budget: revenues $327.5 million; expenditures $308.9 million, including capital expenditures of $35.4 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $50 million (f.o.b., FY89) commodities: semitropical produce, light manufactures, re-exports of pharmaceuticals partners: US 55%, UK 32%, Canada 11%, other 2% Imports: 527.2 million (f.o.b., FY89) commodities: fuel, foodstuffs, machinery partners: US 60%, UK 8%, Venezuela 7%, Canada 5%, Japan 5%, other 15% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,370 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million Currency: 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Bermuda, Communications

Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George Merchant marine: 72 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,451.099 GRT/5,937,636 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 21 oil tanker, 13 liquefied gas, 16 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Bermuda, Defense Forces

Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Bhutan, Geography

Location: South Asia, in the Himalayas, between China and India Map references: Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 47,000 km2 land area: 47,000 km2 comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: total 1,075 km, China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: none Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 70% other: 23% Irrigated land: 340 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

*Bhutan, People

Population: 700,000 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.33% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 39.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 16.26 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 123.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 50.17 years male: 50.74 years female: 49.58 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.45 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects; Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2% note: massive lack of skilled labor

*Bhutan, Government

Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan Digraph: BT Type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 17 December (1907) (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king) Political parties and leaders: no legal parties Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy; Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections Elections: no national elections Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, INTELSAT, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation in US: no formal diplomatic relations; the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the US US diplomatic representation: no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India) Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side

*Bhutan, Economy

Overview: The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important natural resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to 3,000/year to minimize foreign influence. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $320 million (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 3.1% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $200 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capital expenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $74 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.) commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India) partners: India 90% Imports: $106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics partners: India 83% External debt: $120 million (June 91) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 18% of GDP; primarily cottage industry and home based handicrafts Electricity: 336,000 kW capacity; 1,542.2 million kWh produced, 2,203 kWh per capita (25.8% is exported to India, leaving only 1,633 kWh per capita) (1990-91) Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide Agriculture: accounts for 45% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry; self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice, corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy products, eggs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million Currency: 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender

*Bhutan, Economy

Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 26.156 (January 1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

*Bhutan, Communications

Highways: 2,165 km total; 1,703 km surfaced Airports: total: 2 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: domestic telephone service is very poor with very few telephones in use; international telephone and telegraph service is by land line through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990)

*Bhutan, Defense Forces

Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia Manpower availability: males age 15-49 415,315; fit for military service 222,027; reach military age (18) annually 17,344 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Bolivia, Geography

Location: Central South America, between Brazil and Chile Map references: South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,098,580 km2 land area: 1,084,390 km2 comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: total 6,743 km, Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon basin Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 52% other: 20% Irrigated land: 1,650 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Peru

*Bolivia, People

Population: 7,544,099 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.31% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 32.83 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 76.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.77 years male: 60.34 years female: 65.33 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.31 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 78% male: 85% female: 71% Labor force: 1.7 million by occupation: agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%, other 10% (1983)

*Bolivia, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Bolivia conventional short form: Bolivia local long form: Republica de Bolivia local short form: Bolivia Digraph: BL Type: republic Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) Constitution: 2 February 1967 Legal system: based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Political parties and leaders: Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Max FERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P), Walter DELGADILLO and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB), Humberto RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (married) 21 years of age; universal and compulsory (single) Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3 Chamber of Senators: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1

*Bolivia, Government

President: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support, PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6 August 1989 Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO Sanjines (since 6 August 1989) Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, GATT, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge CRESPO chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 483-4410 through 4412 consulates general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS embassy: Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO AA 34032 telephone: [591] (2) 350251 or 350120 FAX: [591] (2) 359875 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band

*Bolivia, Economy

Overview: With its long history of semifeudalistic social controls, dependence on volatile prices for its mineral exports, and bouts of hyperinflation, Bolivia has remained one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries. Since August 1989, President PAZ Zamora, despite his Marxist origins, has maintained a moderate policy of repressing domestic terrorism, containing inflation, and achieving annual GDP growth of 3 to 4%. For many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.9 billion (1992) National product real growth rate: 3.8% (1992) National product per capita: $670 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.5% (December 1992) Unemployment rate: 5% (1992) Budget: revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.57 billion, including capital expenditures of $627 million (1993 est.) Exports: $609 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: metals 46%, hydrocarbons 21%, other 33% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber) partners: US 15%, Argentina Imports: 1.185 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods partners: US 22% External debt: $3.7 billion (December 1992) Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1992); accounts for almost 32% of GDP Electricity: 865,000 kW capacity; 1,834 million kWh produced, 250 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces 15% of its revenues Agriculture: accounts for about 21% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principal commodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber; self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated 47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication program unable to prevent production from rising to 82,000 metric tons in 1992 from 74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million

