processing, construction materials, salt, construction
Industrial production growth rate: 1% (1995 est.)
Electricity:
capacity: 7,070,000 kW
production: 11 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 6,007 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: practically no crops; extensive fishing in
territorial waters
Exports: $11.9 billion (f.o.b., 1994)
commodities: oil
partners: US 23%, Japan 13%, Germany 10%, UK 9%, France 8%
Imports: $6.7 billion (f.o.b., 1994)
commodities: food, construction materials, vehicles and parts,
clothing
partners: US 14%, Japan 12%, Germany 8%, UK 7%, France 6% (1994 est.)
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: $NA
Currency: 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils
Exchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1 - 0.2993 (January
1996), 0.2984 (1995), 0.2976 (1994), 0.3017 (1993), 0.2934 (1992),
0.2843 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation
--------------
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total: 4,273 km
paved: NA km (including 280 km of expressways) (1989 est.)
unpaved: NA km
Pipelines: crude oil 877 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas
165 km
Ports: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah,
Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud
Merchant marine:
total: 46 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,053,667 GRT/3,242,305
DWT
ships by type: cargo 10, container 3, liquefied gas tanker 7,
livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 21, vehicle carrier 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:
total: 4
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications
--------------
Telephones: 548,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: the civil network suffered some damage as a
result of the Gulf war, but most of the telephone exchanges were
left intact and, by the end of 1994, domestic and international
telecommunications had been restored to normal operation; the
quality of service is excellent
domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new
subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay,
coaxial cable, open wire and fiber-optic cable; a cellular telephone
system operates throughout Kuwait and the country is well supplied
with pay telephones
international: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi
Arabia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 2
Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Arabsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 720,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 3 (1986 est.)
Televisions: 800,000 (1993 est.)
Defense
-------
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Ministry of
Interior Forces, Coast Guard
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 658,270
males fit for military service: 391,586
males reach military age (18) annually: 17,544 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion,
12.8% of GDP (FY95/96)
======================================================================
@Kyrgyzstan
----------
Map
---
Location: 41 00 N, 75 00 E -- Central Asia, west of China
Flag
----
Description: red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40
rays representing the 40 Kirghiz tribes; on the obverse side the
rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center
of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a
stylized representation of the roof of the traditional Kirghiz yurt
Geography
---------
Location: Central Asia, west of China
Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 75 00 E
Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States
Area:
total area: 198,500 sq km
land area: 191,300 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than South Dakota
Land boundaries:
total: 3,878 km
border countries: China 858 km, Kazakstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870
km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: territorial dispute with Tajikistan on
southwestern boundary in Isfara Valley area
Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical
in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone
Terrain: peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins
encompass entire nation
lowest point: Kara-Daryya 132 m
highest point: Jengish Chokusu 7,439 m
Natural resources: abundant hydroelectric potential; significant
deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal,
oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth,
lead, and zinc
Land use:
arable land: 7%
permanent crops: NEGL%
meadows and pastures: 42%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 51%
Irrigated land: 10,320 sq km (1990)
Environment:
current issues: water pollution; many people get their water
directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result,
water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from
faulty irrigation practices
natural hazards: NA
international agreements: NA
Geographic note: landlocked
People
------
Population: 4,529,648 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 37% (male 847,859; female 828,889)
15-64 years: 57% (male 1,263,044; female 1,312,040)
65 years and over: 6% (male 100,524; female 177,292) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.07% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 26.02 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 8.83 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -16.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.95 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 77.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 63.86 years
male: 59.18 years
female: 68.77 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.22 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Kyrgyz(s)
adjective: Kyrgyz
Ethnic divisions: Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 21.5%, Uzbek 12.9%,
Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, other 8.3%
Religions: Muslim NA%, Russian Orthodox NA%
Languages: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian -
official language
note: in March 1996, the Kyrgyz legislature amended the constitution
to make Russian an official language, along with Kyrgyz, in
territories and work places where Russian-speaking citizens
predominate
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.)
