A (continued 17)

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria conventional short form: Nigeria

Data code: NI

Type of government: military government; Nigeria has been ruled by one military regime after another since 31 December 1983; on 1 October 1995, the present military government announced it will turn power over to democratically elected civilian authorities in October 1998

Capital: Abuja note: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in Abuja

Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe; note - some new administrative units may have been created

Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960)

Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989 constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implemented

Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and Defense Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Federal Executive Council

Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: suspended after military takeover of 17 November 1993 House of Representatives: suspended after military takeover of 17 November 1993

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the Armed Forces Ruling Council; Federal Court of Appeal, judges are appointed by the federal government on the advice of the Advisory Judicial Committee

Political parties and leaders: note: political party system suspended after the military takeover of 17 November 1993; the military regime has made successive promises to allow political parties to register at various times in 1996

International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C (suspended), CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400 consulate(s) general: New York

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter C. CARRINGTON embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (1) 261-0097 FAX: [234] (1) 261-0257

Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by political instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic management. Nigeria's unpopular military rulers failed to make significant progress in diversifying the economy away from overdependence on the capital intensive oil sector which provides almost all foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Regime officials also appear divided on how to redress fundamental economic imbalances that result in troublesome inflation, the steady depreciation of the naira, and the discouragement of investors. The government's domestic and international arrears continue to limit economic growth and prevent an agreement with the IMF and bilateral creditors on debt relief. The largely subsistence agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $135.9 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.6% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,300 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 22% services: 40% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 57% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15%

Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.)

Budget: revenues: $2.7 billion expenditures: $6.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8 billion (1994 est.)

Industries: crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 4,570,000 kW production: 11.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 109 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forest resources extensively exploited

Illicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from South America intended for West European, East Asian, and North American markets

Exports: $9.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: oil 98%, cocoa, rubber partners: US 52%, EC 34%

Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and animals partners: EC 50%, US 13%, Japan 7%

External debt: $32.5 billion (1993)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo

Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (January 1996), 21.895 (1995), 21.996 (1994), 22.065 (1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 3,557 km (1995) narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge standard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge

Highways: total: 112,140 km paved: 31,500 km unpaved: 80,640 km (1991 est.)

Waterways: 8,575 km consisting of the Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks

Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km; natural gas 500 km

Ports: Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri

Merchant marine: total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 387,552 GRT/636,578 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 16, chemical tanker 3, oil tanker 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 66 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 10 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 10 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 with paved runways under 914 m: 18 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 12 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 492,204 (1990 est.)

Telephone system: average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and 20 domestic satellite earth stations carry intercity traffic international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 1 coaxial submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations: AM 35, FM 17, shortwave 0

Radios: 20 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 28

Televisions: 3.8 million (1992 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 23,739,192 males fit for military service: 13,587,780 males reach military age (18) annually: 1,065,410 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992)

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

@Niue ——

(free association with New Zealand)

Map —-

Location: 19 02 S, 169 52 W — Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Flag ——

Description: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross

Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 64 km

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

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources: fish, arable land

Land use: arable land: 61% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 19% other: 12%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: traditional methods of burning brush and trees to clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which are not naturally very abundant natural hazards: typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Geographic note: one of world's largest coral islands

People ———

Population: 2,174 (July 1996 est.)

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

Population growth rate: -0.62% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population

Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

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

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years

Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman

Nationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean

Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)

Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist)

Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English

Government —————

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

Data code: NE

Type of government: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs

Capital: Alofi

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974)

National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty)

Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system: English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner Warren SEARELL (since NA August 1993) head of government: Premier Frank Fakaotimanava LUI (acting premier since NA December 1992, premier since 12 March 1993) was reelected by the Legislative Assembly; election last held 23 February 1996 (next to be held NA March 1999) cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 23 February 1996 (next to be held NA March 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) NPP 9, independents 11

Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand; High Court

Political parties and leaders: Niue Peoples Party (NPP), Young VIVIAN

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.4 million (1993 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1992)

Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.) by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $5.5 million expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)

Industries: tourism, handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 1,500 kW production: 2.7 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1992)

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

Exports: $117,500 (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia

Imports: $4.1 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138 (January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 229 km unpaved: 229 km

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine: none

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

Communications ———————

Telephones: 276 (1992 est.)

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

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1987 est.)

Radios: 1,000

Television broadcast stations: 0

Televisions: 312 (1991 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Police Force

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

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

@Norfolk Island ———————

(territory of Australia)

Map —-

Location: 29 02 S, 167 57 E — Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Flag ——

Description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band

Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 34.6 sq km land area: 34.6 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 32 km

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

International disputes: none

Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons (especially May to July) international agreements: NA

People ———

Population: 2,209 (July 1996 est.)

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

Population growth rate: -0.68% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population

Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

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

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years

Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman

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

Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander

Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)

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

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Data code: NF

Type of government: territory of Australia

Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center)

Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)

Independence: none (territory of Australia)

National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856)

Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979

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

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and Australia are represented by Administrator Alan Gardner KERR (since NA April 1992) who was appointed by the governor general of Australia head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister John Terrence BROWN (since NA) was elected for not more than three years by the Legislative Assembly cabinet: Executive Council is made up of executive members of the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 20 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) independents 9

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: none

International organization participation: none

Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)

Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY88/89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $NA

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%

Labor force: 1,395 (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $4.6 million expenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY92/93)

Industries: tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 8 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990)

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

Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., FY91/92) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

Imports: $17.9 million (c.i.f., FY91/92) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: none

Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3477 (January 1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km

Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Merchant marine: none

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

Communications ———————

Telephones: 1,087 (1983 est.)

Telephone system: domestic: NA international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)

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

Radios: 2,000 (1991 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 0

Televisions: 900 (1991 est.)

Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

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

@Northern Mariana Islands ————————————

(commonwealth in political union with the US)

Map —-

Location: 15 12 N, 145 45 E — Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Flag ——

Description: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 477 sq km land area: 477 sq km comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 1,482 km

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

International disputes: none

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

Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources: arable land, fish

Land use: arable land: 5% on Saipan permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November) international agreements: NA

Geographic note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ———

Population: 52,284 (July 1996 est.)

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

Population growth rate: 3.04% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 33.05 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

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

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

Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.53 years female: 69.48 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NA

Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

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

Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 96%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

Data code: CQ

Type of government: commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs

Capital: Saipan

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

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

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

Executive branch: chief of state: President (of the United States) William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Froilan C. TENORIO (since NA January 1994) and Lieutenant Governor Jesus C. BORJA (since NA January 1994) were elected for four-year terms by universal suffrage; election last held in NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997); results - Froilan C. TENORIO (Democrat) was elected governor with 56% of the vote

Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature Senate: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican)

Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Benigno R. FITIAL, leader; Democratic Party, Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO, chairman

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), SPC

Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly handicrafts, light manufacturing, and garment production.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $524 million (1994 est.) note: GDP numbers reflect US spending

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $10,500 (1994 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers (1990) by occupation: NA

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $190.4 million expenditures: $190.4 million, including capital expenditures of $19.1 million (FY94/95)

Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 105,000 kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh

Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.) commodities: garments partners: NA

Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.) commodities: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products partners: US, Japan

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: none

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

Exchange rates: US currency is used

Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 381.5 km (1991 est.) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways: none

Ports: Saipan, Tinian

Merchant marine: none

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

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 13,618 (1993 est.)

Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1984)

Radios: 15,350 (1987 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1 note: there are 2 cable TV stations

Televisions: 10,650 (1993 est.)

Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US

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

@Norway ———

Map —-

Location: 62 00 N, 10 00 E — Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Flag ——

Description: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Geography ————-

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

Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references: Europe

Area: total area: 324,220 sq km land area: 307,860 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries: total: 2,515 km border countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km

Coastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nm

International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents Sea

Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m highest point: Glittertinden 2,472 m

Natural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 27% other: 70%

Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989)

Environment: current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea

Geographic note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia

People ———

Population: 4,383,807 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (male 434,848; female 411,668) 15-64 years: 65% (male 1,446,746; female 1,396,150) 65 years and over: 16% (male 288,789; female 405,606) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.48% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 11.96 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 10.68 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.53 years male: 74.63 years female: 80.61 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.63 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Norwegian(s) adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami) 20,000

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980)

Languages: Norwegian (official) note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway conventional short form: Norway local long form: Kongeriket Norge local short form: Norge

Data code: NO

Type of government: constitutional monarchy

Capital: Oslo

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

Dependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden)

National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884

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

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991) is a hereditary monarch; Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) was appointed by the king with the approval of the Storting cabinet: State Council was appointed by the king with the approval of the Storting

Legislative branch: modified unicameral Parliament (Storting) which, for certain purposes, divides itself into two chambers Storting: elections last held 13 September 1993 (next to be held NA September 1997); results - Labor 37.1%, Center Party 18.5%, Conservatives 15.6%, Christian People's 8.4%, Socialist Left 7.9%, Progress 6%, Left Party 3.6%, Red Electoral Alliance 1.2%; seats - (165 total) Labor 67, Center Party 32, Conservatives 18, Christian People's 13, Socialist Left 13, Progress 10, Left Party 1, Red Electoral Alliance 1, unawarded 10 note: for certain purposes, the Storting divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership to an upper house or Lagting

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Hoyesterett), justices appointed by the king

Political parties and leaders: Labor Party, Thorbjorn JAGLAND; Conservative Party, Jan PETERSEN; Center Party, Anne ENGER LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's Party, Valgerd HAUGLAND; Socialist Left, Erik SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist, Kare Andre NILSEN; Progress Party, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Left Party; Red Electoral Alliance, Erling FOLKVORD

International organization participation: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kjeld VIBE chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000 FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco consulate(s): Miami

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. LOFTUS embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50 FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63

Flag: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy ———-

Economic overview: Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises), and extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, and areas with sparse resources. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps propel public sector expenditures to more than 50% of GDP and results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (46%). A small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil sector. Norway imports more than half its food needs. Economic growth, only 1.6% in 1993, moved up to 5.5% in 1994 and remained strong in 1995. Oslo opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $106.2 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.5% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $24,500 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 2.9% industry: 34.7% services: 62.4% (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 2.13 million by occupation: services 71%, industry 23%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 6% (1993)

Unemployment rate: 8% (including people in job-training programs; November 1995)

Budget: revenues: $48.6 billion expenditures: $53 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)

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

Industrial production growth rate: 7.4% (1994)

Electricity: capacity: 27,280,000 kW production: 118 billion kWh consumption per capita: 23,735 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: oats, other grains; beef, milk; livestock output exceeds value of crops; among world's top 10 fishing nations; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for drugs shipped via the CIS and Baltic states for the European market

Exports: $34.7 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 43%, metals and products 11%, foodstuffs (mostly fish) 9%, chemicals and raw materials 25%, natural gas 6.0%, ships 5.4% partners: EU 77.8% (UK 20.8%, Germany 12.4%, France 8.12%), Sweden 9.4%, US 6.7%, Japan 1.9% (1994)

Imports: $27.3 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment and manufactured consumer goods 54%, chemicals and other industrial inputs 39%, foodstuffs 6% partners: EU 68.9% (Germany 13.9%, UK 10.4%, Denmark 7.4%), Sweden 15%, US 7.4%, Japan 6.0% (1994)

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: donor: ODA, $1.014 billion (1993)

Currency: 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 oere

Exchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.4160 (January 1996), 6.3352 (1995), 7.0576 (1994), 7.0941 (1993), 6.2145 (1992), 6.4829 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 4,027 km standard gauge: 4,027 km 1.435-m gauge (2422 km electrified; 96 km double track) (1995)

Highways: total: 88,922 km paved: 61,356 km (including 75 km of expressways) unpaved: 27,566 km (1990 est.)

Waterways: 1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximum

Pipelines: refined products 53 km

Ports: Bergen, Drammen, Flora, Hammerfest, Harstad, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Larvik, Narvik, Oslo, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromso, Trondheim

Merchant marine: total: 712 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 19,278,205 GRT/32,209,679 DWT ships by type: bulk 114, cargo 98, chemical tanker 83, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 31, container 15, liquefied gas tanker 87, oil tanker 148, passenger 10, passenger-cargo 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 13, roll-on/roll-off cargo 49, short-sea passenger 21, vehicle carrier 30 note: the government has created an internal register, the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by Norwegians (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 102 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 12 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 13 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11 with paved runways under 914 m: 60 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 2.39 million (1986 est.)

Telephone system: high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex services domestic: NA domestic satellite earth stations international: 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 4 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 46, FM 493 (350 private and 143 government), shortwave 0

Radios: 3.3 million (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 54 (repeaters 2,100)

Televisions: 1.5 million (1993 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy (includes Coast Artillery and Coast Guard), Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,125,302 males fit for military service: 937,309 males reach military age (20) annually: 28,328 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.7 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1995)

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

@Oman ——

Map —-

Location: 21 00 N, 57 00 E — Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Flag ——

Description: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band

Geography ————-

Location: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Geographic coordinates: 21 00 N, 57 00 E

Map references: Middle East

Area: total area: 212,460 sq km land area: 212,460 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries: total: 1,374 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline: 2,092 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: no defined boundary with most of UAE, but Administrative Line in far north

Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain: vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m highest point: Jabal ash Sham 2,980 m

Natural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 0% other: 93%

Irrigated land: 410 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources natural hazards: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Hazardous Wastes

Geographic note: strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ———

Population: 2,186,548 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (male 511,664; female 493,369) 15-64 years: 51% (male 609,423; female 513,042) 65 years and over: 3% (male 26,623; female 32,427) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.53% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 37.86 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 4.44 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 1.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female all ages: 1.1 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 27.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.53 years male: 68.59 years female: 72.57 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.09 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Omani(s) adjective: Omani

Ethnic divisions: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy: NA

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman conventional short form: Oman local long form: Saltanat Uman local short form: Uman

Data code: MU

Type of government: monarchy

Capital: Muscat

Administrative divisions: 6 regions (mintaqah, singular - mintaqat) and 2 governorates* (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat, Musandam*, Zufar*

Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday: National Day, 18 November (1940)

Constitution: none

Legal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: none

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said (since 23 July 1970) is a hereditary monarch; cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the sultan

Legislative branch: unicameral Consultative Council (Majlis ash Shura): a 60-member body with advisory powers only

Judicial branch: none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court system, administered by region

Political parties and leaders: none

Other political or pressure groups: NA

International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah bin Muhammad bin Aqil al-DHAHAB chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1982 FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Frances D. COOK embassy: address NA, Muscat mailing address: P. O. Box 202, Code No. 115, Medinat Qaboos, Muscat telephone: [968] 698989 FAX: [968] 699779

Flag: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band

Economy ———-

Economic overview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry. Petroleum accounts for nearly 90% of export earnings, about 75% of government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate of extraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and the general population depends on imported food. The government is encouraging private investment, both domestic and foreign, as a prime force for further economic development.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $19.1 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 3.5% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $10,800 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 60% services: 37%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.7% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 454,000 by occupation: agriculture 37% (1993 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $4.7 billion expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)

Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper

Industrial production growth rate: 3% (1994 est.)

Electricity: capacity: 1,540,000 kW production: 6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,407 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons

Exports: $4.8 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum 87%, reexports, fish, processed copper, textiles partners: Japan 35%, South Korea 15.8%, US 9%, China 8%, Thailand 5% (1994)

Imports: $4 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants partners: UAE 27% (largely reexports), Japan 20%, UK 15%, US 5%, Germany 4% (1993)

External debt: $3 billion (1993)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $82 million (1993)

Currency: 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baiza

Exchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 25,948 km paved: 4,930 km (including 413 km of expressways) unpaved: 21,018 km (1992 est.)

Pipelines: crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 km

Ports: Matrah, Mina' al Fahl, Mina' Raysut

Merchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,306 GRT/8,210 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 129 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 4 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 34 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 57 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 26 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 150,000 (1994 est.)

Telephone system: modern system consisting of open wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable domestic: open wire, microwave, radiotelephone communications, and a domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 1

Radios: 1.043 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 9

Televisions: 1.195 million (1992 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary (includes Royal Oman Police)

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 532,113 males fit for military service: 301,747 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.82 billion, 13.7% of GDP (1996)

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

@Pacific Ocean ——————-

Map —-

Location: 0 00 N, 160 00 W — body of water between Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Geography ————-

Location: body of water between Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 160 00 W

Map references: World

Area: total area: 165.384 million sq km comparative area: about 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world note: includes Bali Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Flores Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea, Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Savu Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Coastline: 135,663 km

International disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Climate: planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land mass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and East Asia from May to December

Terrain: surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Marianas Trench, which is the world's deepest lowest point: Marianas Trench -10,924 m highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Environment: current issues: endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea natural hazards: surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru, when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of the loss of their food source; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December international agreements: NA

Geographic note: the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Government —————

Data code: none; the US Government has not approved a standard for hydrographic codes - see the Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Codes appendix

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of Australia, NZ, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings.

Transportation ———————

Ports: Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Communications ———————

Telephone system: international: several submarine cables with network nodal points on Guam and Hawaii

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

@Pakistan ————

Map —-

Location: 30 00 N, 70 00 E — Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India and Iran

Flag ——

Description: green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Geography ————-

Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India and Iran

Geographic coordinates: 30 00 N, 70 00 E

Map references: Asia

Area: total area: 803,940 sq km land area: 778,720 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries: total: 6,774 km border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km

Coastline: 1,046 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: status of Kashmir with India; border dispute with Afghanistan (Durand Line); water-sharing problems over the Indus (Wular Barrage) with upstream riparian India

Climate: mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Terrain: flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Natural resources: land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use: arable land: 23% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 4% other: 67% (1993)

Irrigated land: 170,000 sq km (1992)

Environment: current issues: water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geographic note: controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

People ———

Population: 129,275,660 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 42% (male 28,286,823; female 26,640,019) 15-64 years: 53% (male 35,396,281; female 33,733,798) 65 years and over: 5% (male 2,621,721; female 2,597,018) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.24% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 36.16 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 11.22 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -2.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female all ages: 1.05 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 96.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 58.46 years male: 57.7 years female: 59.25 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 5.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Pakistani(s) adjective: Pakistani

Ethnic divisions: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India and their descendants)

Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%

Languages: Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 37.8% male: 50% female: 24.4%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan conventional short form: Pakistan former: West Pakistan

Data code: PK

Type of government: republic

Capital: Islamabad

Administrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas

Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK)

National holiday: Pakistan Day, 23 March (1956) (proclamation of the republic)

Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30 December 1985

Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; separate electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for non-Muslims

Executive branch: chief of state: President Sardar Farooq LEGHARI (since 13 November 1993) was elected for a five-year term by Parliament; election last held 13 November 1993 (next to be held no later than 14 October 1998); results - LEGHARI was elected by Parliament and the four provincial assemblies head of government: Prime Minister Benazir BHUTTO (since 19 October 1993) was elected by the National Assembly cabinet: Cabinet was elected by the National Assembly

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) Senate: elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (87 total) PPP 22, PML/N 17; Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, ANP 6, PML/J 5, JWP 5, MQM/A 5, JUI/F 2, PKMAP 2, JI 2, NPP 2, BNM/H 1, BNM/M 1, JUP/NI 1, JUP/NO 1, JAH 1, JUI/S 1, PML/F 1, PNP 1, independents 2, vacant 1 National Assembly: elections last held 6 October 1993 (next to be held by October 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (217 total) PPP 92, PML/N 75, PML/J 6, IJM-Islamic Democratic Front 4, ANP 3, PKMAP 4, PIF 3, JWP 2, MDM 2, BNM/H 1, BNM/M 1, NDA 1, NPP 1, PKQP 1, religious minorities 10 reserved seats, independents 9, results pending 2

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judicial chiefs are appointed by the president; Federal Islamic (Shari'at) Court

Political parties and leaders: government: Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO; Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction (PML/J), Hamid Nasir CHATTHA; National People's Party (NPP), Ghulam Mustapha JATOI; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI; Balochistan National Movement, Hayee Group (BNM/H), Dr. HAYEE Baluch; National Democratic Alliance (NDA); Pakhtun Quami Party (PKQP), Mohammed AFZAL Khan opposition: Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction (PML/N), Nawaz SHARIF; Awami National Party (ANP), Ajmal Khan KHATTAK; Pakistan Islamic Front (PIF); Balochistan National Movement, Mengal Group (BNM/M), Sardar Akhtar MENGAL; Mohajir Quami Movement, Altaf faction (MQM/A), Altaf HUSSAIN; Jamiat-al-Hadith (JAH); Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Akbar Khan BUGTI frequently shifting: Mutaheda Deeni Mahaz (MDM), Maulana Sami-ul-HAQ, the MDM includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Niazi faction (JUP/NI) and Anjuman Sepah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (ASSP); Islami-Jamhoori-Mahaz (IJM-Islamic Democratic Front) includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Islami, Fazlur Rehman group (JUI/F); Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group (PML/F), Pir PAGARO; Pakistan National Party (PNP); Milli Yakjheti Council (MYC) is an umbrella organization which includes Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain AHMED, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-Haq faction (JUI/S), Tehrik-I-Jafria Pakistan (TJP), Allama Sajid NAQVI, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Noorani faction (JUP/NO) note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Other political or pressure groups: military remains important political force; ulema (clergy), landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also influential

International organization participation: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNOMIG, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maleeha LODHI chancery: 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6200 FAX: [1] (202) 387-0484 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas SIMONS, Jr. embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 6220, APO AE 09812-2200 telephone: [92] (51) 826161 through 826179 FAX: [92] (51) 214222 consulate(s) general: Karachi, Lahore consulate(s): Peshawar

Flag: green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Economy ———-

Economic overview: Pakistan is a poor, highly populated Third World country struggling to make the difficult transition to the modern world of high technology and internationalized markets. Prime Minister Benazir BHUTTO has been under pressure from the IMF and other donors to continue the economic reforms and austerity measures begun by her predecessor, caretaker Prime Minister Moeen QURESHI (July-October 1993). The IMF suspended a $1.5 billion Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) in mid-1995 because Pakistan slowed the pace of economic reform. Islamabad's most recent budget - announced in June 1995 - reversed some reforms agreed to by the IMF earlier that year, including a slowing of tariff reform. In mid-December 1995, however, the IMF approved a $600 million standby arrangement and urged Pakistan to move forward with economic liberalization. Islamabad has agreed to new economic targets with the IMF, which could lay the basis for a return to an ESAF in 1996. Little progress was made in the privatization of large state-owned units in 1995. The sale of the power plant Kot Addu - scheduled for April 1995 - was stalled by opposition from labor unions. The sale of a 26% share of United Bank Limited and the Pakistan Telecommunications Corporation to strategic investors was due to take place in 1995 but has been pushed back to 1996. On the plus side real GDP grew 4.7% in 1995, up from 3.9% in 1994: GDP should grow even faster in 1996 as a result of an above average cotton crop. Secondly, Islamabad reduced the budget deficit to 5.6% of GDP at the end of FY94/95, down from 8% two years earlier. Thirdly, Pakistan attracted $1.6 billion in foreign direct and portfolio investment in FY94/95, more than double inflows of $650 million in the previous fiscal year; financial agreements were reached on five power projects in 1995, including the 1,300-MW $1.8 billion Hab River project. Despite these improvements, the economy remains vulnerable to crisis. Foreign exchange reserves fell dramatically in 1995, reaching a low of about $1 billion in early December 1995 - only five weeks of import cover - before rising to $1.5 billion by yearend. The trade deficit rose to $2 billion for the first six months of FY94/95, triple the deficit of $600 million during the same period in FY93/94. The government responded to this situation with a package of stabilization reforms on 28 October 1995 which included a 7% devaluation of the rupee, supplementary duties of 10% on many imports, and higher petroleum prices. Islamabad hopes these moves will help make its exports more competitive. For the long run, Pakistan must deal with serious problems of deteriorating infrastructure, low literacy levels, and persistent law and order problems in Karachi.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $274.2 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.7% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $2,100 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 27% services: 49% (1995 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 36 million by occupation: agriculture 46%, mining and manufacturing 18%, services 17%, other 19% note: extensive export of labor

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $11.9 billion expenditures: $12.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95)

Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing, paper products, shrimp

Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1995 est.)

Electricity: capacity: 12,530,000 kW (1995) production: 43.3 billion kWh (1995) consumption per capita: 389 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs

Illicit drugs: major illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; remains world's fourth largest opium producer (155 metric tons in 1995); major center for processing Afghan heroin and key transit area for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western market

Exports: $8.7 billion (1995 est.) commodities: cotton, textiles, clothing, rice, leather, carpets partners: US, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, UK, UAE, France

Imports: $10.7 billion (1995 est.) commodities: petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation equipment, vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals partners: Japan, US, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Korea

External debt: $26 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $697 million (1993) note: $2.5 billion (includes bilateral and multilateral aid but no US commitments) (FY93/94); $3 billion (includes bilateral and multilateral aid but no US commitments) (FY94/95)

Currency: 1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisa

Exchange rates: Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 34.339 (January 1996), 31.643 (1995), 30.567 (1994), 28.107 (1993), 25.083 (1992), 23.801 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 8,163 km broad gauge: 7,718 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified; 1,037 km double track) narrow gauge: 445 km 1.000-m gauge; 661 km less than 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.)

Highways: total: 205,304 km paved: 104,735 km unpaved: 100,569 km (1995 est.)

Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; petroleum products 885 km; natural gas 4,044 km (1987)

Ports: Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim

Merchant marine: total: 24 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 345,606 GRT/560,641 DWT ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 19, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 100 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 12 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 19 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 25 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11 with paved runways under 914 m: 18 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 7 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 6 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 1.572 million (1993 est.)

Telephone system: the domestic system is mediocre, but adequate for government and business use, in part because major businesses have established their own private systems; since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the national telecommunications system on a priority basis; despite major improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily available to the major portion of the population domestic: microwave radio relay international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries

Radio broadcast stations: AM 26, FM 8, shortwave 11

Radios: 11.3 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 29

Televisions: 2.08 million (1993 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 30,519,339 males fit for military service: 18,720,175 males reach military age (17) annually: 1,437,208 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, 5.3% of GDP (FY95/96)

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

@Palau ——-

Map —-

Location: 7 30 N, 134 30 E — Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Flag ——

Description: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side

Geography ————-

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 30 E

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 458 sq km land area: 458 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 1,519 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm extended fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid

Terrain: varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Ngerchelchauus 242 m

Natural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

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

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging and illegal fishing practices that involve the use of dynamite natural hazards: typhoons (June to December) international agreements: NA

Geographic note: includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain

People ———

Population: 16,952 (July 1996 est.)

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

Population growth rate: 1.71% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 21.61 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

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

Infant mortality rate: 25.07 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.01 years male: 69.14 years female: 73.02 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.79 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Palauan(s) adjective: Palauan

Ethnic divisions: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races

Religions: Christian (Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religion which is indigenous to Palau)

Languages: English (official in all of Palau's 16 states), Sonsorolese (official in the state of Sonsoral), Angaur and Japanese (in the state of Anguar), Tobi (in the state of Tobi), Palauan (in the other 13 states)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 92% male: 93% female: 90%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Palau conventional short form: Palau local long form: Beluu er a Belau local short form: Belau former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Data code: PS

Type of government: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994

Capital: Koror note: a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern Babelthuap

Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi

Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution: 1 January 1981

Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993) and Vice President Tommy E. REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993) were elected for four-year terms by popular vote; election last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3% cabinet: Cabinet

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) Senate: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total) number of seats by party NA House of Delegates: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total) number of seats by party NA

Judicial branch: Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas

Political parties and leaders: Palau Nationalist Party, Polycarp BASILIUS

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF, UN, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Isaac Ngewakl SOALADAOB chancery: 2000 L Street NW, Suite 407, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814 FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Richard G. WATKINS embassy: address NA, Koror mailing address: P.O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940 telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990 FAX: [680] 488-2911

Flag: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side

Economy ———-

Economic overview: The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The population, in effect, enjoys a per capita income of $5,000, twice that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific and the rapidly rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries. Reducing budgeted operating expenditures - which have increased 56% from 1989 to 1993 - will be the biggest challenge for the government over the next several years.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $81.8 million (1994 est.) note: GDP numbers reflect US spending

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $5,000 (1994 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%

Labor force: NA by occupation: NA

Unemployment rate: 20% (1986)

Budget: revenues: $17 million expenditures: $57 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)

Industries: tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), some commercial fishing and agriculture

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 16,000 kW production: 22 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,540 kWh (1990)

Agriculture: coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes

Exports: $600,000 (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: trochus (type of shellfish), tuna, copra, handicrafts partners: US, Japan

Imports: $24.6 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: NA partners: US

External debt: about $100 million (1989)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: the compact of "free association" with the US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provides Palau with $500 million in US aid over 15 years in return for furnishing military facilities

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

Exchange rates: US currency is used

Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: 25 km

Ports: Koror

Merchant marine: none

Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 1,500 (1988 est.)

Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

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

Radios: 9,000 (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 2

Televisions: 1,600 (1993 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: NA

Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US

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

@Palmyra Atoll ——————-

(territory of the US)

Map —-

Location: 5 52 N, 162 06 W — Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American Samoa

Flag ——

Description: the flag of the US is used

Geography ————-

Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American Samoa

Geographic coordinates: 5 52 N, 162 06 W

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 11.9 sq km land area: 11.9 sq km comparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 14.5 km

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

International disputes: none

Climate: equatorial, hot, and very rainy

Terrain: very low lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2 m

Natural resources: none

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

Irrigated land: 0 sq km

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

Geographic note: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall

People ———

Population: uninhabited

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll

Data code: LQ

Type of government: incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC

Flag: the flag of the US is used

Economy ———-

Economic overview: no economic activity

Transportation ———————

Highways: much of the road and many causeways built during World War II are unserviceable and overgrown

Ports: West Lagoon

Airports: airstrip has been overgrown by vegetation and is no longer serviceable

Defense ———-

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US

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

@Panama ———

Map —-

Location: 9 00 N, 80 00 W — Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Flag ——

Description: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center

Geography ————-

Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 80 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total area: 78,200 sq km land area: 75,990 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries: total: 555 km border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline: 2,490 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m

Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp

Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 54% other: 23%

Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment: current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94

Geographic note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

People ———

Population: 2,655,094 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (male 445,382; female 426,111) 15-64 years: 62% (male 828,384; female 806,205) 65 years and over: 5% (male 71,823; female 77,189) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.64% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 23.2 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 5.42 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female all ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.92 years male: 71.19 years female: 76.75 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.71 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Panamanian(s) adjective: Panamanian

Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6%

Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages: Spanish (official), English 14% note: many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 90.8% male: 91.4% female: 90.2%

Government —————

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

Data code: PM

Type of government: constitutional republic

Capital: Panama

Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, Veraguas

Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)

National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983

Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES Gonzalez Revilla (since 1 September 1994), First Vice President Tomas Gabriel ALTAMIRANO DUQUE (since 1 September 1994), Second Vice President Felipe Alejandro VIRZI Lopez (since 1 September 1994) were elected for five-year terms by popular vote; election last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES (PRD) 33%, Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER (PA) 29%, Ruben BLADES (MPE) 17%, Ruben Dario CARLES (MOLIRENA) 16% cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based formula; elections last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) PRD 32, PS 4, PALA 1, PA 14, MPE 6, MOLIRENA 4, PLA 3, PRC 3, PL 2, PDC 1, UDI 1, MORENA 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia), nine judges appointed for 10-year terms; five superior courts; three courts of appeal

Political parties and leaders: governing coalition: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Liberal Republican Party (PLR), Rodolfo CHIARI; Labor Party (PALA), Carlos Lopez GUEVARA other parties: Solidarity Party (PS), Samuel LEWIS GALINDO; Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Delia CARDENAS; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Ruben AROSEMENA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Papa Egoro Movement (MPE), Gloria YOUNG; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), Tomas HERRERA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jacinto CARDENAS; National Renovation Movement (MORENA), Pedro VALLERINO

Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National Civic Crusade; Chamber of Commerce; Panamanian Industrialists Society (SIP); Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama (CTRP)

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

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo Alberto ARIAS chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William John HUGHES embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5 mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002 telephone: [507] 227-1377 FAX: [507] 227-1964

Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center

Economy ———-

Economic overview: Because of its key geographic location, Panama's economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors have become inefficient under protectionist policies. After fast growth during the early 1990s, the economy has slowed down in the last two years, with GDP growth at 2.8% in 1994 and in 1995. The slowdown has been due mostly to a reduction in construction activities and stagnation in the Colon Free Zone and financial services, the three fastest growing sectors early in the decade. To counter the slowdown, the PEREZ BALLADARES administration has launched an economic reform program designed to reverse unemployment, attract foreign investment, cut back the size of government, and modernize the economy. In 1995, Panama reached an agreement in principle to reschedule its commercial debt - one of the highest in the world in per capita terms - which will allow the country to reenter international financial markets. Panama should complete all requirements to join the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in 1996.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $13.6 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $5,100 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 16% services: 74% (1995 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (1995)

Labor force: 979,000 (1994 est.) by occupation: government and community services 31.8%, agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%, manufacturing and mining 9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and communications 6.2%, finance, insurance, and real estate 4.3% note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor

Unemployment rate: 13.8% (1995)

Budget: revenues: $1.86 billion expenditures: $1.86 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995)

Industries: construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate: 0.4% (1995 est.)

Electricity: capacity: 960,000 kW production: 2.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,047 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; fishing (shrimp)

Illicit drugs: major cocaine transshipment point and major drug money laundering center; minor producer of coca leaf; active eradication program

Exports: $548 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee 2% partners: US 39%, EU, Central America and Caribbean

Imports: $2.45 billion (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%, consumer goods, chemicals partners: US 40%, EU, Central America and Caribbean, Japan

External debt: $6.7 billion (yearend 1993 est.)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $58 million (1993)

Currency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos

Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation ———————

Railways: total: 355 km broad gauge: 76 km 1.524-m gauge narrow gauge: 279 km 0.914-m gauge

Highways: total: 10,103 km paved: 3,233 km unpaved: 6,870 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal

Pipelines: crude oil 130 km

Ports: Balboa, Cristobal, Coco Solo North, Vacamonte

Merchant marine: total: 3,758 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 69,960,500 GRT/107,632,713 DWT ships by type: bulk 902, cargo 1,050, chemical tanker 168, combination bulk 40, combination ore/oil 19, container 307, liquefied gas tanker 155, livestock carrier 7, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 488, passenger 31, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated cargo 295, roll-on/roll-off cargo 93, short-sea passenger 34, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 150 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 83 countries among which are Japan 1,212, Greece 360, Hong Kong 263, Taiwan 203, South Korea 198, US 160, China 152, Singapore 118, UK 79, Switzerland 67, and Norway 58 (1995 est.)

Airports: total: 99 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14 with paved runways under 914 m: 60 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 18 (1995 est.)

Communications ———————

Telephones: 273,000 (1991 est.)

Telephone system: domestic and international facilities well developed domestic: NA international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System

Radio broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 0, shortwave 0

Radios: 564,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 23

Televisions: 420,000 (1992 est.)

Defense ———-

Branches: Panamanian Public Forces (PPF; includes the National Police, National Maritime Service, National Air Service, and Institutional Protective Service); Judicial Technical Police

Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 705,427 males fit for military service: 484,571 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $78 million, NA% of GDP (1995); note - for police and security forces

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

@Papua New Guinea ————————

Map —-

Location: 6 00 S, 147 00 E — Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Flag ——

Description: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Geography ————-

Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references: Oceania

Area: total area: 461,690 sq km land area: 451,710 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than California

Land boundaries: total: 820 km border country: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline: 5,152 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil potential

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 71% other: 28%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects natural hazards: active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Rim of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94

Geographic note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

People ———

Population: 4,394,537 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (male 906,709; female 860,534) 15-64 years: 57% (male 1,303,084; female 1,195,245) 65 years and over: 3% (male 59,513; female 69,452) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.29% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 32.93 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 10.01 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

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

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female all ages: 1.07 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 60.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.25 years male: 56.4 years female: 58.15 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.45 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic divisions: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant sects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34%

Languages: English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region note: 715 indigenous languages

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 72.2% male: 81% female: 62.7%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea conventional short form: Papua New Guinea abbreviation: PNG

Data code: PP

Type of government: parliamentary democracy

Capital: Port Moresby

Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Independence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution: 16 September 1975

Legal system: based on English common law

Suffrage: 19 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since 11 November 1991), who was appointed by the National Executive Council head of government: Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since 30 August 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (since 7 September 1994) were appointed by the governor general cabinet: National Executive Council was appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime minister

Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of A: elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18; note - association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice, other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission

Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Chris HAIVETA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS

International organization participation: ACP, APEC, AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kepas Isimel WATANGIA chancery: 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680 FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. TEARE embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby mailing address: P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby telephone: [675] 321-1455 FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Economy ———-

Economic overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for the bulk of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. In 1995, Port Moresby reached agreement with the IMF and World Bank on a structural adjustment program. PNG will receive loans totaling $350 million over the next two years from a variety of lenders including the Fund, the Bank, the Australian Government, and the Japanese Export-Import Bank. The loans will be provided only if Port Moresby implements significant reforms to liberalize trade and investment policies, reduce the public sector, and promote sustainable development of the forestry sector. At the start of 1996, Port Moresby is looking primarily to the exploitation of mineral and petroleum resources to drive economic development but new prospecting in Papua New Guinea has slumped as other mineral-rich countries have stepped up their competition for international investment. Output from current projects will probably begin to taper off in 1996, but no new large ventures are being developed to succeed them.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $10.2 billion (1995 est.)

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

GDP per capita: $2,400 (1995 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1995)

Labor force: 1.941 million by occupation: agriculture 64% (1993 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget: revenues: $1.86 billion expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)

Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity: capacity: 490,000 kW production: 1.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 390 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables; poultry, pork

Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: gold, copper ore, oil, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, lobster partners: Australia, Japan, US, Singapore, New Zealand

Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals partners: Australia, Japan, UK, New Zealand, Netherlands

External debt: $3.2 billion (1995)

Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $291 million (1993)

Currency: 1 kina (K) = 100 toea

Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 0.7552 (October 1995), 0.9950 (1994), 1.0221 (1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991); note - the government floated the kina on 10 October 1994

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation ———————

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 19,088 km paved: 640 km unpaved: 18,448 km (1988 est.)

Waterways: 10,940 km

Ports: Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul

Merchant marine: total: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,565 GRT/27,114 DWT ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, combination ore/oil 5, container 1, roll-on/roll-off 1 (1995 est.)