The 2010 CIA World Factbook

Y (continued 32)

Reading edition

local long form: Republique du Niger

local short form: Niger

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 13 31 N, 2 07 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital district* (communite urbaine); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Independence:

3 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960

Constitution:

adopted 18 July 1999

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Djibo SALOU, chairman of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, and a leader of the military coup that deposed President Mamadou TANDJA on 18 February 2010

head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou DANDA (since 19 February 2010); appointed by the president and shares some executive responsibilities with the president

cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president (Cabinet dissolved following the 18 February 2010 coup) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); second round of election last held on 4 December 2004; a presidential election to restore civilian rule is scheduled for 31 January 2011

election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (113 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 October 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNSD 76, RSD 15, RDP 7, PNA-Alouma 1, Alkalami 1, Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor 1, independents 12

Judicial branch:

State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Alkalama; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or CDS-Rahama [Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Hama AMADOU]; Niger Social Democratic Party or PSDN; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Social Progress-Zaman Lahiya or ANDP-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni DJERMAKOYE]; Nigerien Party for Autonomy or PNA-Alouma [Sanousi JACKOU]; Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism or PNDS-Tarrayya [Issifou MAHAMADOU]; Nigerien Party of the Masses for Labor; Nigerien Progressive Party or PPN-RDA; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP-jama'a [Hamid ALGABID]; Social and Democratic Rally or RSD-Gaskiyya [Cheiffou AMADOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Nigerien Movement for Justice or MNJ, a predominantly Tuareg rebel group

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS (suspended), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aminata Djibrilla Maiga TOURE

chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227

FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bisa WILLIAMS

embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey

mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey

telephone: [227] 20-72-26-61 thru 64

FAX: [227] 20-73-31-67

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk centered in the white band; the orange band denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara; white stands for purity and innocence; green symbolizes hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River; the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the people

note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Maurice Albert THIRIET/Robert JACQUET and Nicolas Abel Francois FRIONNET

note: adopted 1961

Economy ::Niger

Economy - overview:

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought, desertification, and strong population growth have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common currency, the CFA franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with seven other members of the West African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction. In December 2005, Niger received 100% multilateral debt relief from the IMF, which translates into the forgiveness of approximately US $86 million in debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. In 2010, the Niger economy was recovering from the effects of a 2009 drought that reduced grain and cowpea production and decimated livestock herds. The economy was also hurt when the international community cut off non-humanitarian aid in response to TANDJA's moves to extend his term as president. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.58 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $10.22 billion (2009 est.)

$10.35 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.603 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 -1.2% (2009 est.)

9.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 39%

industry: 17%

services: 44% (2001)

Labor force:

4.688 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 77

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry: 6%

services: 4% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

63% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 35.7% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.5 (1995) country comparison to the world: 21

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$782.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 145 $617.9 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.038 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $844.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$683.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 158 $313.5 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Industries:

uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Industrial production growth rate:

5.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - production:

150 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - consumption:

589.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

450 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - imports:

5,367 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Current account balance:

-$321 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Exports:

$428 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 170

Exports - commodities:

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Exports - partners:

France 52.63%, Nigeria 22.43%, US 18.24% (2009)

Imports:

$800 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Imports - partners:

China 16.32%, France 15.95%, Netherlands 7.66%, Algeria 7.15%, French Polynesia 6.11%, Nigeria 5.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.15%, US 4.05% (2009)

Debt - external:

$2.1 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Niger

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.599 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; small system of wire, radio telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the southwestern area of Niger

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains less than 20 per 100 persons despite a rapidly increasing cellular subscribership base; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned

international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV station; 3 private TV stations provide a mix of local and foreign programming; only national radio station with national reach is state-run; about 30 private radio stations operate locally; as many as 100 community radio stations broadcast; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ne

Internet hosts:

172 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Internet users:

115,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Transportation ::Niger

Airports:

27 (2010) country comparison to the world: 123

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 18,949 km country comparison to the world: 113 paved: 3,912 km

unpaved: 15,037 km (2008)

Waterways:

300 km; (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya between September and March) (2008) country comparison to the world: 94

Military ::Niger

Military branches:

Nigerien Armed Forces (Forces Armees Nigeriennes, FAN): Army, Nigerien Air Force (Force Aerienne du Niger) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-21 years of age for selective compulsory or voluntary military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried; 2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,202,237

females age 16-49: 3,151,521 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,104,378

females age 16-49: 2,129,985 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177,985

female: 172,180 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 117

Transnational Issues ::Niger

Disputes - international:

Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute in the Tommo region; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty that also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Niger is a source, transit, and destination country for children and women trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; caste-based slavery practices, rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships, continue in isolated areas of the country - an estimated 8,800 to 43,000 Nigeriens live under conditions of traditional slavery; children are trafficked within Niger for forced begging, forced labor in gold mines, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and possibly for forced labor in agriculture and stone quarries; women and children from neighboring states are trafficked to and through Niger for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced labor in mines and on farms, and as mechanics and welders

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Niger does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; the government demonstrated marginal efforts to combat human trafficking, including traditional slavery, during the last year (2009)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Nigeria (Africa)

Introduction ::Nigeria

Background:

British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Nigeria

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 923,768 sq km country comparison to the world: 32 land: 910,768 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,047 km

border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain:

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.02%

permanent crops: 3.14%

other: 63.84% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,820 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

286.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.01 cu km/yr (21%/10%/69%)

per capita: 61 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; flooding

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil; has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land; rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea

People ::Nigeria

Population:

152,217,341 country comparison to the world: 8 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.5% (male 31,624,050/female 30,242,637)

15-64 years: 55.5% (male 42,240,641/female 40,566,672)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 2,211,840/female 2,343,250) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years

male: 19 years

female: 19.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.966% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Birth rate:

36.07 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Death rate:

16.31 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Net migration rate:

-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 92.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 10 male: 98.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.24 years country comparison to the world: 220 male: 46.46 years

female: 48.08 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

170,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria and yellow fever

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly endemic areas for Lassa fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic groups:

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68%

male: 75.7%

female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 183

Government ::Nigeria

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form: Nigeria

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 9 05 N, 7 32 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Independence:

1 October 1960 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 5 May 1999; effective 29 May 1999

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; JONATHAN assumed the presidency on 5 May 2010 following the death of President YAR'ADUA, he was declared Acting President on 9 February 2010 by the National Assembly during the extended illness of the former president

head of government: President Goodluck JONATHAN (since 5 May 2010, acting since 9 February 2010)

cabinet: Federal Executive Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 22 January 2011)

election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (109 seats, 3 from each state plus 1 from Abuja; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives (360 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held in April 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 21 April 2007 (next to be held on 15 January 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDP 85, ANPP 16, AC 6, PPA 1, ACCORD 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 65.1%, ANPP 21.6%, AC 8.8%, PPA 0.8%, LP 0.8%; seats by party - PDP 263, ANPP 63, AC 30, PPA 3, LP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges recommended by the National Judicial Council and appointed by the president); Federal Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the federal government from a pool of judges recommended by the National Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Accord Party [Augustine MAZIE, acting]; Action Congress or AC [Bisi AKANDE]; All Nigeria Peoples Party or ANPP [Edwin UME-EZEOKE]; All Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Victor C. UMEH]; Alliance for Democracy or AD [Mojisoluwa AKINFENWA]; Conference of Nigerian Political Parities or CNPP [Abdulkadir Balarabe MUSA]; Democratic Peoples Party or DPP [Jeremiah USENI]; Fresh Democratic Party [Chris OKOTIE]; Labor Party [Dan NWANYANWU]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Vincent OGBULAFOR]; Peoples Progressive Alliance [Larry ESIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Academic Staff Union for Universities or ASUU; Campaign for Democracy or CD; Civil Liberties Organization or CLO; Committee for the Defense of Human Rights or CDHR; Constitutional Right Project or CRP; Human Right Africa; National Association of Democratic Lawyers or NADL; National Association of Nigerian Students or NANS; Nigerian Bar Association or NBA; Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC; Nigerian Medical Association or NMA; the press; Universal Defenders of Democracy or UDD

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, D-8, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE

chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400

FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS

embassy: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja

mailing address: P. O. Box 5760, Garki, Abuja

telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000

FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green; the color green represents the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, white stands for peace and unity

National anthem:

lyrics/music: John A. ILECHUKWU, Eme Etim AKPAN, B. A. OGUNNAIKE, Sotu OMOIGUI and P. O. ADERIBIGBE/Benedict Elide ODIASE

note: adopted 1978; the lyrics are a mixture of five of the top entries in a national contest

Economy ::Nigeria

Economy - overview:

Oil-rich Nigeria has been hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management but in 2008 began pursuing economic reforms. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. Since 2008 the government has begun to show the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernizing the banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. GDP rose strongly in 2007-10 because of increased oil exports and high global crude prices in 2010. President JONATHAN has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010 JONATHAN unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes privatization of the state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. The government also is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria's financial sector was hurt by the global financial and economic crises and the Central Bank governor has taken measures to strengthen that sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$369.8 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $346.2 billion (2009 est.)

$327.9 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$206.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 5.6% (2009 est.)

6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2,300 (2009 est.)

$2,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 31.9%

industry: 32.9%

services: 35.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

48.33 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 10%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Population below poverty line:

70% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 46 50.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

11.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Public debt:

13.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 11.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 11.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 9.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.36% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 15.48% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$40.41 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 47 $33.61 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$91.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.31 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$77.43 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $62.18 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$33.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 49 $49.8 billion (31 December 2008)

$86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Electricity - production:

21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Electricity - consumption:

19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.211 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Oil - consumption:

280,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - exports:

2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Oil - imports:

170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - proved reserves:

37.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - production:

32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - consumption:

12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - exports:

20.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.246 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Current account balance:

$27.77 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 $22.89 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$76.33 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $59.32 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Exports - partners:

US 35.08%, India 10.43%, Brazil 9.32%, Spain 7.19%, France 4.65% (2009)

Imports:

$34.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $29.05 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

China 14.89%, US 8.88%, Netherlands 8.18%, South Korea 5.46%, UK 4.63%, France 4.19% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$43.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $44.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.02 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $10.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$67.23 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $61.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$6.071 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $5.821 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 150.88 (2010), 148.84 (2009), 117.8 (2008), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006)

Communications ::Nigeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephones - mobile cellular:

73.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephone system:

general assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains a problem

domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; network of federal-government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40 state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet hosts:

1,378 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Internet users:

43.989 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Transportation ::Nigeria

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km; oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,505 km country comparison to the world: 49 narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 193,200 km country comparison to the world: 26 paved: 28,980 km

unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Merchant marine:

total: 98 country comparison to the world: 51 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11, Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1, Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Nigeria

Military branches:

Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,203,921

females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,298,351

females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,731,734

female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 101

Transnational Issues ::Nigeria

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)

IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly short-term) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Niue (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Niue

Background:

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography ::Niue

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km country comparison to the world: 212 land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 11.54%

permanent crops: 15.38%

other: 73.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

one of world's largest coral islands

People ::Niue

Population:

1,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 235

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%, Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints 8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Niue

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee

former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order

Independence:

19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the power to make its laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)

head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20 independents

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

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 star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand

National anthem:

lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA

note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. 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 emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.01 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.01 million (2003)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.5%

industry: 26.9%

services: 49.5% (2003)

Labor force:

663 (2001) country comparison to the world: 227

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001) country comparison to the world: 128

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 116

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - imports:

31 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$201,400 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Exports - commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Imports:

$9.038 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 227

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600 (2004) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

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

international: country code - 683 (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet hosts:

397,270 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Internet users:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Transportation ::Niue

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 120 km country comparison to the world: 212 paved: 120 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Alofi

Military ::Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Niue

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Norfolk Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Norfolk Island

Background:

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography ::Norfolk Island

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 36 sq km country comparison to the world: 234 land: 36 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People ::Norfolk Island

Population:

2,155 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.006% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Religions:

Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Languages:

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

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E

time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

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 (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the administrator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political parties)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory 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; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island

note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band

National anthem:

lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT

note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia), however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"

Economy ::Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

978 (2006) country comparison to the world: 226

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry and services: 90%

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$1.5 million (FY91/92) country comparison to the world: 217

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million country comparison to the world: 218

Imports - commodities:

NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital (32) circuits (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: free local calls

international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet hosts:

93 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Norfolk Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 80 km country comparison to the world: 215 paved: 53 km

unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kingston

Military ::Norfolk Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Norfolk Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Northern Mariana Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Geography ::Northern Mariana Islands

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: 464 sq km country comparison to the world: 195 land: 464 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.04%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 82.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues:

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

48,317 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)

15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 29.9 years

female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-5.567% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Birth rate:

21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Death rate:

3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Net migration rate:

-73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Urbanization:

urban population: 91% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 178 male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.9 years country comparison to the world: 65 male: 74.27 years

female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

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

Languages:

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

abbreviation: CNMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status:

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

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 Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with 51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held on 23 November 2009

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3

note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN

note: adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the United States, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

8% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 8

Agriculture - products:

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Industries:

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

60,600 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - consumption:

48,300 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Exports:

$98.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Exports - commodities:

garments

Imports:

$214.4 million (2001) country comparison to the world: 199

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,500 (2004) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Transportation ::Northern Mariana Islands

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 536 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 192

Ports and terminals:

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Military ::Northern Mariana Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,359

females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 430

female: 346 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on December 13, 2010

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

@Norway (Europe)

Introduction ::Norway

Background:

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Geography ::Norway

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: 323,802 sq km country comparison to the world: 67 land: 304,282 sq km

water: 19,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,542 km

border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 10 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; 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

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.7%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.3% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

381.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)

per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches

volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - 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 the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world

People ::Norway

Population:

4,676,305 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.8 years

female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.334% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Birth rate:

10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Net migration rate:

1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 211 male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.08 years country comparison to the world: 25 male: 77.42 years

female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Religions:

Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Languages:

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 27

Government ::Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

local short form: Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (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:

7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution:

17 May 1814; amended many times

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); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H 17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2

note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE]; Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party (Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer advocacy group)

other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE

embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will move to Huseby in the near future

mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50

FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

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); the colors recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Bjornstjerne BJORNSON/Rikard NORDRAAK

note: adopted 1864; in addition to the national anthem, "Kongesangen" (Song of the King), which uses the tune of "God Save the Queen," serves as the royal anthem

Economy ::Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$276.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $272.3 billion (2009 est.)

$276.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$413.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -1.4% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$59,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $58,400 (2009 est.)

$59,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 40.1%

services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 21.1%

services: 76% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 3.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (2008) country comparison to the world: 133 25.8 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Public debt:

47.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 72 6.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 27 $118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$227.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 $125.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Industries:

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

Industrial production growth rate:

0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - production:

142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - consumption:

128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - exports:

17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - consumption:

204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - exports:

2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - imports:

107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - proved reserves:

6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - production:

103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - consumption:

4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - exports:

98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Current account balance:

$60.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$137 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $122 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%, Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$74.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US 6.16%, UK 6.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.232 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 7 $475.9 billion (31 December 2008)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.336 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems

international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; 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) (1999)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet hosts:

3.352 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Internet users:

4.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Transportation ::Norway

Airports:

98 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,114 km country comparison to the world: 40 standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 92,946 km country comparison to the world: 52 paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Waterways:

1,577 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Merchant marine:

total: 632 country comparison to the world: 19 by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139, combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46

foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark 11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1, Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)

registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia 1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada 4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark 2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6, Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4, Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1, Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK 39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Military ::Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard (Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18 and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,078,562

females age 16-49: 1,049,529 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 888,310

females age 16-49: 864,344 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 32,045

female: 30,610 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Transnational Issues ::Norway

Disputes - international:

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and its continental shelf); Russia and Norway reached an agreement on how to align Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean boundaries over EEZ and continental shelf in an agreement signed on 15 September 2010; this agreement is pending ratification by the respective national assemblies

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Oman (Middle East)

Introduction ::Oman

Background:

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Geography ::Oman

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: 309,500 sq km country comparison to the world: 70 land: 309,500 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

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:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

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

Terrain:

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.12%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 99.74% (2005)

Irrigated land:

720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)

per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::Oman

Population:

2,967,717 country comparison to the world: 136 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.9 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 22.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.996% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Birth rate:

23.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Death rate:

3.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.23 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 118 male: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years country comparison to the world: 105 male: 72.15 years

female: 75.88 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.87 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,300 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Nationality:

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Ethnic groups:

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

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Languages:

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

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 81.4%

male: 86.8%

female: 73.5% (2003 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Government ::Oman

Country name:

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form: Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

local short form: Uman

former: Muscat and Oman

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*, Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday:

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Constitution:

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has only advisory powers and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has only advisory powers)

elections: last held on 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female candidates was elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and sharia law

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI

chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. SCHMIERER

embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

telephone: [968] 24-643-400

FAX: [968] 24-699771

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal 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 near the top of the vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS

note: adopted 1932; new words were written after QABOOS bin Said al Said gained power in 1970; the anthem was first performed by the band of a British ship as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the bandmaster of the HMS Hawkins was asked to write a salutation to the Sultan on the occasion of his visiting the ship

Economy ::Oman

Economy - overview:

Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources. Because of declining reserves, Muscat has actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices thoughout 2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest in non-oil sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$76.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $73.87 billion (2009 est.)

$72.42 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$53.78 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 2% (2009 est.)

12.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $25,400 (2009 est.)

$25,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 48.2%

services: 50.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

968,800 country comparison to the world: 142 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

15% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

26.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Public debt:

4.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 5.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 3.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.05% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 135 0.91% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.44% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 7.1% (31 December 2008 est.)