total population: 97%
male: 99%
female: 96%
Government
----------
Name of country:
conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
local short form: none
former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic
Data code: KG
Type of government: republic
Capital: Bishkek
Administrative divisions: 6 oblasttar (singular - oblast) and 1
city* (singular - shaar); Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek),
Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty,
Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)
note: names in parentheses are administrative centers when name
differs from oblast name
Independence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National holiday: National Day, 2 December; Independence Day, 31
August (1991)
Constitution: adopted 5 May 1993
note: amendment proposed by President AKAYEV and passed in a
national referendum on 10 February 1996 significantly expands the
powers of the president at the expense of the legislature
Legal system: based on civil law system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990) was
elected for a five-year term by popular vote; elections last held 24
December 1995 (next to be held NA); results - Askar AKAYEV won
election with 75% of vote with 86% of electorate voting; note -
elections were held early which gave the two opposition candidates
little time to campaign; AKAYEV may have orchestrated the
"deregistration" of two other candidates, one of whom was a major
rival
head of government: Prime Minister Apas JUMAGULOV (since NA December
1993) was appointed by the president and reappointed February 1996
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers was appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
Legislative branch: bicameral Supreme Council (Zhogorku Kenesh)
Assembly of People's Representatives: elections last held 5 February
1995 (next to be held NA 2000); results - percent of vote by party
NA; seats - (70 total) seats by party NA; note - not all the 70
seats were filled at the 5 February elections; as a result, run-off
elections were held at later dates; the assembly meets twice yearly
Legislative Assembly: elections last held 5 February 1995 (next to
be held NA 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (35
total) seats by party NA; note - not all the 35 seats were filled at
the 5 February elections; as a result, run-off elections were held
note: the legislature became bicameral for the 5 February 1995
elections
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed for a 10-year
term by the Zhogorku Kenesh on recommendation of the president;
Constitutional Court; Higher Court of Arbitration
Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (SDP);
Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan (DDK), Jypar JEKSHEYEV, chairman;
National Unity; Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan (PCK), Absamat
MASALIYEV, chairman; Democratic Movement of Free Kyrgyzstan (ErK),
Tursunbay Bakir UULU, chairman; Republican Popular Party of
Kyrgyzstan; Agrarian Party of Kyrgyzstan; Atu Meken Party, Omurbek
TEKEBAYEV; ASABA
Other political or pressure groups: National Unity Democratic
Movement; Peasant Party; Council of Free Trade Unions; Union of
Entrepreneurs; Agrarian Party
International organization participation: AsDB, CIS, EBRD, ECE,
ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,
Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Acting Ambassador Almas CHUKIN
chancery: (temporary) Suite 706, 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC
20005
telephone: [1] (202) 347-3732
FAX: [1] (202) 347-3718
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY
embassy: Erkindik Prospekt #66, Bishkek 720002
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [7] (3312) 22-29-20, 22-27-77, 22-26-31, 22-24-73
FAX: [7] (3312) 22-35-51
Flag: red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays
representing the 40 Kirghiz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run
counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the
sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized
representation of the roof of the traditional Kirghiz yurt
Economy
-------
Economic overview: Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous
country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, wool, and
meat are the main agricultural products and exports. Industrial
exports included gold, mercury, uranium, and hydropower. Kyrgyzstan
has been one of the most progressive countries of the former Soviet
Union in carrying out market reforms. Following a successful
stabilization program, which has lowered inflation from 88% in 1994
to 32% for 1995, attention is turning toward stimulating growth.
About half of government stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops
in production have been severe since the break up of the Soviet
Union, but by mid-1995 production began to level off as exports
began to increase. The level of hardship for pensioners, unemployed
workers, and government workers with salaries arrears continues to
be very high. Foreign assistance plays a substantial role in the
country's budget. In early 1996, the economy apparently is slowly
beginning to restore previous levels of output.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.4 billion (1995 estimate as
extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994)
GDP real growth rate: -6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,140 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 32% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 1.836 million
by occupation: agriculture and forestry 38%, industry and
construction 21%, other 41% (1990)
Unemployment rate: 4.8% includes officially registered unemployed;
also large numbers of unregistered unemployed and underemployed
workers (December 1995)
Budget:
revenues: $NA
expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Industries: small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement,
shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold,
rare earth metals
Industrial production growth rate: -12.5% (1995)
Electricity:
capacity: 3,660,000 kW
production: 12.3 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 2,500 kWh (1995 est.)
Agriculture: wool, tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes,
fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle
Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy;
mostly for CIS consumption; government eradication program; used as
transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe and North
America from Southwest Asia
Exports: $380 million (1995)
commodities: cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium,
hydropower; machinery; shoes
partners: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, Turkey, Cuba, and
Germany
Imports: $439 million (1995)
commodities: grain, lumber, industrial products, ferrous metals,
fuel, machinery, textiles, footwear
partners: Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, China, and UK
External debt: $480 million (of which $115 million to Russia)
(1995 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $56 million (1993)
note: commitments, 1992-95, $1,695 million ($390 million
disbursements)
Currency: introduced national currency, the som (10 May 1993)
Exchange rates: soms per US$1 - 11.2 (yearend 1995), 10.6 (yearend
1994)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation
--------------
Railways:
total: 370 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial
lines
broad gauge: 370 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)
Highways:
total: 28,400 km
paved: 22,400 km
unpaved: 6,000 km (1990)
Pipelines: natural gas 200 km
Ports: Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)
Airports:
total: 54
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 9
with paved runways under 914 m: 1
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4
with unpaved runways under 914 m: 32 (1994 est.)
Communications
--------------
Telephones: 342,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: poorly developed; about 100,000 unsatisfied
applications for household telephones
domestic: principally microwave radio relay
international: connections with other CIS countries by landline or
microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections
with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite
earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Intelsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA; note -1
state-run radio broadcast station
Radios: 825,000 (radio receiver systems with multiple speakers for
program diffusion 748,000)
Television broadcast stations: 1
note: receives Turkish broadcasts
Televisions: 875,000
Defense
-------
Branches: Army, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and
border troops), Civil Defense
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,096,985
males fit for military service: 890,901
males reach military age (18) annually: 44,159 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: 151 million soms, NA% of GDP (1995); note -
conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current
exchange rate could produce misleading results
======================================================================
@Laos
----
Map
---
Location: 18 00 N, 105 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, northeast of
Thailand
Flag
----
Description: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double
width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band
Geography
---------
Location: Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand
Geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 105 00 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area:
total area: 236,800 sq km
land area: 230,800 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than Utah
Land boundaries:
total: 5,083 km
border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,
Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: boundary dispute with Thailand
Climate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry
season (December to April)
Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus
lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
Land use:
arable land: 4%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 3%
forest and woodland: 58%
other: 35%
Irrigated land: 1,554 sq km (1992 est.)
Environment:
current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the
population does not have access to potable water
natural hazards: floods, droughts, and blight
international agreements: party to - Environmental Modification,
Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change,
Desertification, Law of the Sea
Geographic note: landlocked
People
------
Population: 4,975,772 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 45% (male 1,142,825; female 1,114,628)
15-64 years: 51% (male 1,237,660; female 1,316,591)
65 years and over: 4% (male 75,748; female 88,320) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.81% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 41.94 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 13.83 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 96.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 52.69 years
male: 51.14 years
female: 54.31 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.87 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
adjective: Lao or Laotian
Ethnic divisions: Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%,
Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien)
9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%
Religions: Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40%
Languages: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic
languages
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 56.6%
male: 69.4%
female: 44.4%
Government
----------
Name of country:
conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form: none
Data code: LA
Type of government: Communist state
Capital: Vientiane
Administrative divisions: 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and
plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural);
Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan,
Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan,
Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang
Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of
the Lao People's Democratic Republic)
Constitution: promulgated 14 August 1991
Legal system: based on traditional customs, French legal norms and
procedures, and Socialist practice
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN (since 25 November 1992)
was elected for a five-year term by the National Assembly
head of government: Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15
August 1991) was appointed for a five-year term by the president
with the approval of the National Assembly; Deputy Prime Minister
KHAMPHOUI KEOBOUALAPHA (since NA)
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president,
approved by the National Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly: members elected for five-year terms; elections
last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results -
percent of vote NA; seats - (85 total) LPRP 85
Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court, the president of the
People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the
recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee, the vice
president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed
by the National Assembly Standing Committee
Political parties and leaders: Lao People's Revolutionary Party
(LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president; other parties proscribed
Other political or pressure groups: noncommunist political groups
proscribed; most opposition leaders fled the country in 1975
International organization participation: ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN
(observer), CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU,
Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador HIEM PHOMMACHANH
chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416, 6417
FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor L. TOMSETH
embassy: Rue Bartholonie, B.P. 114, Vientiane
mailing address: American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546
telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 212582, 212585
FAX: [856] (21) 212584
Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width),
and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band
Economy
-------
Economic overview: The government of Laos - one of the few
remaining official communist states - has been decentralizing
control and encouraging private enterprise since 1986. The results,
starting from an extremely low base, have been striking - growth has
averaged 7.5% annually since 1988. Even so, Laos is a landlocked
country with a primitive infrastructure. It has no railroads, a
rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal
telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban
areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides
80% of total employment. The predominant crop is rice. In
non-drought years, Laos is self-sufficient overall in food, but each
year flood, pests, and localized drought cause shortages in various
parts of the country. For the foreseeable future the economy will
continue to depend on aid from the IMF and other international
sources; aid from the former USSR/Eastern Europe has been cut
sharply. As in many developing countries, deforestation and soil
erosion will hamper efforts to maintain the high rate of GDP growth.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.2 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 8% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,100 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 50%
industry: 17%
services: 33% (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 1 million-1.5 million
by occupation: agriculture 80% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate: 21% (1992 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $198 million
expenditures: $351 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1994)
Industries: tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power,
agricultural processing, construction
Industrial production growth rate: 7.5% (1992 est.)
Electricity:
capacity: 260,000 kW
production: 870 million kWh
consumption per capita: 44 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane,
cotton; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry