major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore,
manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead,
zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium
Kenya
gold, limestone, soda ash, salt, rubies, fluorspar, garnets,
wildlife, hydropower
Kingman Reef
terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
Kiribati
phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)
Korea, North
coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron
ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower
Korea, South
coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower
potential
Kuwait
petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Kyrgyzstan
abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and
rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas;
other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc
Laos
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
Latvia
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable
land
Lebanon
limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a
water-deficit region, arable land
Lesotho
water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and
other minerals
Liberia
iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower
Libya
petroleum, natural gas, gypsum
Liechtenstein
hydroelectric potential, arable land
Lithuania
peat, arable land
Luxembourg
iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land
Macau
NEGL
Macedonia
low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite,
manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber,
arable land
Madagascar
graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar
sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower
Malawi
limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of
uranium, coal, and bauxite
Malaysia
tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas,
bauxite
Maldives
fish
Mali
gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, hydropower
note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are
known but not exploited
Malta
limestone, salt, arable land
Man, Isle of
none
Marshall Islands
coconut products, marine products, deep seabed
minerals
Martinique
coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
Mauritania
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil,
fish
Mauritius
arable land, fish
Mayotte
NEGL
Mexico
petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas,
timber
Micronesia, Federated States of
forests, marine products,
deep-seabed minerals
Midway Islands
wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic
Moldova
lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone
Monaco
none
Mongolia
oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin,
nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron
Montserrat
negligible
Morocco
phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt
Mozambique
coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum,
graphite
Namibia
diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium,
cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, hydropower, fish
note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore
Nauru
phosphates, fish
Navassa Island
guano
Nepal
quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small
deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Netherlands
natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and
gravel, arable land
Netherlands Antilles
phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)
New Caledonia
nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold,
lead, copper
New Zealand
natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower,
gold, limestone
Nicaragua
gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish
Niger
uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, petroleum
Nigeria
natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal,
limestone, lead, zinc, arable land
Niue
fish, arable land
Norfolk Island
fish
Northern Mariana Islands
arable land, fish
Norway
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc,
titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower
Oman
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,
gypsum, natural gas
Pacific Ocean
oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and
gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish
Pakistan
land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum,
poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone
Palau
forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products,
deep-seabed minerals
Palmyra Atoll
terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
Panama
copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower
Papua New Guinea
gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil,
fisheries
Paracel Islands
none
Paraguay
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone
Peru
copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,
phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas
Philippines
timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt,
copper
Pitcairn Islands
miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish
note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been
discovered offshore
Poland
coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber,
arable land
Portugal
fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin,
tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable
land, hydropower
Puerto Rico
some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and
offshore oil
Qatar
petroleum, natural gas, fish
Reunion
fish, arable land, hydropower
Romania
petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal,
iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower
Russia
wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil,
natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber
note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder
exploitation of natural resources
Rwanda
gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore),
methane, hydropower, arable land
Saint Helena
fish
Saint Kitts and Nevis
arable land
Saint Lucia
forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral
springs, geothermal potential
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
fish, deepwater ports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
hydropower, cropland
Samoa
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
San Marino
building stone
Sao Tome and Principe
fish, hydropower
Saudi Arabia
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper
Senegal
fish, phosphates, iron ore
Serbia and Montenegro
oil, gas, coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper,
lead, zinc, antimony, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, magnesium,
pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, hydropower, arable land
Seychelles
fish, copra, cinnamon trees
Sierra Leone
diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold,
chromite
Singapore
fish, deepwater ports
Slovakia
brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper
and manganese ore; salt; arable land
Slovenia
lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver,
hydropower, forests
Solomon Islands
fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead,
zinc, nickel
Somalia
uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin,
gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves
South Africa
gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese,
nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper,
vanadium, salt, natural gas
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
fish
Southern Ocean
probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields
on the continental margin, manganese nodules, possible placer
deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales,
and seals - none exploited; krill, fishes
Spain
coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium,
tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite,
kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land
Spratly Islands
fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas
potential
Sri Lanka
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates,
clay, hydropower
Sudan
petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore,
zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower
Suriname
timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold,
and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore
Svalbard
coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish
Swaziland
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests,
small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Sweden
iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten,
uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower
Switzerland
hydropower potential, timber, salt
Syria
petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt,
iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower
Taiwan
small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and
asbestos
Tajikistan
hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,
lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold
Tanzania
hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds,
gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel
Thailand
tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead,
fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land
Togo
phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land
Tokelau
NEGL
Tonga
fish, fertile soil
Trinidad and Tobago
petroleum, natural gas, asphalt
Tromelin Island
fish
Tunisia
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt
Turkey
coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold,
barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone,
magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable
land, hydropower
Turkmenistan
petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt
Turks and Caicos Islands
spiny lobster, conch
Tuvalu
fish
Uganda
copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land
Ukraine
iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur,
graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber,
arable land
United Arab Emirates
petroleum, natural gas
United Kingdom
coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc,
gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica
sand, slate, arable land
United States
coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium,
bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten,
zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
Uruguay
arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries
Uzbekistan
natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver,
copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum
Vanuatu
manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Venezuela
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other
minerals, hydropower, diamonds
Vietnam
phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil
and gas deposits, forests, hydropower
Virgin Islands
sun, sand, sea, surf
Wake Island
none
Wallis and Futuna
NEGL
West Bank
arable land
Western Sahara
phosphates, iron ore
World
the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the
depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and
plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality
(especially in Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China) pose
serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only
beginning to address
Yemen
petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal,
gold, lead, nickel, and copper, fertile soil in west
Zambia
copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver,
uranium, hydropower
Zimbabwe
coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron
ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
======================================================================
@2112 Net migration rate (migrant(s)/1,000 population)
Afghanistan
23.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Albania
-4.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Algeria
-0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
American Samoa
-20.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Andorra
6.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Angola
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Anguilla
10.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Antigua and Barbuda
-6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Argentina
0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Armenia
-6.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Aruba
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Australia
3.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Austria
2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Azerbaijan
-4.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bahamas, The
-2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bahrain
1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bangladesh
-0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Barbados
-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Belarus
2.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Belgium
1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Belize
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Benin
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bermuda
2.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bhutan
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bolivia
-1.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Botswana
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Brazil
-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
British Virgin Islands
10.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Brunei
3.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Bulgaria
-4.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Burkina Faso
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Burma
-1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Burundi
-0.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cambodia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cameroon
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Canada
5.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cape Verde
-12.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cayman Islands
18.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2004
est.)
Central African Republic
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Chad
-0.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Chile
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
China
-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Christmas Island
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Colombia
-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Comoros
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
-0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: fighting between the Congolese Government and Uganda- and
Rwanda-backed Congolese rebels spawned a regional war in DROC in
August 1998, which left 1.8 million Congolese internally displaced
and caused 300,000 Congolese refugees to flee to surrounding
countries (2004 est.)
Congo, Republic of the
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Costa Rica
0.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cote d'Ivoire
-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Croatia
1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cuba
-1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Cyprus
0.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Czech Republic
0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Denmark
2.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Djibouti
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Dominica
-13.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Dominican Republic
-3.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
East Timor
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Ecuador
-8.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Egypt
-0.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
El Salvador
-3.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Equatorial Guinea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Eritrea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: UNHCR began repatriating about 150,000 Eritrean refugees from
Sudan in 2001 following the restoration of diplomatic relations
between the two countries in 2000 (2004 est.)
Estonia
-3.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Ethiopia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: repatriation of Ethiopians who fled to Sudan for refuge from
war and famine in earlier years is expected to continue for several
years; some Sudanese and Somali refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from
the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to
their homes (2004 est.)
European Union
1.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (July 2004 est.)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
(2004 est.)
Faroe Islands
1.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Fiji
-3.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Finland
0.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
France
0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
French Guiana
6.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
French Polynesia
2.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Gabon
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Gambia, The
1.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Gaza Strip
1.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Georgia
-4.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Germany
2.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Ghana
-0.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Gibraltar
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Greece
2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Greenland
-8.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Grenada
-13.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guadeloupe
-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guam
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guatemala
-1.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guernsey
3.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guinea
-3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: as a result of conflict in neighboring countries, Guinea is
host to approximately 150,000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees
(2004 est.)
Guinea-Bissau
-1.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Guyana
-2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Haiti
-3.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Honduras
-1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Hong Kong
5.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Hungary
0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Iceland
2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
India
-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Indonesia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Iran
-0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Iraq
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Ireland
4.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Israel
0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Italy
2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Jamaica
-4.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Japan
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Jersey
2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Jordan
6.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Kazakhstan
-3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Kenya
-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: according to UNHCR, by the end of 2001 Kenya was host to
220,000 refugees from neighboring countries, including: Somalia
145,000 and Sudan 68,000 (2004 est.)
Kiribati
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Korea, North
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Korea, South
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Kuwait
14.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Kyrgyzstan
-2.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Laos
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Latvia
-2.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Lebanon
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Lesotho
-0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Liberia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: at least 200,000 Liberian refugees are in surrounding
countries; the uncertain security situation has hindered their
ability to return (2004 est.)
Libya
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Liechtenstein
4.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Lithuania
-0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Luxembourg
8.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Macau
4.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Macedonia
-1.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Madagascar
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Malawi
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Malaysia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal
immigrants from other countries in the region (2004 est.)
Maldives
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mali
-0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Malta
2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Man, Isle of
5.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Marshall Islands
-6.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Martinique
-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mauritania
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mauritius
-0.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mayotte
6.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mexico
-4.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Micronesia, Federated States of
-20.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population
(2004 est.)
Moldova
-0.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Monaco
7.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mongolia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Montserrat
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Morocco
-0.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Mozambique
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Namibia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Nauru
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Nepal
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Netherlands
2.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Netherlands Antilles
-0.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
New Caledonia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
New Zealand
4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Nicaragua
-1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Niger
-0.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Nigeria
0.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Niue
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Norfolk Island
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Northern Mariana Islands
9.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Norway
1.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Oman
0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Pakistan
-2.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Palau
2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Panama
-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Papua New Guinea
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Paraguay
-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Peru
-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Philippines
-1.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Pitcairn Islands
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Poland
-0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Portugal
3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Puerto Rico
-1.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Qatar
16.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Reunion
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Romania
-0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Russia
1.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Rwanda
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Saint Helena
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Saint Kitts and Nevis
-7.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Saint Lucia
-2.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-4.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004
est.)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-7.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population
(2004 est.)
Samoa
-11.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
San Marino
10.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sao Tome and Principe
-2.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Saudi Arabia
-2.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Senegal
0.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Serbia and Montenegro
-1.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Seychelles
-5.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sierra Leone
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly
returning (2004 est.)
Singapore
11.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Slovakia
0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Slovenia
1.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Solomon Islands
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Somalia
5.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
South Africa
-0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Spain
0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sri Lanka
-1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sudan
-0.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Suriname
-8.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Svalbard
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Swaziland
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sweden
1.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Switzerland
4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Syria
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Taiwan
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Tajikistan
-2.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Tanzania
-2.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Thailand
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Togo
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Tokelau
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Tonga
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Trinidad and Tobago
-10.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Tunisia
-0.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Turkey
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Turkmenistan
-0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Turks and Caicos Islands
11.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004
est.)
Tuvalu
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Uganda
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: according to the UNHCR, by the end of 2001, Uganda was host to
178,815 refugees from a number of neighboring countries, including:
Sudan 155,996, Rwanda 14,375, and Democratic Republic of the Congo
7,459 (2004 est.)
Ukraine
-0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
United Arab Emirates
1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
United Kingdom
2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
United States
3.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Uruguay
-0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Uzbekistan
-1.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Vanuatu
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Venezuela
-0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Vietnam
-0.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Virgin Islands
-8.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Wallis and Futuna
NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
Caledonia (2004 est.)
West Bank
2.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Yemen
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Zambia
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Zimbabwe
negligible migrant(s)/1,000 population
note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa
and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2004 est.)
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
======================================================================
@2113 Geography - note
Afghanistan
landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast
to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the
country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan
Corridor)
Akrotiri
British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus
Albania
strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic
Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)
Algeria
second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)
American Samoa
Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater
harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough
seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds;
strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean
Andorra
landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in
the Pyrenees
Angola
the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the
rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Anguilla
the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser
Antilles
Antarctica
the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest
continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface
at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent
period; mostly uninhabitable
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with
many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western
harbor
Arctic Ocean
major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern
access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic
location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link
between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating
research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover
in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean;
snow cover lasts about 10 months
Argentina
second-largest country in South America (after Brazil);
strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic
and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel,
Drake Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain,
while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere
Armenia
landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich
(Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range
Aruba
a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches;
its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the
Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27
degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve
established in August 1983
Atlantic Ocean
major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of
Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits
include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The
Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the
Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean
Australia
world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country;
population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts;
regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor"
occurs along the west coast in the summer
Austria
landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central
Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major
river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands
because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere
Azerbaijan
both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan
exclave are landlocked
Bahamas, The
strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive
island chain of which 30 are inhabited
Bahrain
close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic
location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's
petroleum must transit to reach open ocean
Baker Island
treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting
of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a
nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds,
and marine wildlife
Bangladesh
most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers
flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main
channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually
empty into the Bay of Bengal
Barbados
easternmost Caribbean island
Bassas da India
the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits
atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano
Belarus
landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of
Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes; the country is
geologically well endowed with extensive deposits of granite,
dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, and clay
Belgium
crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European
capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European
Union and NATO
Belize
only country in Central America without a coastline on the
North Pacific Ocean
Benin
sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural
harbors, river mouths, or islands
Bermuda
consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample
rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by
US Government from 1941 to 1995
Bhutan
landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
controls several key Himalayan mountain passes
Bolivia
landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest
navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
Bosnia and Herzegovina
within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized
borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat
Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led
Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region
called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Serbia and
Montenegro (Montenegro), and traditionally has been settled by an
ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the
east
Botswana
landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the
country
Bouvet Island
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve
Brazil
largest country in South America; shares common boundaries
with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador
British Indian Ocean Territory
archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego
Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location
in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military
facility
British Virgin Islands
strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico
Brunei
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking
Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by
Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia
Bulgaria
strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land
routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia
Burkina Faso
landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of
the Black, Red, and White Voltas
Burma
strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes
Burundi
landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the
Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote
headstream of the White Nile
Cambodia
a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River
and Tonle Sap
Cameroon
sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout
the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of
current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest
mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano
Canada
second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic
location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately
90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border
Cape Verde
strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near
major north-south sea routes; important communications station;
important sea and air refueling site
Cayman Islands
important location between Cuba and Central America
Central African Republic
landlocked; almost the precise center of
Africa
Chad
landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the
Sahel
Chile
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
China
world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US);
Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak;
Christmas Island
located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean
Clipperton Island
reef 12 km in circumference
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
islands are thickly covered with coconut
palms and other vegetation
Colombia
only South American country with coastlines on both North
Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Comoros
important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
straddles equator; has very narrow
strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet
to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river
basin and eastern highlands
Congo, Republic of the
about 70% of the population lives in
Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them
Cook Islands
the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely
populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands consist of eight
elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives
Coral Sea Islands
important nesting area for birds and turtles
Costa Rica
four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital
of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes,
Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65
Cote d'Ivoire
most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal
region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is
sparsely populated
Croatia
controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea
and Turkish Straits
Cuba
largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the
Greater Antilles
Cyprus
the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after
Sicily and Sardinia)
Czech Republic
landlocked; strategically located astride some of
oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is
a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and
the Danube in central Europe
Denmark
controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking
Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in
greater Copenhagen
Dhekelia
British extraterritorial rights also extended to several
small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus
Djibouti
strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and
close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia;
mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in
Africa
Dominica
known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its
spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected
by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the
Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and
include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in
the world
Dominican Republic
shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti
East Timor
Timor comes from the Malay word for "East;" the island of
Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and
easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands
Ecuador
Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world
Egypt
controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and
remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link
between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition
to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;
dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues;
prone to influxes of refugees
El Salvador
smallest Central American country and only one without a
coastline on Caribbean Sea
Equatorial Guinea
insular and continental regions rather widely
separated
Eritrea
strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest
shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia
along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May
1993
Estonia
the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded;
offshore lie more than 1,500 islands
Ethiopia
landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost
with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue
Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in
T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are
believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and
castor bean
Europa Island
wildlife sanctuary
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
deeply indented coast provides
good natural harbors; short growing season
Faroe Islands
archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one
uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically
located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic;
precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands
Fiji
includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited
Finland
long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national
capital on European continent; population concentrated on small
southwestern coastal plain
France
largest West European nation
French Guiana
mostly an unsettled wilderness; the only
non-independent portion of the South American continent
French Polynesia
includes five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral);
Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock
islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island)
in Kiribati and Nauru
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
islands component is widely
scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean
Gabon
a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped
Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these
circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its
pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity
Gambia, The
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the
continent of Africa
Gaza Strip
there are 25 Israeli settlements and civilian land use
sites in the Gaza Strip (February 2002 est.)
Georgia
strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia
controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them
Germany
strategic location on North European Plain and along the
entrance to the Baltic Sea
Ghana
Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake
Gibraltar
strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the
North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
Glorioso Islands
the islands and rocks are surrounded by an
extensive reef system
Greece
strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern
approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an
archipelago of about 2,000 islands
Greenland
dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and
Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast,
but close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital,
Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap
Grenada
the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is
divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada
Guadeloupe
a narrow channel, the Riviere Salee, divides Guadeloupe
proper into two islands: the larger, western Basse-Terre and the
smaller, eastern Grande-Terre
Guam
largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands
archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean
Guatemala
no natural harbors on west coast
Guernsey
large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port
Guinea
the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their
sources in the Guinean highlands
Guinea-Bissau
this small country is swampy along its western coast
and low-lying further inland
Guyana
the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname
and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern
territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively
Haiti
shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western
one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)
Holy See (Vatican City)
urban; landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy;
world's smallest state; outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in
Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer residence) enjoy
extraterritorial rights
Honduras
has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean
shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast
Hong Kong
more than 200 islands
Howland Island
almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines,
and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily
a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds,
and marine wildlife
Hungary
landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes
between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between
Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna
(Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions
Iceland
strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost
European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in
the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental
Europe
India
dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian
Ocean trade routes
Indian Ocean
major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of
Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and
the Lombok Strait
Indonesia
archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles
equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from
Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean
Iran
strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz,
which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport
Iraq
strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of
the Persian Gulf
Ireland
strategic location on major air and sea routes between North
America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides
within 97 km of Dublin
Israel
there are 242 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites
in the West Bank, 42 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 25 in
the Gaza Strip, and 29 in East Jerusalem (February 2002 est.); Sea
of Galilee is an important freshwater source
Italy
strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as
southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe
Jamaica
strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica
Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal
Jan Mayen
barren volcanic island with some moss and grass
Japan
strategic location in northeast Asia
Jarvis Island
sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing
shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for
seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife
Jersey
largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of
population concentrated in Saint Helier
Johnston Atoll
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean;
Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been
expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island
(Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the
egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public; a
former US nuclear weapons test site; site of now-closed Johnston
Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System (JACADS); most facilities
dismantled and cleanup complete in 2004; some low-growing vegetation
Jordan
strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as
the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the
occupied West Bank
Juan de Nova Island
wildlife sanctuary
Kazakhstan
landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of
territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004,
Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050
Kenya
the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful
agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on
Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography
supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic
value
Kingman Reef
barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to
the public
Kiribati
21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island)
in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru
Korea, North
strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and
Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated
Korea, South
strategic location on Korea Strait
Kuwait
strategic location at head of Persian Gulf
Kyrgyzstan
landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien
Shan range; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes
Laos
landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly
forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western
boundary with Thailand
Latvia
most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains,
with some hills in the east
Lebanon
Nahr el Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an
international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate,
protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion,
clan, and ethnicity
Lesotho
landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa;
mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 meters above sea
level
Liberia
facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by
lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland
grassy plateau supports limited agriculture
Libya
more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert
Liechtenstein
along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly
landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic
variations based on elevation
Lithuania
fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that
are ancient glacial deposits
Luxembourg
landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world
Macau
essentially urban; one causeway and two bridges connect the
two islands of Coloane and Taipa to the peninsula on mainland
Macedonia
landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and
Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe
Madagascar
world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along
Mozambique Channel
Malawi
landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's
most prominent physical feature
Malaysia
strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern
South China Sea
Maldives
1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited
islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with
strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
Mali
landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,
cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the
northern, arid Saharan
Malta
the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three
largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino)
being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and
Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
exploration
Man, Isle of
one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the
southwest, and is a bird sanctuary
Marshall Islands
two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and
1,152 islands; Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites;
Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US
missile test range
Martinique
the island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May
1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre,
killing 30,000 inhabitants
Mauritania
most of the population concentrated in the cities of
Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the
southern part of the country
Mauritius
the main island, from which the country derives its name,
is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral
reefs
Mayotte
part of Comoro Archipelago; 18 islands
Mexico
strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize),
one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated
in Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States of
four major island groups totaling
607 islands
Midway Islands
a coral atoll managed as a national wildlife refuge
and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form
of wildlife observation and photography, sport fishing, snorkeling,
and scuba diving; the refuge is temporarily closed for
reorganization at present (2004)
Moldova
landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and
minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone
Monaco
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy
See); almost entirely urban
Mongolia
landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia
Montserrat
the island is entirely volcanic in origin and contains
seven active volcanoes
Morocco
strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar
Mozambique
the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most
fertile part of the country
Namibia
first country in the world to incorporate the protection of
the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is
protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip
Nauru
Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the
Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and
Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator
Navassa Island
strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base
at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock but with enough
grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees,
scattered cactus
Nepal
landlocked; strategic location between China and India;
contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest
- the world's tallest - on the border with China
Netherlands
located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine,
Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)
Netherlands Antilles
the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles
are divided geographically into the Leeward Islands (northern) group
(Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) and the Windward Islands
(southern) group (Bonaire and Curacao)
New Caledonia
consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of
the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute,
and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls
New Zealand
about 80% of the population lives in cities; Wellington
is the southernmost national capital in the world
Nicaragua
largest country in Central America; contains the largest
freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua
Niger
landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world:
northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna,
suitable for livestock and limited agriculture
Nigeria
the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows
southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in
the Gulf of Guinea
Niue
one of world's largest coral islands
Norfolk Island
most of the 32-km coastline consists of almost
inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one
small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is
situated
Northern Mariana Islands
strategic location in the North Pacific
Ocean
Norway
about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much
indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air
routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines
in world
Oman
strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of
Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
Pacific Ocean
the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama
Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides
the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific
Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in
the southwestern Pacific Ocean
Pakistan
controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion
routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent
Palau
westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six
island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II
battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands
Palmyra Atoll
about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut
trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall
Panama
strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land
bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal
that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific
Ocean
Papua New Guinea
shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of
world's largest swamps along southwest coast
Paracel Islands
composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs
divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent
Group
Paraguay
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil;
population concentrated in southern part of country
Peru
shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable
lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak,
is the ultimate source of the Amazon River
Philippines
the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands;
favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water
bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea,
and Luzon Strait
Pitcairn Islands
Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger
island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural
harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger
ships stationed offshore
Poland
historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and
the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain
Portugal
Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along
western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar
Puerto Rico
important location along the Mona Passage - a key
shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest
and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and
high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast
relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north
Qatar
strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major
petroleum deposits
Reunion
this mountainous, volcanic island has an active volcano,
Piton de la Fournaise; there is a tropical cyclone center at
Saint-Denis, which is the monitoring station for the whole of the
Indian Ocean
Romania
controls most easily traversable land route between the
Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine
Russia
largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably
located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its
size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either
too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's
tallest peak
Rwanda
landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the
population predominantly rural
Saint Helena
harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere
else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles
and sooty terns
Saint Kitts and Nevis
with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat
and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a three-km-wide
channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball
bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in
the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape
complements that of its sister island
Saint Lucia
the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking
cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural
highlights of the Caribbean
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
vegetation scanty
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
the administration of the islands
of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is
comprised of 32 islands and cays
Samoa
occupies an almost central position within Polynesia
San Marino
landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after
the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines
Sao Tome and Principe
the smallest country in Africa; the two main
islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are
fairly mountainous
Saudi Arabia
extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea
provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through
Persian Gulf and Suez Canal
Senegal
westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is
almost an enclave within Senegal
Serbia and Montenegro
controls one of the major land routes from
Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East; strategic location along
the Adriatic coast
Seychelles
40 granitic and about 50 coralline islands
Sierra Leone
rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches)
a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western
Africa
Singapore
focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes
Slovakia
landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous;
the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic
lakes and valleys
Slovenia
despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country
controls some of Europe's major transit routes
Solomon Islands
strategic location on sea routes between the South
Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea
Somalia
strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern
approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal
South Africa
South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost
completely surrounds Swaziland
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
the north coast of
South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage;
reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia
Southern Ocean
the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between
South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic
Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent
of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the
Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the very cold polar
surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the
Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching
south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south
in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum
westerly winds
Spain
strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar
Spratly Islands
strategically located near several primary shipping
lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small
islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs
Sri Lanka
strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes
Sudan
largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its
tributaries
Suriname
smallest independent country on South American continent;
mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna
that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new
development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast
Svalbard
northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of
nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total
area
Swaziland
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
Sweden
strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and
North Seas
Switzerland
landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe;
along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern
Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps
Syria
there are 42 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites
in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (February 2002 est.)
Taiwan
strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the
Luzon Strait
Tajikistan
landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the
Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast;
highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was
the tallest mountain in the former USSR
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three
of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's
second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the
world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest
Thailand
controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore
Togo
the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct
geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna
Tokelau
consists of three atolls, each with a lagoon surrounded by a
number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over
three meters above sea level
Tonga
archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)
Trinidad and Tobago
Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is
the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt
Tromelin Island
climatologically important location for forecasting
cyclones; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)
Tunisia
strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and
Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the
continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil
exploration
Turkey
strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus,
Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount
Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, is in the far
eastern portion of the country
Turkmenistan
landlocked; the western and central low-lying, desolate
portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert,
which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau
Turks and Caicos Islands
about 40 islands (eight inhabited)
Tuvalu
one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six
of the coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti,
and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao
have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon
Uganda
landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and
rivers
Ukraine
strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and
Asia; second-largest country in Europe
United Arab Emirates
strategic location along southern approaches to
Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
United Kingdom
lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km
from France and now linked by tunnel under the English Channel;
because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125
km from tidal waters
United States
world's third-largest country by size (after Russia
and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley
is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point
on the continent
Uruguay
second-smallest South American country (after Suriname);
most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is
grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising
Uzbekistan
along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly
landlocked countries in the world
Vanuatu
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller
islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes
Venezuela
on major sea and air routes linking North and South
America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest
waterfall
Vietnam
extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km
across at its narrowest point
Virgin Islands
important location along the Anegada Passage - a key
shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best
natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
Wake Island
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency
landing location for transpacific flights
Wallis and Futuna
both island groups have fringing reefs
West Bank
landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's
coastal aquifers; there are 244 West Bank settlements and 29 East
Jerusalem settlements in addition to at least 20 occupied
outposts(August 2003 est.)
Western Sahara
the waters off the coast are particularly rich
fishing areas
World
the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old,
just about one-third of the 13-billion-year age estimated for the
universe
Yemen
strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the
Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping
lanes
Zambia
landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
with Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary
with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria
Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
======================================================================
@2115 Political pressure groups and leaders
Afghanistan
Jamiat-e Islami (Society of Islam), [former President
Burhanuddin RABBANI]; Ittihad-e Islami (Islamic Union for the
Liberation of Afghanistan), [Abdul Rasul SAYYAF]; there are also
small monarchist, communist, and democratic groups
Albania
Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot
MUCO]; Front for Albanian National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur
ADILI]; Omonia [Jani JANI]; Union of Independent Trade Unions of
Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA]
Algeria
The Algerian Human Rights League or LADH or LADDH [Yahia Ali
ABDENOUR]; SOS Disparus [Nacera DUTOUR]; Somoud [Ali MERABET]
American Samoa
NA
Andorra
NA
Angola
Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC
[N'zita Henriques TIAGO; Antonio Bento BEMBE]
note: FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed
struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province
Anguilla
NA
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William
ROBINSON]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]
Argentina
Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA);
Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine
Rural Society (large landowners' association); business
organizations; General Confederation of Labor or CGT
(Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Central of Argentine
Workers or CTA (a radical union for employed and unemployed
workers); Peronist-dominated labor movement; Roman Catholic Church;
students
Armenia
Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN]
Aruba
NA
Australia
Australian Monarchist League [leader NA]; Australian
Republican Movement [leader NA]
Austria
Austrian Trade Union Federation (nominally independent but
primarily Socialist) or OeGB; Federal Economic Chamber;
OeVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists or VOeI; Roman
Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic
Action; three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or
OeVP representing business, labor, and farmers and other
non-government organizations in the areas of environment and human
rights
Azerbaijan
Sadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movement; Union of
Pro-Azerbaijani Forces (UPAF)
Bahamas, The
NA
Bahrain
Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically in 1994-97,
demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to
unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic
fundamentalist groups are active
Bangladesh
NA
Barbados
Barbados Workers Union [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor
Union [David COMMISSIONG]; People's Progressive Movement [Eric
SEALY]; Worker's Party of Barbados [Dr. George BELLE]
Belarus
NA
Belgium
Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation
of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing
bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and
medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural
interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax
Christi and groups representing immigrants
Belize
Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR
[Adele CATZIM]
Benin
NA
Bermuda
Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial
Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or
BPSU [Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]
Bhutan
Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading
militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United
Front for Democracy (exiled)
Bolivia
Cocalero Groups; indigenous organizations; labor unions;
Sole Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB [Roman
LOAYZA]
Bosnia and Herzegovina
NA
Botswana
NA
Brazil
Landless Worker's Movement; large farmers' associations;
labor unions and federations; religious groups including evangelical
christian churches and the Catholic Church
British Virgin Islands
NA
Brunei
NA
Bulgaria
Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or
CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation; numerous regional, ethnic, and
national interest groups with various agendas
Burkina Faso
Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB;
Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP; Group of 14 February;
National Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB; National
Organization of Free Unions or ONSL; watchdog/political action
groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities
Burma
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB
(self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr. SEIN
WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the
People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and
joined insurgents in December 1990 to form parallel government in
exile); Kachin Independence Army or KIA; Karen National Union or
KNU; several Shan factions; United Wa State Army or UWSA; Union
Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (progovernment, a
social and political organization) [THAN AUNG, general secretary]
Burundi
loosely organized Hutu and Tutsi militias, often affiliated
with Hutu and Tutsi extremist parties or subordinate to government
security forces
Cambodia
NA
Cameroon
Southern Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN];
Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president]
Canada
NA
Cape Verde
NA
Cayman Islands
NA
Central African Republic
NA
Chad
NA
Chile
revitalized university student federations at all major
universities; Roman Catholic Church; United Labor Central or CUT
includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor
confederations
China
no substantial political opposition groups exist, although the
government has identified the Falungong spiritual movement and the
China Democracy Party as subversive groups
Christmas Island
none
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
none
Colombia
two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia -
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC and National
Liberation Army or ELN; largest anti-insurgent paramilitary group is
United Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC
Comoros
NA
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NA
Congo, Republic of the
Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC;
General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC;
Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese
Socialist Youth or UJSC
Cook Islands
NA
Costa Rica
Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD
(Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated
Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican
Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party
affiliate); Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National
Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association
of Educators or ANDE; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert
Brown]
Cote d'Ivoire
NA
Croatia
NA
Cuba
NA
Cyprus
Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West);
Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of
Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor
Federation or PEO (Communist controlled)
Czech Republic
Bohemian and Moravian Trade Union Confederation
[Milan STECH]
Denmark
NA
Djibouti
Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes
RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD
(opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, UDJ, and PDD) [Ahmed Dini
AHMED]
Dominica
Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)
Dominican Republic
Collective of Popular Organizations or COP;
Citizen Participation Group (Participacion Ciudadania); Foundation
for Institution-Building (FINJUS)
East Timor
Popular Council for the Defense of the Democratic
Republic of East Timor or CPD-RDTL [leader Antonio-Aitahan MATAK] is
largest political pressure group; it rejects current government and
claims to be rightful government; Kolimau 2000 [leader Dr. Bruno
MAGALHAES] is another opposition group; dissatisfied veterans of
struggle against Indonesia, led by one-time government advisor
Cornelio GAMA (also known as L-7), also play an important role in
pressuring government
Ecuador
Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or
CONAIE [Luis MACAS, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or
CMS [F. Napoleon SANTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of
Ecuador or FEINE [Marco MURILLO, president]; National Federation of
Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Pedro DE LA
CRUZ, president]; Popular Front or FP [Luis VILLACIS]
Egypt
despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties,
the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes MUBARAK's
potentially most significant political opposition; MUBARAK tolerated
limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two
terms, but moved more aggressively since then to block its
influence; civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in
practical terms; trade unions and professional associations are
officially sanctioned
El Salvador
labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El
Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar
Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National
Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of
Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or
SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or
USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of
Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National
Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly
Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or
ASI
Equatorial Guinea
NA
Eritrea
Eritrean Islamic Jihad or EIJ [leader NA] (also including
Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or EIJM (also known as the Abu Sihel
Movement) [leader NA]); Eritrean Islamic Salvation or EIS (also
known as the Arafa Movement) [leader NA]; Eritrean Liberation Front
or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National Alliance or ENA (a
coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number of ELF factions)
[HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF [ARADOM Iyob]
Estonia
NA
Ethiopia
Afar Revolutionary Democratic Union Front or ARDUF [leader
NA]; Council of Alternative Forces for Peace and Democracy in
Ethiopia or CAFPDE [BEYANE Petros]; Southern Ethiopia People's
Democratic Coalition or SEPDC [BEYANE Petros]
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
none
Faroe Islands
NA
Fiji
NA
France
historically-Communist labor union (Confederation Generale du
Travail) or CGT, approximately 700,000 members (claimed);
left-leaning labor union (Confederation Francaise Democratique du
Travail) or CFDT, approximately 889,000 members (claimed);
independent labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail - Force
Ouvriere) or FO, 300,000 members (est.); independent white-collar
union (Confederation Generale des Cadres) or CGC, 196,000 members
(claimed); employers' union (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) or
MEDEF, 750,000 companies as members (claimed)
French Guiana
NA
French Polynesia
NA
Gabon
NA
Gambia, The
NA
Georgia
Georgian independent deputies from Abkhaz government in
exile; separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia; supporters of the late ousted President Zviad GAMSAKHURDYA
Germany
business associations, employers' organizations; expellee,
refugee, trade unions, and veterans groups
Ghana
NA
Gibraltar
Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives
Organization; Women's Association
Greece
General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Khristos
POLYZOGOPOLOS]; Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Odysseas
KYRIAKOPOULOS]; Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros
PAPASPYROS]
Greenland
NA
Grenada
NA
Guadeloupe
Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or
KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General
Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for Independent
Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement
Guam
NA
Guatemala
Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity
or AAI; Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee
of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations
or CACIF; Mutual Support Group or GAM
Guernsey
none
Guinea
NA
Guinea-Bissau
NA
Guyana
Civil Liberties Action Committee or CLAC; Guyana Council of
Indian Organizations or GCIO; Trades Union Congress or TUC
note: the GCIO and the CLAC are small and active but not well
organized
Haiti
Autonomous Organizations of Haitian Workers or CATH [Fignole
ST-CYR]; Confederation of Haitian Workers or CTH; Federation of
Workers Trade Unions or FOS; Group of 184 Civil Society
Organization, or G-184 [Andy APAID]; National Popular Assembly or
APN; Papaye Peasants Movement or MPP [Chavannes JEAN-BAPTISTE];
Popular Organizations Gathering Power or PROP; Roman Catholic Church
Holy See (Vatican City)
none (exclusive of influence exercised by
church officers)
Honduras
Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or
CODEH; Confederation of Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating
Committee of Popular Organizations or CCOP; General Workers
Confederation or CGT; Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or
COHEP; National Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH;
National Union of Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United
Federation of Honduran Workers or FUTH
Hong Kong
Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese
Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade
Unions (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE Cheuk-yan,
general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Federation
of Trade Unions (pro-China) [CHENG Yiu-tong, executive councilor];
Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement
in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union
Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Hong
Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG Man-kwong, president]; The
Alliance [Bernard CHAN, exco member]
Hungary
NA
Iceland
NA
India
numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations,
including Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh; various separatist groups seeking greater
communal and/or regional autonomy, including the All Parties
Hurriyat Conference
Indonesia
NA
Iran
political pressure groups conduct most of Iran's political
activities; groups that generally support the Islamic Republic
include Ansar-e Hizballah, Muslim Students Following the Line of the
Imam, Tehran Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat), Islamic
Coalition Party (Motalefeh), and Islamic Engineers Society; active
pro-reform student groups include the Organization for Strengthening
Unity; opposition groups include Freedom Movement of Iran, the
National Front, Marz-e Por Gohar, and various ethnic and Monarchist
organizations; armed political groups that have been almost
completely repressed by the government include Mujahidin-e Khalq
Organization (MEK), People's Fedayeen, Democratic Party of Iranian
Kurdistan, and Komala
Iraq
an insurgency against the Iraqi Interim Government and
Coalition forces is primarily concentrated in Baghdad and in areas
west and north of the capital; the diverse, multigroup insurgency is
led principally by Sunni Arabs whose only common denominator is a
shared desire to oust the Coalition and end US influence in Iraq
Ireland
NA
Israel
Israeli nationalists advocating Jewish settlement on the West
Bank and Gaza Strip; Peace Now supports territorial concessions in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip; Yesha (settler) Council promotes
settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; B'Tselem
monitors human rights abuses
Italy
Italian manufacturers and merchants associations
(Confindustria, Confcommercio); organized farm groups
(Confcoltivatori, Confagricoltura); Roman Catholic Church; three
major trade union confederations (Confederazione Generale Italiana
del Lavoro or CGIL [Guglielmo EPIFANI] which is left wing,
Confederazione Italiana dei Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Savino
PEZZOTTA], which is Roman Catholic centrist, and Unione Italiana del
Lavoro or UIL [Luigi ANGELETTI] which is lay centrist)
Jamaica
New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black
religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)
Japan
NA
Jersey
none
Jordan
Anti-Normalization Committee [Ali Abu SUKKAR, president vice
chairman]; Jordanian Bar Association [Saleh ARMOUTI, president];
Jordanian Press Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Muslim
Brotherhood [Abd-al-Majid DHUNAYBAT, secretary general]
Kazakhstan
Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Almaty Helsinki Group [Ninel
FOKINA]; Confederation of Free Trade Unions [Sergei BELKIN];
Kazakhstan International Bureau on Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS,
executive director]; Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina
SAVOSTINA, chairwoman]; Republican Network of International Monitors
[Dos KUSHIM]; Transparency International [Sergei ZLOTNIKOV]
Kenya
human rights groups; labor unions; Muslim organizations;
National Convention Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition
of political parties and nongovernment organizations [Kivutha
KIBWANA]; Protestant National Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK
[Mutava MUSYIMI]; Roman Catholic and other Christian churches;
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur
al-BUSAIDY]
Kiribati
NA
Korea, North
none
Korea, South
Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean
Trade Unions; Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National
Council of Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans'
Association; National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic
Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations;
National Federation of Student Associations
Kuwait
several political groups act as de facto parties: Bedouins,
merchants, Sunni and Shi'a activists, and secular leftists and
nationalists
Kyrgyzstan
Council of Free Trade Unions; Kyrgyz Committee on Human
Rights [Ramazan DYRYLDAYEV]; National Unity Democratic Movement;
Union of Entrepreneurs
Laos
noncommunist political groups proscribed; most opposition
leaders fled the country in 1975
Latvia
Headquarters for the Protection of Russian Schools (SHTAB)
[Aleksandr KAZAKOV]
Lebanon
NA
Lesotho
NA
Liberia
NA
Libya
various Arab nationalist movements with almost negligible
memberships may be functioning clandestinely, as well as some
Islamic elements; an anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile movement exists,
primarily based in London, but has little influence
Liechtenstein
NA
Lithuania
NA
Luxembourg
ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector
trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural
producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union
representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of
Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL
(federation of industrialists); LCGP (center-right trade union);
OGBL (center-left trade union)
Macau
Catholic Church [LAI Hung-sing, bishop]; Macau Society of
Tourism and Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO, managing director];
Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong, leader]
Macedonia
Civic Movement of Macedonia [Gordana SILJANOVSKA];
Movement for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic Integration [Dosta DIMOVSKA]
Madagascar
Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR;
Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National
Council of Christian Churches or FFKM
Malawi
NA
Malaysia
NA
Maldives
none
Mali
Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Koye or MPGK; United Movement
and Fronts of Azawad or MFUA
Malta
NA
Man, Isle of
none
Marshall Islands
NA
Martinique
Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union
for Martinique Workers or CSTM [Marc PULVAR]; Frantz Fanon Circle;
League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP
Mauritania
Arab nationalists; Ba'athists; General Confederation of
Mauritanian Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary
general]; Independent Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM
[Samory Ould BEYE]; Islamists; Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM
[Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]
Mauritius
various labor unions
Mayotte
NA
Mexico
Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic or
COPARMEX; Confederation of Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN;
Confederation of Mexican Workers or CTM; Confederation of National
Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO; Coordinator for Foreign Trade
Business Organizations or COECE; Federation of Unions Providing
Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of Transformation
Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant Confederation or CNC;
National Union of Workers or UNT; Regional Confederation of Mexican
Workers or CROM; Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants
or CROC; Roman Catholic Church
Moldova
NA
Monaco
NA
Mongolia
NA
Montserrat
NA
Morocco
Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI];
General Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL];
Moroccan Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National
Labor Union of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan
Workers or UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]
Mozambique
Institute for Peace and Democracy (Instituto para Paz e
Democracia) or IPADE [Raul DOMINGOS, president]; Etica [Abdul CARIMO
Issa, chairman]; Movement for Peace and Citizenship (Movimento para
Paz e Cidadania); Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga
Mocambicana dos Direitos Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president];
Human Rights and Development (Direitos Humanos e Desenvolvimento) or
DHD [Artemisia FRANCO, secretary general]
Namibia
NA
Nauru
NA
Nepal
Maoist guerrilla-based insurgency [Pushpa Kamal DAHAL, also
known as PRAHANDA, chairman; Dr. Baburam BHATTARAI, from Communist
Party of Nepal/Maoist, chief negotiator]; numerous small,
left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical
Nepalese antimonarchist groups
Netherlands
Netherlands Trade Union Federation (FNV) (consisting of
a merger of Socialist and Catholic trade unions); Christian Trade
Union Federation (CNV); Trade Union Federation of Middle and High
Personnel (MHP); Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers
Associations; Interchurch Peace Council or IKV; large multinational
firms; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises
Netherlands Antilles
NA
New Caledonia
NA
New Zealand
NA
Nicaragua
National Workers Front or FNT is a Sandinista umbrella
group of eight labor unions including - Farm Workers Association or
ATC, Health Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs
Confederation of Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National
Association of Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of
Employees or UNE, National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG,
Sandinista Workers Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of
Nicaragua or UPN; Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT is an
umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions including -
Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers Central or CTN-A, Confederation of
Labor Unification or CUS, Independent General Confederation of Labor
or CGT-I, and Labor Action and Unity Central or CAUS; Nicaraguan
Workers' Central or CTN is an independent labor union; Superior
Council of Private Enterprise or COSEP is a confederation of
business groups
Niger
NA
Nigeria
Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC [Adams OSHIOMOLE]
Niue
NA
Norfolk Island
none
Northern Mariana Islands
NA
Norway
NA
Oman
none
Pakistan
military remains most important political force; ulema
(clergy), landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also
influential
Palau
NA
Panama
Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council
of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Union of Construction and
Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); National Council of Private Enterprise
or CONEP; Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE;
Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of
the Republic of Panama or CTRP
Papua New Guinea
NA
Paraguay
Ahorristas Estafados or AE; Coordinating Table of National
Campesino Organizations or MCNOC; National Federation of Campesinos
or FNC; National Workers Central or CNT; Paraguayan Workers
Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central
or CUT;;
Peru
leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path [Abimael GUZMAN
Reynoso (imprisoned), Gabriel MACARIO (top leader at-large)]; Tupac
Amaru Revolutionary Movement or MRTA [Victor POLAY (imprisoned),
Hugo AVALLENEDA Valdez (top leader at-large)]
Philippines
AKBAYAN [Reps. Etta ROSALES, Mario AGUJA, and Risa
HONTIVEROS-BARAQUIEL]; ANAKPAWIS [Reps. Crispin BELTRAN and Rafael
MARIANO]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC)
[Reps. Edgar VALDEZ, Ernesto PABLO, and Sunny Rose MADAMBA]; Bayan
Muna [Reps. Satur OCAMPO, Joel VIRADOR, and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.];
BUHAY [Reps. Rene VELARDE and Hans Christian SENERES]; BUTIL [Rep.
Benjamin CRUZ]; CIBAC [Rep. Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; GABRIELA
[Rep. Liza MAZA}; PARTIDO NG MANGGAGAWA [Rep. Renato MAGTUBO] (2003)
Pitcairn Islands
none
Poland
All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Maciej
MANICKI]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Jozef GLEMP]; Solidarity
Trade Union [Janusz SNIADEK]
Portugal
NA
Puerto Rico
Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN; Armed
Forces of Popular Resistance; Boricua Popular Army (also known as
the Macheteros); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution
Qatar
none
Reunion
NA
Romania
various human rights and professional associations
Russia
NA
Rwanda
IBUKA - association of genocide survivors
Saint Helena
none
Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA
Saint Lucia
NA
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
NA
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NA
Samoa
NA
San Marino
NA
Sao Tome and Principe
NA
Saudi Arabia
none
Senegal
labor; Muslim brotherhoods; students; teachers
Serbia and Montenegro
Political Council for Presevo, Medvedja and
Bujanovac or PCPMB [leader NA]; Group for Changes of Montenegro or
GZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]
Seychelles
Roman Catholic Church; trade unions
Sierra Leone
Trade Unions and Student Unions
Singapore
NA
Slovakia
Association of Employers of Slovakia; Association of Towns
and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade Unions or KOZ; Metal
Workers Unions or KOVO and METALURG
Slovenia
NA
Solomon Islands
NA
Somalia
numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for
power
South Africa
Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU
[Zwelinzima VAVI, general secretary]; South African Communist Party
or SACP [Blade NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National
Civics Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national
president]; note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the
ANC
Spain
business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor
unions (authorized in April 1977); Socialist General Union of
Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or
USO; university students; Workers Confederation or CC.OO; Nunca Mas
(Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil tanker
Prestige oil spill)
Sri Lanka
Buddhist clergy; labor unions; Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam or LTTE [Velupillai PRABHAKARAN](insurgent group fighting for
a separate state); radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups such as the
National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups
Sudan
Democratic Unionist Party [Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI];
National Congress Party [Ibrahim Ahmed UMAR]; National Democratic
Alliance [Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI, chairman]; Sudan People's
Liberation Movement/Army [Dr. John GARANG]; Umma Party [Sadiq
al-MAHDI]
Suriname
General Liberation and Development Party or ABOP [Ronnie
BRUNSWIJK]; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement [Leendert ADAMS];
Tucayana Amazonica [Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJO]; Union for
Liberation and Democracy [Kofi AFONGPONG]
Swaziland
NA
Sweden
NA
Switzerland
NA
Syria
conservative religious leaders; Kurdish Democratic Alliance
[leader NA]; Kurdish Democratic Front [lader NA]; Muslim Brotherhood
(operates in exile in London) [Ali Badr Eddine al-BAYANOUNI];
National Democratic Front [Hassan Abd al-AZIM]
Taiwan
Taiwan independence movement, various business and
environmental groups
note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the
mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization
and the increased representation of opposition parties in Taiwan's
legislature have opened public debate on the island's national
identity; a broad popular consensus has developed that Taiwan
currently enjoys de facto independence and - whatever the ultimate
outcome regarding reunification or independence - that Taiwan's
people must have the deciding voice; advocates of Taiwan
independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify
with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement
include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the
UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the
World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for
Taiwan Nation Building
Tajikistan
there are three unregistered political parties: Agrarian
Party or APT [Hikmatullo Nasriddinov]; Progressive Party [Sulton
QUVVATOV]; Unity Party [Hikmatullo SAIDOV]
Tanzania
NA
Thailand
NA
Togo
NA
Tokelau
none
Tonga
Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev.
Simote VEA, chair]
Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin BAKR]
Tunisia
the Islamic fundamentalist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is
outlawed
Turkey
Confederation of Public Sector Unions or KESK [Sami EVREN];
Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or DISK [Suleyman
CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association
or MUSIAD [Omer BOLAT]; Moral Rights Workers Union or Hak-Is [Salim
USLU]; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association or
TUSIAD [Omer SABANCI]; Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions or
TISK [Refik BAYDUR]; Turkish Confederation of Labor or Turk-Is
[Salih KILIC]; Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen or
TESK [Dervis GUNDAY]; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and
Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat HISARCIKLIOGLU]
Turkmenistan
NA
Turks and Caicos Islands
NA
Tuvalu
none
Uganda
Popular Resistance Against a Life President or PRALP
Ukraine
NA
United Arab Emirates
NA
United Kingdom
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of
British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress
United States
NA
Uruguay
Agrupacion UTE (powerful state worker's union), Rural
Association of Uruguay (rancher's association), Uruguayan
Construction League, Chamber of Uruguayan Industries (manufacturer's
association), Chemist and Pharmaceutical Association (professional
organization), Architect's Society of Uruguay (professional
organization), the Catholic Church, students
Uzbekistan
Agrarian and Entrepreneurs' Party [Marat ZAHIDOV]; Birlik
(Unity) Movement [Abdurakhim POLAT, chairman]; Erk (Freedom)
Democratic Party [Muhammad SOLIH, chairman] was banned 9 December
1992; Ezgulik Human Rights Society [Vasilia INOYATOVA]; Free
Farmers' Party or Ozod Dehqonlar [Nigara KHIDOYATOVA]; Human Rights
Society of Uzbekistan [Tolib YAKUBOV, chairman]; Independent Human
Rights Society of Uzbekistan [Mikhail ARDZINOV, chairman]; Mazlum
[leader NA]
Vanuatu
NA
Venezuela
FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS
groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor
organization dominated by the Democratic Action)
Vietnam
none
Virgin Islands
NA
Wallis and Futuna
NA
Western Sahara
none
Yemen
NA
Zambia
NA
Zimbabwe
National Constitutional Assembly or NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU];
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition [Brian KAGORO]; Zimbabwe Congress of
Trade Unions or ZCTU [Lovemore MATOMBO]
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
======================================================================
@2116 Economy - overview
Afghanistan
Afghanistan's economic outlook has improved
significantly over the past two years because of the infusion of
over $2 billion in international assistance, dramatic improvements
in agricultural production, and the end of a four-year drought in
most of the country. However, Afghanistan remains extremely poor,
landlocked, and highly dependent on foreign aid, farming, and trade
with neighboring countries. It will probably take the remainder of
the decade and continuing donor aid and attention to raise
Afghanistan's living standards up from its current status among the
lowest in the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from
shortages of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and
jobs, but the Afghan government and international donors remain
committed to improving access to these basic necessities by
prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing
development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year.
Growing political stability and continued international commitment
to Afghan reconstruction create an optimistic outlook for
maintaining improvements to the Afghan economy in 2004. The
replacement of the opium trade - which may account for one-third of
GDP - is one of several potential spoilers for the economy over the
long term.
Akrotiri
Economic activity is limited to providing services to the
military and their families located in Akrotiri. All food and
manufactured goods must be imported.
Albania
Poor and backward by European standards, Albania is making
the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The
government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to spur
economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by remittances
from abroad of $400-$600 million annually, mostly from Greece and
Italy; this helps offset the sizable trade deficit. Agriculture,
which accounts for one-half of GDP, is held back because of frequent
drought and the need to modernize equipment and consolidate small
plots of land. Severe energy shortages and antiquated and inadequate
infrastructure make it difficult to attract and sustain foreign
investment. The government plans to boost energy imports to relieve
the shortages and is moving slowly to improve the poor national road
and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic
growth.
Algeria
The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy,
accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over
95% of export earnings. Algeria has the seventh-largest reserves of
natural gas in the world and is the second-largest gas exporter; it
ranks 14th in oil reserves. Economic policy reforms supported by the
IMF and debt rescheduling from the Paris Club in the past decade
have helped improve Algeria's financial and macroeconomic
indicators. Because of sustained high oil prices in the past three
years, Algeria's finances have further benefited from substantial
trade surpluses and record foreign exchange reserves. Real GDP has
risen due to higher oil output and increased government spending.
The government's continued efforts to diversify the economy by
attracting foreign and domestic investment outside the energy
sector, however, has had little success in reducing high
unemployment and improving living standards. Structural reform
within the economy moves ahead slowly.
American Samoa
This is a traditional Polynesian economy in which
more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is
strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts most
of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are
the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary
export. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to
American Samoa's economic well-being. Attempts by the government to
develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's
remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating
hurricanes. Tourism is a promising developing sector.
Andorra
Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy,
accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 million tourists
visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its
summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has
recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain
have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and
lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also
contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is
limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be
imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising.
Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and
furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is
treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs)
and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.
Angola
Angola has been an economy in disarray because of a quarter
century of nearly continuous warfare. An apparently durable peace
was established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI on
February 22, 2002, but consequences from the conflict continue
including the impact of wide-spread land mines. Subsistence
agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population.
Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the
economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and more than half of
exports. Much of the country's food must still be imported. To fully
take advantage of its rich natural resources - gold, diamonds,
extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil deposits -
Angola will need to continue reforming government policies and to
reduce corruption. While Angola made progress in bringing inflation
down further, from 325% in 2000 to about 106% in 2002, the
government has failed to make sufficient progress on reforms
recommended by the IMF such as increasing foreign exchange reserves
and promoting greater transparency in government spending. Increased
oil production supported 7% GDP growth in 2003.
Anguilla
Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends
heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and
remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism
industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector,
has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put
substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,
which is small, but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the
economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on
revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on
favorable weather conditions.
Antarctica
Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad,
account for the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in
2000-01 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 112,934 metric tons.
Unregulated fishing, particularly of Patagonian toothfish, is a
serious problem. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic
Marine Living Resources determines the recommended catch limits for
marine species. A total of 13,571 tourists visited in the 2002-03
antarctic summer, up from the 11,588 who visited the previous year.
Nearly all of them were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental)
ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer. Most
tourist trips last approximately two weeks.
Antigua and Barbuda
Tourism continues to dominate the economy,
accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers
since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the
government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's
agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and
constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming
from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction.
Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major
products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components.
Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to
depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in
the US, which accounts for slightly more than one-third of tourist
arrivals.
Arctic Ocean
Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of
natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.
Argentina
Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly
literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a
diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the
country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation,
external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits. Growth in 2000
was a negative 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained
skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the
peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The economic
situation worsened in 2001 with the widening of spreads on Argentine
bonds, massive withdrawals from the banks, and a further decline in
consumer and investor confidence. Government efforts to achieve a
"zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore
economic growth proved inadequate in the face of the mounting
economic problems. The peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in
January 2002, and the peso was floated in February; the exchange
rate plunged and inflation picked up rapidly, but by mid-2002 the
economy had stabilized, albeit at a lower level. Strong demand for
the peso compelled the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange
markets to curb its appreciation in 2003. Led by record exports, the
economy began to recover with output up 8% in 2003, unemployment
falling, and inflation reduced to under 4% at year-end.
Armenia
Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had
developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools,
textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in
exchange for raw materials and energy. Since the implosion of the
USSR in December 1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale
agriculture away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the
Soviet era. The agricultural sector has long-term needs for more
investment and updated technology. The privatization of industry has
been at a slower pace, but has been given renewed emphasis by the
current administration. Armenia is a food importer, and its mineral
deposits (copper, gold, bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict
with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of
Nagorno-Karabakh and the breakup of the centrally directed economic
system of the former Soviet Union contributed to a severe economic
decline in the early 1990s. By 1994, however, the Armenian
Government had launched an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic
liberalization program that resulted in positive growth rates in
1995-2003. Armenia joined the WTrO in January 2003. Armenia also has
managed to slash inflation, stabilize the local currency (the dram),
and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. The chronic
energy shortages Armenia suffered in the early and mid-1990s have
been offset by the energy supplied by one of its nuclear power
plants at Metsamor. Armenia is now a net energy exporter, although
it does not have sufficient generating capacity to replace Metsamor,
which is under international pressure to close. The electricity
distribution system was privatized in 2002. Armenia's severe trade
imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid and foreign
direct investment. Economic ties with Russia remain close,
especially in the energy sector.
Aruba
Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy,
with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important.
The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has
resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities.
Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985
level. In addition, the reopening of the country's oil refinery in
1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings,
has further spurred growth. Aruba's small labor force and low
unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job
vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years.
Tourist arrivals have declined in the aftermath of the 11 September
2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The government now must deal with
a budget deficit and a negative trade balance.
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
no economic activity
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most
heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and
Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the
exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of
aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and
natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).
Australia
Australia has an enviable Western-style capitalist
economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West
European economies. Rising output in the domestic economy has been
offsetting the global slump, and business and consumer confidence
remains robust. Australia's emphasis on reforms, low inflation, and
growing ties with China are other key factors behind the economy's
strength. The impact of drought, weak foreign demand, and strong
import demand pushed the trade deficit up to $18 billion in 2003 and
to $20 billion in 2004 from $8 billion in 2002. One other concern is
the domestic housing bubble.
Austria
Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high
standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies,
especially Germany's. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of
foreign investors attracted by Austria's access to the single
European market and proximity to EU aspirant economies. Slow growth
in Germany and elsewhere in the world held the economy to 0.7%
growth in 2001, 1.4% in 2002, and again less than 1% in 2003.
However, recent data signal that the recovery has started. The
government estimates economic growth in 2004 of 1.7-2.1% and of 2.5%
in 2005. The government is planning a EURO 500 billion income tax
cut in 2004, though some economists doubt it will have stimulative
effects in 2004, because it will be offset by higher health
insurance contributions and higher taxes on energy. For 2005,
Austria plans a tax cut of EURO 2.5 billion and harmonization of the
various pension schemes. To meet increased competition from both EU
and Central European countries, particularly the new EU members,
Austria will need to emphasize knowledge-based sectors of the
economy, continue to deregulate the service sector, and lower its
tax burden. A key issue is the encouragement of much greater
participation in the labor market by its aging population.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's number one export is oil. Azerbaijan's oil
production declined through 1997 but has registered an increase
every year since. Negotiation of production-sharing arrangements
(PSAs) with foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion
to long-term oilfield development, should generate the funds needed
to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the
first of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating
Company, began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the
formidable problems of the former Soviet republics in making the
transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable
energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only
recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic
ties and structures are slowly being replaced. One obstacle to
economic progress is the need for stepped up foreign investment in
the non-energy sector. A second obstacle is the continuing conflict
with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and
the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while
trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term
prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new
pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its oil
wealth.
Bahamas, The
The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an
economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism
alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly
employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Steady growth in
tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts,
and residences had led to solid GDP growth in recent years, but the
slowdown in the US economy and the attacks of 11 September 2001 held
back growth in these sectors in 2001-03. Financial services
constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy,
accounting for about 15% of GDP. However, since December 2000, when
the government enacted new regulations on the financial sector, many
international businesses have left The Bahamas. Manufacturing and
agriculture together contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and
show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those
sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on
the fortunes of the tourism sector, which depends on growth in the
US, the source of more than 80% of the visitors. In addition to
tourism and banking, the government supports the development of a
"third pillar," e-commerce.
Bahrain
In well-to-do Bahrain, petroleum production and refining
account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government
revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication
and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational
firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi
Arabia for oil granted as aid. A large share of exports consist of
petroleum products made from refining imported crude. Construction
proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment,
especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground
water resources are major long-term economic problems.
Baker Island
no economic activity
Bangladesh
Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to
improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a
poor, overpopulated, and ill-governed nation. Although half of GDP
is generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of
Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as
the single-most-important product. Major impediments to growth
include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned
enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor
force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting
energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and
slow implementation of economic reforms. Economic reform is stalled
in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all
levels of government. Progress also has been blocked by opposition
from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested
interest groups. The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Khaleda
ZIA, has the parliamentary strength to push through needed reforms,
but the party's political will to do so has been lacking in key
areas. One encouraging note: growth has been a steady 5% for the
past several years.
Barbados
Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on
sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in
recent years has diversified into light industry and tourism.
Offshore finance and information services are important foreign
exchange earners. The government continues its efforts to reduce
unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to
privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The economy contracted
in 2002-03 mainly due to a decline in tourism. Growth should be
positive in 2004, the precise level largely dependent on economic
conditions in the US and Europe.
Bassas da India
no economic activity
Belarus
Belarus' economy in 2003 posted 6.1 percent growth and is
likely to continue expanding through 2004, albeit at a slower growth
rate. The Belarusian economy in 2004 is likely to be hampered by
high inflation, persistent trade deficits, and ongoing rocky
relations with Russia, Belarus' largest trading partner and energy
supplier. Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when
President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market
socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed
administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and
expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private
enterprises. In addition, businesses have been subject to pressure
on the part of central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary
changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive
application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"
businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of redistributive
policies has helped those at the bottom of the ladder. For the time
being, Belarus remains self-isolated from the West and its
open-market economies.
Belgium
This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on
its central geographic location, highly developed transport network,
and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is
concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With
few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of
raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its
economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly
three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt
is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing
its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began
circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in
2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown.
Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and
the US.
Belize
In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the
tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed
by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The
government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in
September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000,
4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the
sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective
remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international
donors.
Benin
The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on
subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.
Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past six
years, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase.
Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to
raise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreign
investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the
development of new food processing systems and agricultural
products, and encourage new information and communication
technology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue in
telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite of
initial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateral
creditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing for
speeded-up structural reforms.
Bermuda
Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the
world, equal to that of the US. Its economy is primarily based on
providing financial services for international business and luxury
facilities for tourists. The effects of 11 September 2001 have had
both positive and negative ramifications for Bermuda. On the
positive side, a number of new reinsurance companies have located on
the island, contributing to the expansion of an already robust
international business sector. On the negative side, Bermuda's
tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the
US - was severely hit as American tourists chose not to travel.
Tourism rebounded somewhat in 2002-03. Most capital equipment and
food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is small,
although construction continues to be important; the average cost of
a house in June 2003 had risen to $976,000. Agriculture is limited,
only 6% of the land being arable.
Bhutan
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed,
is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main
livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists
largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged
mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and
other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely
aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and
dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is
technologically backward, with most production of the cottage
industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction,
rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its
attraction for tourists are key resources. Model education, social,
and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral
development organizations. Each economic program takes into account
the government's desire to protect the country's environment and
cultural traditions. For example, the government in its cautious
expansion of the tourist sector encourages the visits of upscale,
environmentally conscientious visitors. Detailed controls and
uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor,
and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.
Bolivia
Bolivia, long one of the poorest and least developed Latin
American countries, made considerable progress in the 1990s toward
the development of a market-oriented economy. Successes under
President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (1993-97) included the signing of a free
trade agreement with Mexico and becoming an associate member of the
Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur), as well as the privatization
of the state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power
company, and oil company. Growth slowed in 1999, in part due to
tight government budget policies, which limited needed
appropriations for anti-poverty programs, and the fallout from the
Asian financial crisis. In 2000, major civil disturbances held down
growth to 2.5%. Bolivia's GDP failed to grow in 2001 due to the
global slowdown and laggard domestic activity. Growth picked up
slightly in 2002, but the first quarter of 2003 saw extensive civil
riots and looting and loss of confidence in the government. Bolivia
will remain highly dependent on foreign aid unless and until it can
develop its substantial natural resources.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the
old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture is almost all in
private hands, farms are small and inefficient, and the republic
traditionally is a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly
overstaffed, one reflection of the socialist economic structure of
Yugoslavia. TITO had pushed the development of military industries
in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a number of
Yugoslavia's defense plants. The interethnic warfare in Bosnia
caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995 and
unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output
recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but
output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made
up in 2003-04. National-level statistics are limited. Moreover,
official data do not capture the large share of black market
activity. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the
national currency introduced in 1998 - is now pegged to the euro,
and the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has dramatically
increased its reserve holdings. Implementation of privatization,
however, has been slow, and local entities only reluctantly support
national-level institutions. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as
all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down. The country
receives substantial amounts of reconstruction assistance and
humanitarian aid from the international community but will have to
prepare for an era of declining assistance.