*Bolivia, Economy

Currency: 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.9437 (August 1992), 3.85 (1992), 3.5806 (1991), 3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Bolivia, Communications

Railroads: 3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km 0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track Highways: 38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km Ports: none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Ilo in Peru Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,051 GRT/22,155 DWT Airports: total: 1,225 usable: 1,043 with permanent-surface runways: 9 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 161 Telecommunications: microwave radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Bolivia, Defense Forces

Branches: Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy includes Marines (Fuerza Navala), Air Force (Fuerza Aereo de Bolivia), National Police Force (Boliviano Policia Nacional) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,786,137; fit for military service 1,162,160; reach military age (19) annually 78,125 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Header

Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina is suffering from interethnic civil strife which began in March 1992 after the Bosnian Government held a referendum on independence. Bosnia's Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb held areas to a "greater Serbia". Since the onset of the conflict, which has driven approximately half of the pre-war population of 4.4 million from their homes, both the Bosnian Serbs and the Bosnian Croats have asserted control of more than three-quarters of the territory formerly under the control of the Bosnian Government. The UN and the EC are continuing to try to mediate a plan for peace.

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Geography

Location: Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, between Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro Map references: Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 51,233 km2 land area: 51,233 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: total 1,369 km, Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km (312 km with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro) Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 m depth exclusive economic zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina; Muslim majority being forced from many areas Climate: hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Terrain: mountains and valleys Natural resources: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium, lead, zinc Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 36% other: 17% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, People

Population: 4,618,804 (July 1993 est.) note: all data dealing with population is subject to considerable error because of the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing Population growth rate: 0.72% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 13.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.8 years male: 72.11 years female: 77.67 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.62 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian Ethnic divisions: Muslim 44%, Serb 31%, Croat 17%, other 8% Religions: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 1,026,254 by occupation: agriculture 2%, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.)

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: Republika Bosna i Hercegovina local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina Digraph: BK Type: emerging democracy Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: 109 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Banovici, Banja Luka, Bihac, Bijeljina, Bileca, Bosanska Dubica, Bosanska Graaiskia, Bosanska Krupa, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Novi, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanski Samac, Bosansko Grahovo, Bratunac, Brcko, Breza, Bugojno, Busovaca, Cazin, Cajilice, Capljina, Celinac, Citluk, Derventa, Duboj, Donji Vakuf, Foca, Fojnica, Gacko, Glamoc, Gorazde Gornji Vakuf, Gracanica, Gradacac, Grude, Han Pijesak Jablanica, Jajce, Kakanj, Kalesija, Kalinovik, Kiseljak, Kladanj, Kljuc, Konjic, Kotor Varos, Kresevo, Kupres, Laktasi, Listica, Livno, Lopare, Lukavac, Ljubinje, Ljubuski, Maglaj, Modrica, Mostar, Mrkonjic Grad, Neum, Nevesinje, Odzak, Olovo, Orasje, Posusje, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Prozor, (Pucarevo) Novi Travnik, Rogatica, Rudo, Sanski Most, Sarajevo-Centar, Sarajevo-Hadzici, Sarajevo-Ilidza, Sarajevo-Ilijas, Sarajevo-Novi Grad, Sarajevo-Novo, Sarajevo-Pale, Sarajevo-Stari Grad, Sarajevo-Trnovo, Sarajevo-Vogosca, Skender Vakuf, Sokolac, Srbac, Srebrenica, Srebrenik, Stoloc, Sekovici, Sipovo, Teslic, Tesanj, (Titov Drvar) Drvar, Duvno, Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Vare, Velika Kladusa, Visoko, Visegrad, Vitez Vlasenica, Zavidovici, Zenica, Zvornik, Zepce, Zivinice note: currently under negotiation with the assistance of international mediators Independence: NA April 1992 (from Yugoslavia) Constitution: NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Political parties and leaders: Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Mirsad CEMAN; Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDS BiH), Radovan KARADZIC, president; Muslim-Bosnian Organization (MBO), Adil ZULFIKARPASIC, president; Democratic Party of Socialists (DSS), Nijaz DURAKOVIC, president; Party of Democratic Changes, leader NA; Serbian Movement for Renewal (SPO), Milan TRIVUNCIC; Alliance of Reform Forces of Yugoslavia for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SRSJ BiH), Dr. Nenad KECMANOVIC, president; Democratic League of Greens (DSZ), Drazen PETROVIC; Liberal Party (LS), Rasim KADIC, president Other political or pressure groups: NA Suffrage: 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government

Elections: Chamber of Municipalities: last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (110 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 38, HDZ BiH 23, Party of Democratic Changes 4, DSS 1, SPO 1 Chamber of Citizens: last held NA 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (130 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 34, HDZ BiH 21, Party of Democratic Changes 15, SRSJ BiH 12, MBO 2, DSS 1, DSZ 1, LS 1 Executive branch: collective presidency, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Chamber of Municipalities (Vijece Opeina) and a lower house or Chamber of Citizens (Vijece Gradanstvo) Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since NA December 1990), other members of the collective presidency: Ejup GANIC (since NA), Miro LASIC (since NA December 1992), Mirko PEJANOVIC (since NA), Tatjana LJUJIC-MIJATOVIC (since NA December 1992), Fikret ABDIC Head of Government: Prime Minister Mile AKMADZIC (since NA October 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Miodrag SIMOVIC (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Hadzo EFENDIC (since NA) Member of: CEI, CSCE, ECE, UN, UNCTAD, WHO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: NA chancery: NA telephone: NA US diplomatic representation: the US maintains full diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina but has not yet established an embassy in Serajevo Flag: white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white Roman crosses with a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower fly side

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy

Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning and management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of March 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina was being torn apart by the continued bitter interethnic warfare that has caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery to multiply. No reliable economic statistics for 1992 are available, although output clearly fell below the already depressed 1991 level. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $14 billion (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: -37% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $3,200 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% per month (1991) Unemployment rate: 28% (February 1992 est.) Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $2,054 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods 31%, machinery and transport equipment 20.8%, raw materials 18%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 17.3%, chemicals 9.4%, fuel and lubricants 1.4%, food and live animals 1.2% partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $1,891 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants 32%, machinery and transport equipment 23.3%, other manufactures 21.3%, chemicals 10%, raw materials 6.7%, food and live animals 5.5%, beverages and tobacco 1.9% partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA%, but production is sharply down because of interethnic and interrepublic warfare (1991-92) Electricity: 3,800,000 kW capacity; 7,500 million kWh produced, 1,700 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy

Agriculture: accounted for 9.0% of GDP in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very productive Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: $NA Currency: Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, "Yugoslav" dinar used in all other areas Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Communications

Railroads: NA km Highways: 21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth; note - highways now disrupted Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: crude oil 174 km, natural gas 90 km (1992); note - pipelines now disrupted Ports: coastal - none; inland - Bosanski Brod on the Sava River Airports: total: 27 useable: 22 with permanent-surface runways: 8 with runways over 3659: 0 with runways 2440-3659 m: 4 with runways 1220-2439 m: 5 Telecommunications: telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6 TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Defense Forces

Branches: Army Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,283,576; fit for military service 1,045,512; reach military age (19) annually 37,827 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP

*Botswana, Geography

Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 600,370 km2 land area: 585,370 km2 comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total 4,013 km, Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: short section of boundary with Namibia is indefinite; disputed island with Namibia in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; recent dispute with Namibia over uninhabited Sidudu Island in Linyanti River Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Terrain: predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 75% forest and woodland: 2% other: 21% Irrigated land: 20 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: overgrazing, desertification Note: landlocked

*Botswana, People

Population: 1,325,920 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.53% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 33.39 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 8.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.54 years male: 59.52 years female: 65.65 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.25 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: age 15 and over able to read and write simple sentences (1990) total population: 72% male: 67% female: 74% Labor force: 400,000 by occupation: 198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in various mines in South Africa (1990)

*Botswana, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Botswana conventional short form: Botswana former: Bechuanaland Digraph: BC Type: parliamentary republic Capital: Gaborone Administrative divisions: 10 districts; Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; in addition, there are 4 town councils - Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste, Selebi-Phikwe Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK) Constitution: March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 30 September (1966) Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Sir Ketumile MASIRE; Botswana National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: National Assembly: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3 President: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - President Sir Ketumile MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefs and a lower house or National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Sir Ketunile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Festus MOGAE (since 9 March 1992 ) Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE chancery: Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

*Botswana, Government

telephone: (202) 244-4990 or 4991 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David PASSAGE embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353-982 FAX: [267] 356-947 Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center

*Botswana, Economy

Overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population, but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to 50% in 1991. No other sector has experienced such growth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. Although diamond production was down slightly in 1992, substantial gains in coal output and manufacturing helped boost the economy National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion (FY92 est.) National product real growth rate: 5.8% (FY92 est.) National product per capita: $2,450 (FY92 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.5% (December 1992) Unemployment rate: 25% (1989) Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.99 billion, including capital expenditures of $652 million (FY94) Exports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b. 1991) commodities: diamonds 78%, copper and nickel 8%, meat 4% partners: Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products partners: Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US External debt: $344 million (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 6.9% (1991); accounts for about 53% of GDP, including mining Electricity: 220,000 kW capacity; 1,123 million kWh produced, 846 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing Agriculture: accounts for only 5% of GDP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle raising supports 50% of the population; must import up to of 80% of food needs Economic aid: US aid, $13 million (1992); US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,875 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million; in 1992: Norway (largest donor) $16 million, Sweden $15.5 million, Germany $3.6 million, EC/Lome-IV $3-6 million in grants, $28.7 million in long-term projects Currency: 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe

*Botswana, Economy

Exchange rates: pula (P) per US$1 - 2.31 (February 1993), 2.1327 (1992), 2.0173 (1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Botswana, Communications

Railroads: 712 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth Airports: total: 100 usable: 87 with permanent-surface runways: 8 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 29 Telecommunications: the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Botswana, Defense Forces

Branches: Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 282,885; fit for military service 148,895; reach military age (18) annually 14,868 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $196 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY93/94)

*Bouvet Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Norway)

*Bouvet Island, Geography

Location: in the south Atlantic Ocean, 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total area: 58 km2 land area: 58 km2 comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all ice) Irrigated land: 0 km2 Environment: covered by glacial ice Note: located in the South Atlantic Ocean

*Bouvet Island, People

Population: uninhabited

*Bouvet Island, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island Digraph: BV Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway Independence: none (territory of Norway)

*Bouvet Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Bouvet Island, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Telecommunications: automatic meteorological station

*Bouvet Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

*Brazil, Geography

Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Map references: South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 8,511,965 km2 land area: 8,456,510 km2 comparative area: slightly smaller than the US note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Land boundaries: total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km Coastline: 7,491 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arrio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the Uruguay Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower, gold, platinum, petroleum, timber Land use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 67% other: 6% Irrigated land: 27,000 km2 (1989 est.)

*Brazil, Geography

Environment: recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation in Amazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities Note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

*Brazil, People

Population: 156,664,223 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 1.35% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 21.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 8.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 61.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.7 years male: 58.28 years female: 67.33 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.49 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%, mixed 38%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 90% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 81% male: 82% female: 80% Labor force: 57 million (1989 est.) by occupation: services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%

*Brazil, Government

Names: conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil conventional short form: Brazil local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil local short form: Brasil Digraph: BR Type: federal republic Capital: Brasilia Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito, federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*,, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) Constitution: 5 October 1988 Legal system: based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822) Political parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Roberto ROLLEMBERG, president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Jose Mucio MONTEIRO, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis Ignacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), Luiz GONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, president Other political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker's Party are critical of government's social and economic policies Suffrage: voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109 Federal Senate: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16

*Brazil, Government

President: last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held November 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA 47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960 Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Itamar FRANCO (since 29 December 1992) Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rubens RICUPERO chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 745-2700 consulates general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York consulates: Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard MELTON embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal mailing address: APO AA 34030 telephone: [55] (61) 321-7272 FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136 consulates general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulates: Porto Alegre, Recife Flag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)

*Brazil, Economy

Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990, launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government also obtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements with commercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reduction of debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation - the rate doubled in 1992 - continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumed the presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992, has promised to support the basic premises of COLLOR'S reform program but has yet to define clearly his economic policies. Brazil's natural resources remain a major, long-term economic strength. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $369 billion (1992) National product real growth rate: -0.2% (1992) National product per capita: $2,350 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1,174% (1992) Unemployment rate: 5.9% (1992) Budget: revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $32.9 billion (1990) Exports: $35.0 billion (1992) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts partners: EC 32.3%, US 20.3%, Latin America 11.6%, Japan 9% (1991) Imports: $20.0 billion (1992) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: Middle East 12.4%, US 23.5%, EC 21.8%, Latin America 18.8%, Japan 6% (1991) External debt: $123.3 billion (December 1992) Industrial production: growth rate -3.8% (1992); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: 63,765,000 kW capacity; 242,184 million kWh produced, 1,531 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin

*Brazil, Economy

Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second- largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: 1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 13,827.06 (January 1993), 4,506.45 (1992), 406.61 (1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Brazil, Communications

Railroads: 28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 km electrified Highways: 1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth Inland waterways: 50,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos Merchant marine: 232 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,335,234 GRT/8,986,734 DWT; includes 5 passenger-cargo, 42 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 10 container, 11 roll-on/roll-off, 58 oil tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil, 65 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 11 vehicle carrier; in addition, 1 naval tanker is sometimes used commercially Airports: total: 3,613 usable: 3,031 with permanent-surface runways: 431 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 584 Telecommunications: good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations

*Brazil, Defense Forces

Branches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Military Police (paramilitary) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 42,623,934; fit for military service 28,721,849; reach military age (18) annually 1,655,918 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Geography

Location: in the Indian Ocean, south of India about halfway between Africa and Indonesia Map references: Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 60 km2 land area: 60 km2 comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Diego Garcia Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 km2 Environment: archipelago of 2,300 islands Note: Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

*British Indian Ocean Territory, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there are UK-US military personnel; civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US military facilities

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Government

Names: conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory conventional short form: none Abbreviation: BIOT Digraph: IO Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: none Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS (since NA); Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Economy

Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Electricity: provided by the US military

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Communications

Highways: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 on Diego Garcia with runways 2,439-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,229-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*British Virgin Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*British Virgin Islands, Geography

Location: in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east of Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 150 km2 land area: 150 km2 comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Anegada Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 33% forest and woodland: 7% other: 33% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

*British Virgin Islands, People

Population: 12,707 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 1.22% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 20.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 6.11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -2.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.62 years male: 70.77 years female: 74.6 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.28 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander Ethnic divisions: black 90%, white, Asian Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) Languages: English (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98% Labor force: 4,911 (1980) by occupation: NA

*British Virgin Islands, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: British Virgin Islands Abbreviation: BVI Digraph: VI Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Road Town Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 June 1977 Legal system: English law National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July Political parties and leaders: United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: Legislative Council: last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2 Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Peter Alfred PENFOLD (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986) Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

*British Virgin Islands, Economy

Overview: The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. The economy slowed in 1991 because of the poor performances of the tourist sector and tight commercial bank credit. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $133 million (1991) National product real growth rate: 2% (1991) National product per capita: $10,600 (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1992) Budget: revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991) Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US External debt: $4.5 million (1985) Industrial production: growth rate 4.0% (1985) Electricity: 10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Agriculture: livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*British Virgin Islands, Communications

Highways: 106 km motorable roads (1983) Ports: Road Town Airports: total: 3 usable: 3 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV

*British Virgin Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Brunei, Geography

Location: Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo almost completely surrounded by Malaysia Map references: Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 5,770 km2 land area: 5,270 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: total 381 km, Malysia 381 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 79% other: 18% Irrigated land: 10 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare Note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia

*Brunei, People

Population: 276,984 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.77% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 26.55 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 5.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 25.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.94 years male: 69.27 years female: 72.65 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.45 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bruneian(s) adjective: Bruneian Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% Religions: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 77% male: 85% female: 69% Labor force: 89,000 (includes members of the Army) by occupation: government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986) note: 33% of labor force is foreign (1988)

*Brunei, Government

Names: conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam conventional short form: Brunei Digraph: BX Type: constitutional sultanate Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) Constitution: 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: 23 February (1984) Political parties and leaders: Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned), leader NA Suffrage: none Elections: Legislative Council: last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan and no elections are planned Executive branch: sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967) Member of: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daud chancery: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: (202) 342-0159 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald Burnham ENSENAT embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan

*Brunei, Government

mailing address: American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440 telephone: [673] (2) 229-670 FAX: [673] (2) 225-293 Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands

*Brunei, Economy

Overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per capita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion (1990 est.) National product real growth rate: 1% (1990 est.) National product per capita: $8,800 (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: 3.7% (1989) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989 est.) Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products partners: Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals partners: Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990) External debt: $0 Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 3,300 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Agriculture: imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 million Currency: 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.6531 (January 1993), 1.6290 (1992), 1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar Fiscal year: calendar year

*Brunei, Communications

Railroads: 13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line Highways: 1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved Inland waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters Pipelines: crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km Ports: Kuala Belait, Muara Merchant marine: 7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT Airports: total: 2 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runway over 3,659 m: 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runway 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

*Brunei, Defense Forces

Branches: Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 77,407; fit for military service 45,112; reach military age (18) annually 2,676 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 9% of GDP (1990)

*Bulgaria, Geography

Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Map references: Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 110,910 km2 land area: 110,550 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: total 1,808 km, Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km (all with Serbia), Turkey 240 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: Macedonia question with Greece and Macedonia Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: arable land: 34% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 18% forest and woodland: 35% other: 10% Irrigated land: 10 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollution Note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

*Bulgaria, People

Population: 8,831,168 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: -0.39% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 11.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 11.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 12.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.82 years male: 69.55 years female: 76.26 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.71 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%, Uniate Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970) total population: 93% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 4.3 million by occupation: industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987)

*Bulgaria, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria conventional short form: Bulgaria Digraph: BU Type: emerging democracy Capital: Sofia Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, Varna Independence: 22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire) Constitution: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 3 March (1878) Political parties and leaders: Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, an alliance of approximately 20 pro-Democratic parties including United Democratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (ethnic Turkish party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman; Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman Other political or pressure groups: Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Elections: President: last held January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular vote National Assembly: last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF 34%, BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24 Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister), three deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Vice President Blaga Nikolova DIMITROVA (since NA)

*Bulgaria, Government

Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Lyuben Borisov BEROV (since 30 December 1992); Deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers (Deputy Prime Ministers) Valentin KARABASHEV, Neycho NEEV, and Evgeniy MATINCHEV (since 30 December 1992) Member of: BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ognyan Raytchev PISHEV chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 387-7969 FAX: (202) 234-7973 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILL embassy: 1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia, Unit 25402 mailing address: APO AE 09213-5740 telephone: [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05 FAX: [359] (2) 80-19-77 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control)

*Bulgaria, Economy

Overview: Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in the 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion - giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments. The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an aging industrial plant; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technological developments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion of electric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); and motivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of their enterprises. Political bickering in Sofia and the collapse of the DIMITROV government in October 1992 have slowed the economic reform process. New Prime Minister BEROV, however, has pledged to continue the reforms initiated by the previous government. He has promised to continue cooperation with the World Bank and IMF, advance negotiations on rescheduling commercial debt, and push ahead with privatization. BEROV's government - whose main parliamentary supporters are the former Communist Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) - nonetheless appears likely to pursue more interventionist tactics in overcoming the country's economic problems. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $34.1 billion (1992) National product real growth rate: -7.7% (1992) National product per capita: $3,800 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% (1992) Unemployment rate: 15% (1992) Budget: revenues $8 billion; expenditures $5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) Exports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment 30.6%; agricultural products 24%; manufactured consumer goods 22.2%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 10.5%; other 12.7% (1991) partners: former CEMA countries 57.7% (USSR 48.6%, Poland 2.1%, Czechoslovakia 0.9%); developed countries 26.3% (Germany 4.8%, Greece 2.2%); less developed countries 15.9% (Libya 2.1%, Iran 0.7%) (1991) Imports: $2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials 58.7%; machinery and equipment 15.8%; manufactured consumer goods 4.4%; agricultural products 15.2%; other 5.9% partners: former CEMA countries 51.0% (former USSR 43.2%, Poland 3.7%); developed countries 32.8% (Germany 7.0%, Austria 4.7%); less developed countries 16.2% (Iran 2.8%, Libya 2.5%) External debt: $12 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate -21% (1992 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990) Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,070 kWh per capita (1992)

*Bulgaria, Economy

Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Agriculture: accounts for 22% of GDP (1990); climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) Currency: 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 24.56 (January 1993),17.18 (January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991 Fiscal year: calendar year