The 2010 CIA World Factbook

Y (continued 9)

Reading edition

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,051,656

females age 16-49: 7,780,644 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,642,190

females age 16-49: 6,402,896 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 220,538

female: 208,033 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Transnational Issues ::Canada

Disputes - international:

managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; Canada, the US, and other countries dispute the status of the Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify security measures for monitoring and controlling legal and illegal movement of people, transport, and commodities across the international border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its declared baselines in the Arctic, as stipulated in Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the US; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@Cape Verde (Africa)

Introduction ::Cape Verde

Background:

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Geography ::Cape Verde

Location:

Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 24 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 4,033 sq km country comparison to the world: 175 land: 4,033 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

965 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and erratic

Terrain:

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Natural resources:

salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum

Land use:

arable land: 11.41%

permanent crops: 0.74%

other: 87.85% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

0.3 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.02 cu km/yr (7%/2%/91%)

per capita: 39 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active

volcanism: Fogo (elev. 2,829 m, 9,281 ft), which last erupted in 1995, is Cape Verde's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used as fuel; water shortages; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand extraction; overfishing

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site

People ::Cape Verde

Population:

508,659 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 76,012/female 74,993)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 123,376/female 127,653)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 10,040/female 17,400) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.3 years

male: 21.4 years

female: 23.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.459% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Birth rate:

21.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Net migration rate:

-0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% 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: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 78 male: 31.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.41 years country comparison to the world: 144 male: 68.24 years

female: 72.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.04% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

775 (2001) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

225 (as of 2001) country comparison to the world: 103

Nationality:

noun: Cape Verdean(s)

adjective: Cape Verdean

Ethnic groups:

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs), Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.6%

male: 85.8%

female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 39

Government ::Cape Verde

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde

conventional short form: Cape Verde

local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde

local short form: Cabo Verde

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 55 N, 23 31 W

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

Administrative divisions:

17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe, Sao Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Independence:

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Constitution:

25 September 1992; a major revision on 23 November 1995 substantially increased the powers of the president; a 1999 revision created the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Legal system:

based on the legal system of Portugal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES (since 22 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1 February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president

election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote - Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 22 January 2006 (next to be held on 6 February 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 52.3%, MPD 44%, UCID 2.7%; seats by party - PAICV 41, MPD 29, UCID 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic and Independent Cape Verdean Union or UCID [Antonio MONTEIRO]; Democratic Christian Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD [Victor FIDALGO]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Jorge SANTOS]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO]; Party of Work and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Joao ALEM]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: environmentalists; political pressure groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Fatima Lima VEIGA

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820

FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207

consulate(s) general: Boston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Dana BROWN

embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo n6, Praia

mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia

telephone: [238] 2-60-89-00

FAX: [238] 2-61-13-55

Flag description:

five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue - equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white) and effort (red)

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Amilcar Spencer LOPES/Adalberto Higino Tavares SILVA

note: adopted 1996

Economy ::Cape Verde

Economy - overview:

This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought and poor soil for agriculture on several of the islands. The economy is service oriented with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of food production in GDP is low. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit financed by foreign aid and remittances from its large pool of emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Despite the lack of resources, sound economic management has produced steadily improving incomes. Continued economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Future prospects depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, the encouragement of tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. Cape Verde became a member of the WTO in July 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.861 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $1.781 billion (2009 est.)

$1.749 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.573 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 1.8% (2009 est.)

5.9% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $3,600 (2009 est.)

$3,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 16.2%

services: 74.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

196,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 169

Unemployment rate:

21% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Population below poverty line:

30% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

36.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 54 7.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.98% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 9.99% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$585 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 155 $628.4 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.314 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $1.399 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.179 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $1.256 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish

Industries:

food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - imports:

1,619 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Current account balance:

-$286 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -$319 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$114 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $105 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Exports - partners:

Spain 53.98%, Portugal 22.23%, Morocco 7.13% (2009)

Imports:

$858 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $835 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

Portugal 44.86%, Netherlands 15.51%, Spain 6.1%, Italy 4.46%, Brazil 4.21% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$296 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $284 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$325 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 169

Exchange rates:

Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.58 (2010), 79.377 (2009), 73.84 (2008), 81.235 (2007), 87.946 (2006)

Communications ::Cape Verde

Telephones - main lines in use:

72,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 153

Telephones - mobile cellular:

392,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system, extensive modernization from 1996-2000 following partial privatization in 1995

domestic: major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT); fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in 1998; broadband services launched in 2004

international: country code - 238; landing point for the Atlantis-2 fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to South America, Senegal, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

state-run TV and radio broadcast network plus a growing number of private broadcasters; Portuguese public TV and radio services for Africa are available; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.cv

Internet hosts:

26 (2010) country comparison to the world: 215

Internet users:

150,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 148

Transportation ::Cape Verde

Airports:

10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 156

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,350 km country comparison to the world: 178 paved: 932 km

unpaved: 418 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 13 country comparison to the world: 104 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7

foreign-owned: 3 (Spain 1, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Porto Grande

Military ::Cape Verde

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 128,858

females age 16-49: 133,581 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 103,894

females age 16-49: 114,721 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,077

female: 6,075 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.5% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 165

Transnational Issues ::Cape Verde

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine destined for Western Europe, particularly because of Lusophone links to Brazil, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau; has taken steps to deter drug money laundering, including a 2002 anti-money laundering reform that criminalizes laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and other crimes and the establishment in 2008 of a Financial Intelligence Unit (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Cayman Islands (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Cayman Islands

Background:

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Geography ::Cayman Islands

Location:

Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica

Geographic coordinates:

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 264 sq km country comparison to the world: 210 land: 264 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Terrain:

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Natural resources:

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use:

arable land: 3.85%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 96.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to November)

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Geography - note:

important location between Cuba and Central America

People ::Cayman Islands

Population:

50,209 country comparison to the world: 206 note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.6% (male 4,824/female 4,783)

15-64 years: 71.1% (male 16,994/female 17,884)

65 years and over: 9.3% (male 2,139/female 2,411) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 38 years

female: 38.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.338% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Birth rate:

12.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Death rate:

5 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Net migration rate:

16.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 2 note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2010 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.016 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 169 male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.57 years country comparison to the world: 20 male: 77.91 years

female: 83.27 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

Religions:

Church of God 25.5%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Presbyterian / United Church 9.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.4%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 6.7%, Anglican 3.9%, other religions 4%, non-denominational 5.7%, other 6.5%, none 6.1%, unspecified 3.2% (2007)

Languages:

English (official) 95%, Spanish 3.2%, other 1.8% (1999 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 161

Government ::Cayman Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Constitution:

The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, 6 November 2009

Legal system:

British common law and local statutes

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Duncan TAYLOR (since 15 January 2010)

head of government: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)

cabinet: The Cabinet (six members are appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier, selected from among the elected members of the Legislative Assembly) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition appointed by the governor as premier

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; 18 members elected by popular vote and 2 ex officio members from The Cabinet; to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 20 May 2009 (next to be held not later than May 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UDP 9, PPM 5, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal; Summary Court

Political parties and leaders:

People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Kurt TIBBETTS]; United Democratic Party or UDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Trust

other: environmentalists

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Flag description:

a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS

note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Cayman Islands

Economy - overview:

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.9 million in 2008, with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2.23 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.25 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 0.9% (2004 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$43,800 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 3.2%

services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Labor force:

39,000 country comparison to the world: 198 note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 19.1%

services: 79% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2008) country comparison to the world: 37 4.4% (2004)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 121 4.4% (2004)

Stock of narrow money:

$334.3 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 165

Stock of broad money:

$5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 109 $183.5 million (31 December 2007)

$188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Industries:

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

546 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - consumption:

507.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - imports:

3,294 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exports:

$13.8 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 210 $2.52 million (2004)

Exports - commodities:

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Imports:

$876.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 173 $866.9 million (2004)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Debt - external:

$70 million (1996) country comparison to the world: 184

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 0.8496 (2006)

Communications ::Cayman Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephones - mobile cellular:

33,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 201

Telephone system:

general assessment: reasonably good system

domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004

international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the MAYA-1, Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Broadcast media:

4 television stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately-owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman (2007)

Internet country code:

.ky

Internet hosts:

21,910 (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Internet users:

23,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 188

Transportation ::Cayman Islands

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 193

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 785 km country comparison to the world: 186 paved: 785 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 113 country comparison to the world: 46 by type: bulk carrier 20, cargo 3, chemical tanker 56, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 15

foreign-owned: 99 (Germany 6, Greece 11, Italy 6, Japan 19, Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 54) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Cayman Brac, George Town

Military ::Cayman Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,108 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,860

females age 16-49: 10,287 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 326

female: 347 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Cayman Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe (2008)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Central African Republic (Africa)

Introduction ::Central African Republic

Background:

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. Unrest in the neighboring nations of Chad, Sudan, and the DRC continues to affect stability in the Central African Republic as well.

Geography ::Central African Republic

Location:

Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 622,984 sq km country comparison to the world: 44 land: 622,984 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,203 km

border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain:

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.1%

permanent crops: 0.15%

other: 96.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

144.4 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (80%/16%/4%)

per capita: 7 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

People ::Central African Republic

Population:

4,844,927 country comparison to the world: 116 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: 40.9% (male 928,277/female 917,739)

15-64 years: 55% (male 1,235,940/female 1,244,958)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 71,439/female 113,135) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years

male: 18.7 years

female: 19.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.149% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Birth rate:

36.79 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Death rate:

15.3 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 78

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% 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: 0.98 male(s)/female

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

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

Infant mortality rate:

total: 101.6 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 7 male: 109.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.68 years country comparison to the world: 214 male: 48.45 years

female: 50.95 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.68 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

160,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne disease: malaria

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Ethnic groups:

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%

note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages:

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48.6%

male: 64.8%

female: 33.5% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 8 years

female: 5 years (2009)

Education expenditures:

1.3% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 179

Government ::Central African Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Central African Republic

conventional short form: none

local long form: Republique Centrafricaine

local short form: none

former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire

abbreviation: CAR

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E

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

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Constitution:

ratified by popular referendum 5 December 2004; effective 27 December 2004

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE (since 15 March 2003 coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 22 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the new constitution, the president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 13 March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011); prime minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentary majority

election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE (MLPC) 35.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (105 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 13 March 2005 and 8 May 2005 (next to be held on 23 January 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KNK 42, MLPC 11, RDC 8, PSD 4, FPP 2, ADP 2, LONDO 1, independents 34, other 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court (three judges appointed by the president, three by the president of the National Assembly, and three by fellow judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Inferior Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Jacques MBOLIEDAS]; Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum for Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Londo Association or LONDO; Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [Ange-Felix PATASSE] (the party of deposed president); National Convergence or KNK; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Monam (combating gender-base violence)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas MOUSSA-KEMBE

chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Frederick B. COOK

embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui

mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui

telephone: [236] 61 02 00

FAX: [236] 61 44 94

note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant future

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER

note: adopted 1960; Barthelemy BOGANDA, who wrote the anthem's lyrics, was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory

Economy ::Central African Republic

Economy - overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $3.345 billion (2009 est.)

$3.289 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.113 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92 1.7% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$700 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 222 $700 (2009 est.)

$700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%

industry: 20%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

1.926 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Unemployment rate:

8% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 note: 23% unemployment for Bangui

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 33% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

61.3 (1993) country comparison to the world: 6

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 92 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$288.8 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $241.3 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$343.4 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 $292.9 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$357.6 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 167 $339.1 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Industries:

gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002) country comparison to the world: 107

Electricity - production:

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

Electricity - consumption:

107 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - imports:

2,203 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Current account balance:

-$77 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Exports:

$146.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Belgium 32.57%, China 10.49%, Indonesia 10.36%, Morocco 10.24%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%, France 5.79% (2009)

Imports:

$237.3 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Imports - commodities:

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

South Korea 19.29%, France 11.95%, US 7.78%, Cameroon 7.39%, Netherlands 6.77% (2009)

Debt - external:

$1.153 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.8 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

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

Communications ::Central African Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

12,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephones - mobile cellular:

168,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephone system:

general assessment: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication

domestic: limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui

international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

government-owned network, Radiodiffusion Television Centrafricaine, provides domestic TV broadcasting; licenses for 2 private TV stations are pending; state-owned radio network is supplemented by a small number of privately-owned broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.cf

Internet hosts:

20 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217

Internet users:

22,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 191

Transportation ::Central African Republic

Airports:

37 (2010) country comparison to the world: 106

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 35

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 24,307 km (2000) country comparison to the world: 105

Waterways:

2,800 km (the primary navigable river is the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional route for the export of products because it connected with the Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both sides of the River Congo from 1997, however, routes through Cameroon became preferred by importers and exporters) (2010) country comparison to the world: 35

Ports and terminals:

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Military ::Central African Republic

Military branches:

Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG), National Police (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for selective military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,121,548

females age 16-49: 1,118,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 637,474

females age 16-49: 643,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 54,024

female: 53,203 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Transnational Issues ::Central African Republic

Disputes - international:

periodic skirmishes over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border with southern Sudan persist

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,900 (Sudan); 3,700 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); note - UNHCR resumed repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees in 2006

IDPs: 197,000 (ongoing unrest following coup in 2003) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Central African Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, street vending, and forced agricultural, mine, market and restaurant labor; to a lesser extent, children are trafficked from the Central African Republic to Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; rebels conscript children into armed forces within the country

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Central African Republic is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in 2007; efforts to address trafficking through vigorous law enforcement measures and victim protection efforts were minimal, though awareness about trafficking appeared to be increasing in the country; the government does not actively investigate cases, work to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, or rescue and provide care to victims; the government has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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

@Chad (Africa)

Introduction ::Chad

Background:

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in December 2006 and October 2007. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a significant rebel threat in early 2008.

Geography ::Chad

Location:

Central Africa, south of Libya

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 19 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.284 million sq km country comparison to the world: 21 land: 1,259,200 sq km

water: 24,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 5,968 km

border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain:

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Djourab 160 m

highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt

Land use:

arable land: 2.8%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 97.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

43 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.23 cu km/yr (17%/0%/83%)

per capita: 24 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel

People ::Chad

Population:

10,543,464 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.7% (male 2,445,841/female 2,381,319)

15-64 years: 50.4% (male 2,386,428/female 2,816,050)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 126,351/female 173,219) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.6 years

male: 15.5 years

female: 17.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.038% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Birth rate:

40.12 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Death rate:

15.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Net migration rate:

-3.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Urbanization:

urban population: 27% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 9 male: 103 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 90.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.99 years country comparison to the world: 217 male: 46.95 years

female: 49.07 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne disease: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Ethnic groups:

Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%, Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha 4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3% (1993 census)

Religions:

Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%, other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1% (1993 census)

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic

total population: 25.7%

male: 40.8%

female: 12.8% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 6 years

male: 8 years

female: 4 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 173

Government ::Chad

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chad

conventional short form: Chad

local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad

local short form: Tchad/Tshad

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E

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

Administrative divisions:

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Barh el Gazel, Batha, Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi Est, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile, Tibesti, Ville de N'Djamena, Wadi Fira

Independence:

11 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 31 March 1996; a June 2005 referendum removed constitutional term limits

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4 December 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Emmanuel NADINGAR (since 5 March 2010)

cabinet: Council of State; members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting; last election held on 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire KOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%, Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the 1996 constitution called for a Senate that has never been formed

elections: National Assembly - last held on 21 April 2002 (next to be held by February 2011); note - legislative elections, originally scheduled for 2006, were first delayed by National Assembly action and subsequently by an accord, signed in August 2007, between government and opposition parties

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, UNDR 5, URD 3, other 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR]; National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Delwa Kassire KOUMAKOYE]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO]; Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ibni Oumar Mahamat SALEH]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh AHMAT, chairman]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lol Mahamat CHOUA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

rebel groups

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Adam BECHIR

chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Louis NIGRO

embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena

mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena

telephone: [235] 251-62-11, 251-70-09, 251-77-59

FAX: [235] 251-56-54

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity, and sacrifice

note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Louis GIDROL and his students/Paul VILLARD

note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Chad

Economy - overview:

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1 billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also expanding exploration efforts and are currently building a 300-km pipleline and the country's first refinery. The nation's total oil reserves are estimated at 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18.56 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $18.2 billion (2009 est.)

$18.49 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$7.592 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 -1.6% (2009 est.)

10.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 50.5%

industry: 7%

services: 42.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.293 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 83

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing)

industry and services: 20% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

80% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 30.8% (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 10% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 93 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$920.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 139 $937.8 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.257 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.008 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$943.8 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $566.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Industries:

oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - production:

100 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - consumption:

93 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

115,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - exports:

157,900 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - imports:

1,571 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Oil - proved reserves:

1.5 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Current account balance:

-$2.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -$2.305 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$3.036 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 $2.709 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, cattle, cotton, gum arabic

Exports - partners:

US 90.06%, France 4.81%, China 1.6% (2009)

Imports:

$2.631 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $2.539 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

France 17.74%, Cameroon 12.7%, China 11.23%, US 7.59%, Italy 6.54%, Ukraine 5.33%, Netherlands 4.37% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$868 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 $685 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$1.749 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA (31 December 2010)

$4.5 billion (2006 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs 506.04 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 480.1 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

Communications ::Chad

Telephones - main lines in use:

13,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.686 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 119

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of radiotelephone communication stations with high costs and low telephone density

domestic: fixed-line connections for only about 1 per 1000 persons coupled with mobile-cellular subscribership base of only about 25 per 100 persons

international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV broadcast station; state-owned radio network, Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and regional stations; about 10 private radio stations; some stations rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code:

.td

Internet hosts:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 226

Internet users:

168,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transportation ::Chad

Airports:

56 (2010) country comparison to the world: 83

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 48

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 21

under 914 m: 10 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 250 km (2009)

Roadways:

total: 33,400 km country comparison to the world: 96 paved: 267 km

unpaved: 33,133 km (2002)

Waterways:

Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2010)

Military ::Chad

Military branches:

Armed Forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad, ANT), Chadian Air Force (Force Aerienne Tchadienne, FAT), Gendarmerie (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation; 18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a guardian; women are subject to 1 year of compulsory military or civic service at age of 21 (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,025,929

females age 16-49: 2,377,898 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,141,776

females age 16-49: 1,354,111 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 125,073

female: 125,069 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Transnational Issues ::Chad

Disputes - international:

since 2003, Janjawid armed militia and the Sudanese military have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad; Chad remains an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict, reducing tensions with Sudan arising from cross-border banditry; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 234,000 (Sudan); 54,200 (Central African Republic)

IDPs: 178,918 (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Chad is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of children are trafficked within Chad for involuntary domestic servitude, forced cattle herding, forced begging, forced labor in petty commerce or the fishing industry, or for commercial sexual exploitation; to a lesser extent, Chadian children are also trafficked to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria for cattle herding; children may also be trafficked from Cameroon and the Central African Republic to Chad's oil producing regions for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Chad does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any significant efforts to do so; although facing resource constraints, the government has the capacity to conduct basic anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, yet did not do so during the last year; it showed no results in enforcing government policy prohibiting the recruitment of child soldiers; Chad has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Chile (South America)

Introduction ::Chile

Background:

Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely subjugated. After a series of elected governments, a three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

Geography ::Chile

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 756,102 sq km country comparison to the world: 38 land: 743,812 sq km

water: 12,290 sq km

note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,339 km

border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

Coastline:

6,435 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200/350 nm

Climate:

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

Terrain:

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

Natural resources:

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.62%

permanent crops: 0.43%

other: 96.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

19,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

922 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.55 cu km/yr (11%/25%/64%)

per capita: 770 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

volcanism: Chile experiences significant volcanic activity due to the more than three-dozen active volcanoes situated within the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m, 18,346 ft), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m, 10,253 ft) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, San Pedro, and Villarrica

Environment - current issues:

widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

People ::Chile

Population:

16,746,491 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,966,017/female 1,877,963)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,625,963/female 5,628,146)

65 years and over: 9.1% (male 627,746/female 875,872) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.7 years

male: 30.7 years

female: 32.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.856% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Birth rate:

14.46 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Death rate:

5.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 77

Urbanization:

urban population: 88% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

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

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 164 male: 8.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.53 years country comparison to the world: 56 male: 74.26 years

female: 80.96 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

31,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Nationality:

noun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

Ethnic groups:

white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.7%

male: 95.8%

female: 95.6% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 14 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 135

Government ::Chile

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chile

conventional short form: Chile

local long form: Republica de Chile

local short form: Chile

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W

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

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

note: the Chilean Government announced on 4 March 2010 that the end of DST would be delayed until 4 April 2010 providing respite to those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake of February 2010

Administrative divisions:

15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

Constitution:

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

Legal system:

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; note - in June 2005, Chile completed overhaul of its criminal justice system to a US-style adversarial system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president; percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI 48.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in December 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is elected every three years by the 20-member court); Constitutional Tribunal (eight-members - two each from the Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Supreme Court, and National Security Council - review the constitutionality of laws approved by Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Broad Social Movement or MAS; Clean Chile Vote Happy or CLVF (including Broad Social Movement, Country Force, and Regionalist Party of Independents or PRI); Coalition for Change or CC (formerly known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], Independent Democratic Union or UDI [Juan Antonio COLOMA Correa], and Chile First [Vlado MIROSEVIC]); Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER], Party for Democracy or PPD [Carolina TOHA Morales], Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE]); Partido Ecologista del Sur; Together We Can Do More (including Communist Party or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER del Valle], and Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE])

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such as Opus Dei; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations

other: revitalized university student federations at all major universities

International organization participation:

APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arturo FERNANDOIS Vohringer

chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746

FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alejandro D. WOLFF

embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago

mailing address: APO AA 34033

telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000

FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence

note: design was influenced by the US flag

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle

note: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET"s military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; however, as a protest, some citizens refused to sing this verse; it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990

Economy ::Chile

Economy - overview:

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the situation in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. In the years since then, growth has averaged 4% per year. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country. It has 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Over the past seven years, foreign direct investment inflows have quadrupled to some $15 billion in 2010, but FDI had dropped to about $7 billion in 2009 in the face of diminished investment throughout the world. The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of September 2008, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20 billion. Chile used $4 billion from this fund to finance a fiscal stimulus package to fend off recession. In December 2009, the OECD invited Chile to become a full member, after a two year period of compliance with organization mandates. The economy started to show signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter, 2009, and GDP grew more than 5% in 2010. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 was one of the top ten strongest earthquakes on record. It caused considerable damage near the epicenter, located about 70 miles from Concepcion - and about 200 miles southwest of Santiago.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$260 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $246.9 billion (2009 est.)

$250.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$199.2 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 -1.5% (2009 est.)

3.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14,900 (2009 est.)

$15,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.6%

industry: 40.5%

services: 53.9% (2009 est.)

Labor force:

7.58 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13.2%

industry: 23%

services: 63.9% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 9.6% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18.2% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 41.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

54.9 (2003) country comparison to the world: 14 57.1 (2000)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Public debt:

6.2% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 6.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 1.5% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 52 8.25% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.25% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 13.26% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$29.81 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 57 $23.68 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$160.3 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 45 $127.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$153.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $133.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$209.5 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 29 $132.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$212.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

Industries:

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - production:

60.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Electricity - consumption:

57.29 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.628 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

10,850 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - consumption:

277,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Oil - exports:

49,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - imports:

311,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Oil - proved reserves:

150 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - production:

1.65 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - consumption:

2.34 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Natural gas - imports:

690 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Natural gas - proved reserves:

97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Current account balance:

$1.033 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $4.217 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$64.28 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $53.74 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

Exports - partners:

China 16.46%, US 11.31%, Japan 9.06%, South Korea 6.49%, Brazil 4.64%, Mexico 4.09% (2009)

Imports:

$54.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $39.75 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas

Imports - partners:

US 21.77%, China 12.76%, Argentina 9.55%, Brazil 6.46%, South Korea 5.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$26.08 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $25.29 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$84.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $72.76 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$136.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $121.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$51.15 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $41.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 525.34 (2010), 560.86 (2009), 509.02 (2008), 526.25 (2007), 530.29 (2006)

Communications ::Chile

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.575 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16.45 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization begun in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations

domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching a level of 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America Nautilius submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

national and local terrestrial television channels, coupled with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self-financed through commercial advertising revenues and is not under direct government control; large number of privately-owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.cl

Internet hosts:

1.056 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 43

Internet users:

7.009 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39

Transportation ::Chile

Airports:

366 (2010) country comparison to the world: 22

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 84

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 24 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 282

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 50

under 914 m: 217 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 2,673 km; liquid petroleum gas 519 km; oil 892 km; refined products 769 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,483 km country comparison to the world: 34 broad gauge: 1,706 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,777 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 80,505 km country comparison to the world: 59 paved: 16,745 km (includes 2,414 km of expressways)

unpaved: 63,760 km (2004)

Merchant marine:

total: 48 country comparison to the world: 71 by type: bulk carrier 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 8, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries: 48 (Argentina 6, Belize 1, Brazil 1, Cyprus 1, Isle of Man 8, Liberia 7, Panama 17, Singapore 7) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Valparaiso

Military ::Chile

Military branches:

Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile, FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service, although the right to compulsory recruitment is retained; service obligation - 12 months for Army, 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,301,900

females age 16-49: 4,232,956 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,599,328

females age 16-49: 3,544,156 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 143,778

female: 138,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 52

Transnational Issues ::Chile

Disputes - international:

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reinvigorated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile to Bolivian gas and other commodities; Chile rejects Peru's unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring Peru, in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the region; some money laundering activity, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant consumer of cocaine (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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@China (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::China

Background:

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and participation in international organizations.

Geography ::China

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 9,596,961 sq km country comparison to the world: 4 land: 9,569,901 sq km

water: 27,060 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 22,117 km

border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Coastline:

14,500 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:

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)

Land use:

arable land: 14.86%

permanent crops: 1.27%

other: 83.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

545,960 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,829.6 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 549.76 cu km/yr (7%/26%/68%)

per capita: 415 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land subsidence

volcanism: China contains some historically active volcanoes including Changbaishan (also known as Baitoushan, Baegdu, or P'aektu-san), Hainan Dao, and Kunlun although most have been relatively inactive in recent centuries

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US); Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

People ::China

Population:

1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.8% (male 140,877,745/female 124,290,090)

15-64 years: 72.1% (male 495,724,889/female 469,182,087)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 51,774,115/female 56,764,042) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.2 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 35.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.494% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Birth rate:

12.17 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Death rate:

6.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Net migration rate:

-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Urbanization:

urban population: 43% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.17 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 114 male: 15.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.51 years country comparison to the world: 93 male: 72.54 years

female: 76.77 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

700,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

39,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

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

vectorborne diseases: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever

soil contact disease: hantaviral hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)

animal contact disease: rabies

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

Nationality:

noun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia, Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Religions:

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%

note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Languages:

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect) (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)

note: Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.6%

male: 95.7%

female: 87.6% (2007)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 172