Botswana
Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest growth
rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and
sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the
poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per
capita GDP of $8,800 in 2003. Two major investment services rank
Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has
fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than
one-third of GDP and for nine-tenths of export earnings. Tourism,
subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On
the downside, the government must deal with high rates of
unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially is 21%, but
unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection
rates are the highest in the world and threaten Botswana's
impressive economic gains. Long-term prospects are overshadowed by
the expected leveling off in diamond mining production.
Bouvet Island
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
Brazil
Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining,
manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that
of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence
in world markets. From 2001-03 real wages fell and Brazil's economy
grew, on average, only 1.1% per year, as the country absorbed a
series of domestic and international economic shocks. That Brazil
absorbed these shocks without financial collapse is a tribute to the
resiliency of the Brazilian economy and the economic program put in
place by former President CARDOSO and strengthened by President Lula
DA SILVA. The three pillars of the economic program are a floating
exchange rate, an inflation-targeting regime, and tight fiscal
policy, which have been reinforced by a series of IMF programs. The
currency depreciated sharply in 2001 and 2002, which contributed to
a dramatic current account adjustment: in 2003, Brazil ran a record
trade surplus and recorded the first current account surplus since
1992. While economic management has been good, there remain
important economic vulnerabilities. The most significant are
debt-related: the government's largely domestic debt increased
steadily from 1994 to 2003, straining government finances, while
Brazil's foreign debt (a mix of private and public debt) is large in
relation to Brazil's modest (but growing) export base. Another
challenge is maintaining economic growth over a period of time to
generate employment and make the government debt burden more
manageable.
British Indian Ocean Territory
All economic activity is concentrated
on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense
facilities are located. Construction projects and various services
needed to support the military installations are done by military
and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and
the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the
islands. When the Ilois return, they plan to reestablish sugarcane
production and fishing.
British Virgin Islands
The economy, one of the most stable and
prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism,
generating an estimated 45% of the national income. An estimated
350,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 1998.
Tourism suffered in 2002 because of the lackluster US economy. In
the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration
to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and
incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly
400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The
adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which
provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory
gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, is expected to make
the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international
business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural
activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic
food requirements. Because of traditionally close links with the US
Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the dollar as
its currency since 1959.
Brunei
This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign
and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare
measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas
production account for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far
above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from
overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The
government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and
housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased
integration in the world economy will undermine internal social
cohesion, although it became a more prominent player by serving as
chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation)
forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the labor force,
reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist
sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond
oil and gas.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a former communist country striving to enter the
European Union, has experienced macroeconomic stability and strong
growth since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the fall of
the then socialist government. As a result, the government became
committed to economic reform and responsible fiscal planning. A $300
million stand-by agreement negotiated with the IMF at the end of
2001 has supported government efforts to overcome high rates of
poverty and unemployment.
Burkina Faso
One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked
Burkina Faso has few natural resources, a fragile soil, and a highly
unequal distribution of income. About 90% of the population is
engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture, which is vulnerable to
variations in rainfall. Cotton is the key crop. Industry remains
dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations.
Following the African franc currency devaluation in January 1994 the
government updated its development program in conjunction with
international agencies, and exports and economic growth have
increased. Maintenance of macroeconomic progress depends on
continued low inflation, reduction in the trade deficit, and reforms
designed to encourage private investment. The internal crisis in
neighboring Cote d'Ivoire continues to hurt trade and industrial
prospects and deepens the need for international assistance.
Burma
Burma is a resource-rich country that suffers from government
controls and abject rural poverty. The military regime took steps in
the early 1990s to liberalize the economy after decades of failure
under the "Burmese Way to Socialism", but those efforts have since
stalled. Burma has been unable to achieve monetary or fiscal
stability, resulting in an economy that suffers from serious
macroeconomic imbalances - including a steep inflation rate and an
official exchange rate that overvalues the Burmese kyat by more than
100 times the market rate. In addition, most overseas development
assistance ceased after the junta suppressed the democracy movement
in 1988 and subsequently ignored the results of the 1990 election. A
crisis in the private banking sector in early 2003 followed by
economic moves against Burma by the United States, the European
Union, and Japan - including a US ban on imports from Burma and a
Japanese freeze on new bilateral economic aid - further weakened the
Burmese economy. Burma is data poor, and official statistics are
often dated and inaccurate. Published estimates of Burma's foreign
trade are greatly understated because of the size of the black
market and border trade - often estimated to be one to two times the
official economy. Better relations with foreign countries and
relaxed controls at home are needed to promote foreign investment,
exports, and tourism. In February 2003, a major banking crisis hit
the country's 20 private banks, shutting them down and disrupting
the economy. In July and August 2003, the United States imposed a
ban on all Burmese imports and a ban on provision of financial
services, hampering Burma's ability to obtain foreign exchange. As
of January 2004, the largest private banks remained moribund,
leaving the private sector with little formal access to credit
outside of government contracts.
Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an
underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly
agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on
subsistence agriculture. Economic growth depends on coffee and tea
exports, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings. The
ability to pay for imports, therefore, rests primarily on weather
conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi
minority, 14% of the population, dominates the government and the
coffee trade at the expense of the Hutu majority, 85% of the
population. Since October 1993 an ethnic-based war has resulted in
more than 200,000 deaths, forced 800,000 refugees into Tanzania, and
displaced 525,000 others internally. Doubts about the prospects for
sustainable peace continue to impede development. Only one in two
children go to school, and approximately one in ten adults has
HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply.
Cambodia
Cambodia's economy slowed dramatically in 1997-1998 due to
the regional economic crisis, civil violence, and political
infighting. Foreign investment and tourism fell off. In 1999, the
first full year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic
reforms. Growth resumed and has remained about 5.0% during
2000-2003. Tourism was Cambodia's fastest growing industry, with
arrivals up 34% in 2000 and up another 40% in 2001 before the 11
September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. Cambodia expects 1
million foreign tourists in 2004. Economic growth has been largely
driven by expansion in the clothing sector and tourism. Clothing
exports were fostered by the U.S.-Cambodian Bilateral Textile
Agreement signed in 1999. Even given Cambodia's recent growth, the
long-term development of the economy after decades of war remains a
daunting challenge. The population lacks education and productive
skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which
suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure. Fear of
renewed political instability and a dysfunctional legal system
coupled with government corruption discourage foreign investment.
The Cambodian government continues to work with bilateral and
multilateral donors to address the country's many pressing needs.
The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will
be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector
can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance.
About 60% of the population is 20 years or younger; most of these
citizens will seek to enter the workforce over the course of the
next 10 years.
Cameroon
Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural
conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity
economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious
problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy
civil service and a generally unfavorable climate for business
enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF
and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment,
increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize
the nation's banks. In June 2000, the government completed an
IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program; however,
the IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget
transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs.
International oil and cocoa prices have considerable impact on the
economy.
Canada
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today
closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system,
pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War
II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service
sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into
one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in
trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close
cross-border relationship, the economic sluggishness in the United
States in 2001-02 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy.
Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in
2001, with moderate recovery in 2002-03. Unemployment is up, with
contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors.
Nevertheless, given its great natural resources, skilled labor
force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic
prospects. Solid fiscal management has produced a long-term budget
surplus which is substantially reducing the national debt, although
public debate continues over how to manage the rising cost of the
publicly funded healthcare system. Trade accounts for roughly a
third of GDP. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with its
principal trading partner, the United States, which absorbs more
than 85% of Canadian exports. Roughly 90% of the population lives
within 160 kilometers of the US border.
Cape Verde
This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource
base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of
long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce,
transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 72% of GDP.
Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the
share of agriculture in GDP in 2001 was only 11%, of which fishing
accounted for 1.5%. 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 emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more
than 20%. Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private
sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.
Prospects for 2004 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows,
tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's
development program.
Cayman Islands
With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving
offshore financial center. More than 40,000 companies were
registered in the Cayman Islands as of 1998, including almost 600
banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. 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 1.2 million in 1997, with 600,000 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.
Central African Republic
Subsistence agriculture, together with
forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African
Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in
outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP.
Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the
diamond industry for 54%. 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, with GDP likely to contract in 2004. Distribution of
income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the
international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.
Chad
Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be
boosted by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000.
Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and
stock raising for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic
provide the bulk of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will begin to
export oil in 2004. 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. Oil
production came on stream in late 2003.
Chile
Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high
level of foreign trade. 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 recession
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. Despite the effects
of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for strong
financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the
strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the end of
1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover, and growth
rebounded to 4.2% in 2000. Growth fell back to 3.1% in 2001 and 2.1%
in 2002, largely due to lackluster global growth and the devaluation
of the Argentine peso, but recovered to 3.2% in 2003. Unemployment,
although declining over the past year, remains stubbornly high,
putting pressure on President LAGOS to improve living standards. One
bright spot was the signing of a free trade agreement with the US,
which took effect on 1 January 2004. In 2004, GDP growth is set to
accelerate to more than 4% as copper prices rise, export earnings
grow, and foreign direct investment picks up.