The 2010 CIA World Factbook

Y (continued 36)

Reading edition

Ports and terminals:

Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Military ::Russia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground troops (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat zones after 6 months training); reserve obligation to age 50

note: over 60% of draft-age Russian males receive some type of deferment - generally health related - each draft cycle (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,850,217

females age 16-49: 35,693,977 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,746,777

females age 16-49: 27,174,148 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 712,838

female: 678,623 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 26

Transnational Issues ::Russia

Disputes - international:

China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column; 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; various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005, Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North Ossetia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes; it remains a significant source of women trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation; Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year, particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking; comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since 2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption; government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are key concerns; major consumer of opiates

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Rwanda (Africa)

Introduction ::Rwanda

Background:

In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2 million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009 staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there and Kigali and Kinshasa restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth in late 2009.

Geography ::Rwanda

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 26,338 sq km country comparison to the world: 148 land: 24,668 sq km

water: 1,670 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 893 km

border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 45.56%

permanent crops: 10.25%

other: 44.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m, 12,175 ft), located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only historically active volcano

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural

People ::Rwanda

Population:

11,055,976 country comparison to the world: 74 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: 42.7% (male 2,309,323/female 2,277,269)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,932,686/female 2,961,300)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 106,740/female 158,993) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.818% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Birth rate:

37.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Death rate:

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Net migration rate:

1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 25 male: 69.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.46 years country comparison to the world: 193 male: 56.06 years

female: 58.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.99 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.4%

male: 76.3%

female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 9 years

female: 9 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

4.1% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

People - note:

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Government ::Rwanda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda

conventional short form: Rwanda

local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda

local short form: Rwanda

former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Government type:

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 9 August 2010 (next to be held in 2017)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected to a second term as president; Paul KAGAME 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO 5.1%, Prosper HIGIRO 1.4%, Alvera MUKABAR 0.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of higher learning; members to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 15 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%, PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members indirectly elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial Courts; District Courts; mediation committees

Political parties and leaders:

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA]; Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA]; Democratic Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially banned); Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL [Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal (officially banned); Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]; Solidarity and Prosperity Party or PSP [Pheobe KANYANGE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James KIMONYO

chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON

embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali

mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali

telephone: [250] 596-400

FAX: [250] 596-591

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width), yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end of the blue band; blue represents happiness and peace, yellow economic development and mineral wealth, green hope of prosperity and natural resources; the sun symbolizes unity, as well as enlightenment and transparency from ignorance

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Faustin MURIGO/Jean-Bosco HASHAKAIMANA

note: adopted 2001

Economy ::Rwanda

Economy - overview:

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture and some mineral and agro-processing. In 2008, minerals overtook coffee and tea as Rwanda's primary foreign exchange earner. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded and inflation has been curbed. Nonetheless, a majority still live below the poverty line of 250 Rwandan francs per day (about US$0.43). Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06. Rwanda also received a Millennium Challenge Account Compact in 2008. Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional trade. Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners. The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap growth. The global downturn hurt export demand and tourism, but economic growth is recovering, driven in large part by the services sector, and inflation has been contained. On the back of this growth, government is gradually ending its fiscal stimulus policy while protecting aid to the poor.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$11.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $11.17 billion (2009 est.)

$10.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$5.693 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 4.5% (2009 est.)

11.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42.1%

industry: 14.3%

services: 43.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.446 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 81

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.8 (2000) country comparison to the world: 35 28.9 (1985)

Investment (gross fixed):

20% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 10.4% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

11.25% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 29 12.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 16.51% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$602.3 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 154 $537.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money:

$1.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $1.068 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $515.5 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Industries:

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - production:

120 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - consumption:

231.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - exports:

10 million kWh (2007)

Electricity - imports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - imports:

5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - proved reserves:

56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Current account balance:

-$489 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 -$379 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$226 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 $193 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Exports - partners:

Kenya 33.88%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 13.56%, Thailand 6.22%, China 5.49%, US 5.47%, Swaziland 5.43%, Belgium 5.19% (2009)

Imports:

$1.047 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $961 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material

Imports - partners:

Kenya 16.53%, Uganda 14.92%, China 7.92%, UAE 6.89%, Belgium 5.54%, Germany 5.19%, Tanzania 4.81%, Sweden 4% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$816 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113 $742.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 586.25 (2010), 568.176 (2009), 550 (2008), 585 (2007), 560 (2006)

Communications ::Rwanda

Telephones - main lines in use:

33,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.429 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 123

Telephone system:

general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business, education, and government

domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density has increased to about 25 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Broadcast media:

government owns and operates the only TV station; government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9 private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.rw

Internet hosts:

815 (2010) country comparison to the world: 171

Internet users:

450,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 118

Transportation ::Rwanda

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 160

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 14,008 km country comparison to the world: 125 paved: 2,662 km

unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Waterways:

Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft (2009)

Ports and terminals:

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Military ::Rwanda

Military branches:

Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), Rwandan Patriotic Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,573,834

females age 16-49: 2,553,707 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,641,563

females age 16-49: 1,696,514 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 98,164

female: 97,839 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Transnational Issues ::Rwanda

Disputes - international:

fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation, and efforts by local governments to create civil societies; nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in 2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of the border remains in place

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Saint Barthelemy (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Barthelemy

Background:

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Barthelemy

Location:

located approximately 125 miles northwest of Guadeloupe

Geographic coordinates:

17 90 N, 62 85 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

21 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Climate:

tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Terrain:

hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Natural resources:

has few natural resources, its beaches being the most important

Environment - current issues:

with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported via water tanker

People ::Saint Barthelemy

Population:

7,406 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 39.9 years

female: 39.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Ethnic groups:

white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Languages:

French (primary), English

Government ::Saint Barthelemy

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy

conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy

local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy

local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1

note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES]; Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth d'Abord! or SBA [Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy [Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Isabelle Massart DERAVIN/Michael VALENTI

note: local anthem in use since 1999; as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Barthelemy

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host 70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism. The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor from Brazil and Portugal.

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Barthelemy

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

no local TV broadcasters; 3 FM radio channels (2 via repeater)

Internet country code:

.bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Barthelemy

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gustavia

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Barthelemy

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,543

females age 16-49: 1,303 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21

female: 21 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (Africa)

Introduction ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Background:

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.

Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.

Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.

Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island.

Geography ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Location:

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Geographic coordinates:

Saint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W

Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W

Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 308 sq km country comparison to the world: 208 land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km; Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Saint Helena: 60 km

Ascension Island: NA

Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds

Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid

Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Terrain:

the islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge

Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east

Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 818 m

Natural resources:

fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 12.9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

volcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (elev. 2,060 m, 6,758 ft) and Nightingale Island (elev. 365 m, 1,197 ft) experience volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale in 2004

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Saint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa

People ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Population:

7,670 country comparison to the world: 226 note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are inhabited (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.2 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 38.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.404% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Birth rate:

10.95 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 111

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

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

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.98 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 110 male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.6 years country comparison to the world: 45 male: 75.68 years

female: 81.67 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Ethnic groups:

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Religions:

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 20 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1987 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Country name:

conventional long form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

conventional short form: none

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 administrative areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

The Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009, effective 1 September 2009

Legal system:

English common law and statutes supplemented by local statutes

Suffrage:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (17 seats, including a speaker and deputy speaker, 12 elected, and three ex officio members; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

elections: last held on 4 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: private sector; unions

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left, offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying an English flag

National anthem:

note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing, raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

2,486 country comparison to the world: 223 note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 48%

services: 46% (1987 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Agriculture - products:

coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster; livestock

Industries:

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - imports:

80 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Exports:

$19 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Exports - commodities:

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Imports:

$45 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Imports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Communications ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

general assessment: can communicate worldwide

domestic: automatic digital network

international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1)

Broadcast media:

St. Helena has no local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially; Ascension Island has no local TV station, but has 1 local radio station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 St. Helena radio station; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military; Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and radio broadcasts (2007)

Internet country code:

.sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac

Internet hosts:

6,873 (2010) country comparison to the world: 136

Internet users:

900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Communications - note:

South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

Transportation ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 225

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km) country comparison to the world: 208 paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Saint Helena: Jamestown

Ascension Island: Georgetown

Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh)

Transportation - note:

there is no air connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Military ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,575

females age 16-49: 1,591 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 48

female: 47 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Saint Kitts and Nevis (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Background:

Carib Indians occupied the islands for hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Geography ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Location:

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) country comparison to the world: 211 land: 261 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 19.44%

permanent crops: 2.78%

other: 77.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, 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:

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island

People ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population:

49,898 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.5 years

male: 31.5 years

female: 31.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.838% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Birth rate:

14.23 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Death rate:

7.11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Net migration rate:

1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 153 male: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.37 years country comparison to the world: 96 male: 72.03 years

female: 76.75 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Ethnic groups:

predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97.8%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

9.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 6

Government ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country name:

conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis

former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2010 (next to be held by 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SKNLP 6, CCM 2, PAM 2, NRP 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM [Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636

FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Kenrick Anderson GEORGES

note: adopted 1983

Economy ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar, the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking. More than 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by one of the world's highest public debt burdens equivalent to roughly 185% of GDP, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$719.5 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $730.5 million (2009 est.)

$772.7 million (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$562 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 202 -5.5% (2009 est.)

4.6% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $14,800 (2009 est.)

$15,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 25.8%

services: 70.7% (2001)

Labor force:

18,170 (June 1995) country comparison to the world: 209

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1997) country comparison to the world: 42

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

185% of GDP (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 65 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.75% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107 8.75% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$94.45 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $93.23 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$823.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $787.8 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$790.8 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $782.4 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$648 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 102 $595.2 million (31 December 2008)

$439.7 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Industries:

tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

130 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Electricity - consumption:

120.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - imports:

1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Current account balance:

-$163 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exports:

$84 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 198

Exports - commodities:

machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 62.3%, Canada 7.93%, Azerbaijan 6.72% (2009)

Imports:

$383 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 189

Imports - commodities:

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 43.37%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.26%, Italy 11.83% (2009)

Debt - external:

$314 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 171

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephones - mobile cellular:

83,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephone system:

general assessment: good interisland and international connections

domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable; construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in November 2004

international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Broadcast media:

the government operates a national television network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services provide access to local and international channels; the government operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.kn

Internet hosts:

51 (2010) country comparison to the world: 210

Internet users:

17,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 197

Transportation ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 204

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Railways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 131 narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Roadways:

total: 383 km country comparison to the world: 199 paved: 163 km

unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 160 country comparison to the world: 40 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 92, chemical tanker 4, combination ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 94 (Bahrain 1, Belgium 1, China 1, Estonia 3, Italy 1, Japan 3, Kuwait 3, Latvia 2, Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 3, Russia 11, Singapore 5, Syria 5, Turkey 22, UAE 17, UK 2, Ukraine 10, US 1, Yemen 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Basseterre, Charlestown

Military ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Military branches:

Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force; for national security, Saint Kitts and Nevis relies on the Regional Security System, headquartered in Barbados (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,510

females age 16-49: 13,075 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,736

females age 16-49: 10,913 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 402

female: 430 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Saint Lucia (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Lucia

Background:

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Lucia

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 53 N, 60 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 616 sq km country comparison to the world: 192 land: 606 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Natural resources:

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential

Land use:

arable land: 6.45%

permanent crops: 22.58%

other: 70.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

Environment - international agreements:

party to: 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, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean

People ::Saint Lucia

Population:

160,922 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.3 years

male: 29.3 years

female: 31.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.398% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Birth rate:

14.81 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Death rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Net migration rate:

-3.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.07 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 133 male: 12.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.65 years country comparison to the world: 67 male: 73.97 years

female: 79.48 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Ethnic groups:

black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 90.1%

male: 89.5%

female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Government ::Saint Lucia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since September 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9 September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September 2007

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held on 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP 50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High Court and a Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia Freedom Party or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Kenneth ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher HUNTE]; United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PetroCaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Flag description:

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border; the blue color represents the sky and sea, gold stands for sunshine and prosperity, and white and black the racial composition of the island (with the latter being dominant); the two major triangles invoke the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), cone-shaped volcanic plugs that are a symbol of the island

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Charles JESSE/Leton Felix THOMAS

note: adopted 1967

Economy ::Saint Lucia

Economy - overview:

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects. Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange, although tourism sector revenues declined with the global economic downturn as US and European travel dropped in 2009. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 77% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though unemployment needs to be reduced.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.789 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 $1.769 billion (2009 est.)

$1.866 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -5.2% (2009 est.)

0.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 $11,000 (2009 est.)

$11,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 15%

services: 80% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

79,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 183

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 63 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.58% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 10.08% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$244.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 169 $245 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$1.094 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.061 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.378 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.217 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

325 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

Electricity - consumption:

302.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - imports:

2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Current account balance:

-$199 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Exports:

$288 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports - commodities:

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

Spain 29.41%, UK 15.28%, South Korea 10.54%, US 9.75%, India 9.52% (2009)

Imports:

$791 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Imports - commodities:

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Imports - partners:

Brazil 83.44%, US 4.67%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.56% (2009)

Debt - external:

$257 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 172

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Lucia

Telephones - main lines in use:

41,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Telephones - mobile cellular:

176,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: system is automatically switched

international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados

Broadcast media:

3 privately-owned television stations; 1 public television station operating on a cable network; multi-channel cable TV service is obtainable; a mix of state-owned and privately-owned broadcasters operate nearly 25 radio stations including repeater transmission stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.lc

Internet hosts:

106 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201

Internet users:

142,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Transportation ::Saint Lucia

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 198

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

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

Roadways:

total: 1,210 km (2002) country comparison to the world: 180

Ports and terminals:

Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Military ::Saint Lucia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 41,177 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 32,406

females age 16-49: 36,216 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,627

female: 1,521 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Saint Lucia

Disputes - international:

Illicit drugs:

transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Saint Martin (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Martin

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. Friction between the two sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 57%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Martin

Location:

island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 05 N, 63 57 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 54.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 230 land: 54.4 sq km

water: NEGL

Area - comparative:

more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km

border countries: Sint Maarten 15 km

Coastline:

58.9 km (for entire island)

Climate:

temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; July-November is the hurricane season

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Natural resources:

salt

Natural hazards:

subject to hurricanes from July to November

Environment - current issues:

fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of sea water

Geography - note:

the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Saint Martin

Population:

30,235 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years

male: 29.7 years

female: 31.6 years (2010 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

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

Ethnic groups:

creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Languages:

French (official language), English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Government ::Saint Martin

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin

conventional short form: Saint Martin

local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin

local short form: Saint-Martin

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight savings: +1 hour

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is Schoalcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory economic, social, and cultural council (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10 April 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%, Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir Saint-Martin 1

note: Saint Martin elects one member to the French Senate; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING]; Rassemblement Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON]; Reussir Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS

note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" remains official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" remains official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands)

Economy ::Saint Martin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with 85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States. Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean.

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Industries:

tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7338 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Martin

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Broadcast media:

1 local TV station; receives television broadcasts from the Netherlands Antilles; access to about 20 radio stations, including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater (2008)

Internet country code:

.mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Martin

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 224

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Martin

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,391

females age 16-49: 6,947 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 172

female: 165 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Pierre and Miquelon (North America)

Introduction ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Background:

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Geography ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Location:

Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Geographic coordinates:

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 242 sq km country comparison to the world: 213 land: 242 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold and wet, with considerable mist and fog; spring and autumn are often windy

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 12.5%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Geography - note:

vegetation scanty

People ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Population:

5,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 228

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 789/female 755)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 2,378/female 2,313)

65 years and over: 11.7% (male 382/female 446) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42 years

male: 41.6 years

female: 42.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.909% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Birth rate:

8.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Death rate:

8.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Net migration rate:

-9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

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

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 163 male: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.74 years country comparison to the world: 30 male: 77.49 years

female: 82.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1982 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon

conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Dependency status:

self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Regis BORIUS (since 29 October 2009)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council elected by the members of the council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held on 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD 16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1

note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one member to the French Senate; elections last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last held on, first round - 10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left Radical Party 1

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Archipelago Tomorrow or AD (affiliated with UDF/RPR list); Cap sur l'Avenir (affiliated with PRG); Left Radical Party or PRG; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now UMP); Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM; Socialist Party or PS; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white, wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the blue on the main portion of the flag symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean and the stylized ship represents the Grande Hermine in which Jacques Cartier "discovered" the islands in 1536

note: the flag of France used for official occasions

National anthem:

note: as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$48.3 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

3,450 (2005) country comparison to the world: 221

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%

industry: 41%

services: 41% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (1999) country comparison to the world: 113

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 190

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

53 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - consumption:

49.29 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - imports:

564 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exports:

$5.5 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Imports:

$68.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Imports - commodities:

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6734 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French domestic satellite system

Broadcast media:

2 television stations with a third repeater station, all part of the French Overseas Network; has radio stations on St. Pierre and on Miquelon that are part of the French Overseas Network (2007)

Internet country code:

.pm

Internet hosts:

0 (2010) country comparison to the world: 232

Transportation ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 203

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 117 km country comparison to the world: 213 paved: 80 km

unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint-Pierre

Military ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,097

females age 16-49: 1,096 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 36

female: 34 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Background:

Resistance by native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) country comparison to the world: 202 land: 389 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, cropland

Land use:

arable land: 17.95%

permanent crops: 17.95%

other: 64.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Environment - international agreements:

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

People ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population:

104,217 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701)

65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years

male: 29.6 years

female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.341% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Birth rate:

14.89 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Death rate:

6.94 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Net migration rate:

-11.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 127 male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.9 years country comparison to the world: 107 male: 72.04 years

female: 75.82 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate: