and Tongans)
Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant
church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%,
other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day
Adventist)
Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English
Government
----------
Name of country:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Niue
Data code: NE
Type of government: self-governing territory in free association
with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New
Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs
Capital: Alofi
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory
in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974)
National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of
Waitangi established British sovereignty)
Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952)
is a hereditary monarch; the queen and New Zealand are represented
by New Zealand High Commissioner Warren SEARELL (since NA August
1993)
head of government: Premier Frank Fakaotimanava LUI (acting premier
since NA December 1992, premier since 12 March 1993) was reelected
by the Legislative Assembly; election last held 23 February 1996
(next to be held NA March 1999)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers
Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly: elections last held 23 February 1996 (next to
be held NA March 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20
total, 6 elected) NPP 9, independents 11
Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand; High Court
Political parties and leaders: Niue Peoples Party (NPP), Young
VIVIAN
International organization participation: ESCAP (associate),
Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in
free association with New Zealand)
US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in
free association with New Zealand)
Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars -
a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each
arm of the bold red cross
Economy
-------
Economic overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from
New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with
the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are
used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector
consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops
are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories
to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The
sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source
of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss
of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.4 million (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1992)
Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.)
by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists
only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development
Board
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:
revenues: $5.5 million
expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1985 est.)
Industries: tourism, handicrafts, food processing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity:
capacity: 1,500 kW
production: 2.7 million kWh
consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1992)
Agriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams,
cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle
Exports: $117,500 (f.o.b., 1989)
commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit
products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts
partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia
Imports: $4.1 million (c.i.f., 1989)
commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery,
fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs
partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US
External debt: $NA
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138
(January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584
(1992), 1.7265 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation
--------------
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total: 229 km
unpaved: 229 km
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
Merchant marine: none
Airports:
total: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications
--------------
Telephones: 276 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on
island
international: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1987 est.)
Radios: 1,000
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 312 (1991 est.)
Defense
-------
Branches: Police Force
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
======================================================================
@Norfolk Island
--------------
(territory of Australia)
Map
---
Location: 29 02 S, 167 57 E -- Oceania, island in the South
Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
Flag
----
Description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white,
and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in
the slightly wider white band
Geography
---------
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
Australia
Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total area: 34.6 sq km
land area: 34.6 sq km
comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 32 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 3 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Bates 319 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 25%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 75%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: typhoons (especially May to July)
international agreements: NA
People
------
Population: 2,209 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: -0.68% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female
all ages: NA male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: NA years
male: NA years
female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
Nationality:
noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)
Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian,
New Zealander
Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in
Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown
16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)
Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century
English and ancient Tahitian
Government
----------
Name of country:
conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island
Data code: NF
Type of government: territory of Australia
Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial
center)
Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June
(1856)
Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979
Legal system: based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and
acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either
Australian or Norfolk Island law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6
February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and Australia are
represented by Administrator Alan Gardner KERR (since NA April 1992)
who was appointed by the governor general of Australia
head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister John
Terrence BROWN (since NA) was elected for not more than three years
by the Legislative Assembly
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of executive members of the
Legislative Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly: elections last held 20 May 1992 (next to be
held NA May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9
total) independents 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)
US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)
Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green
with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly
wider white band
Economy
-------
Economic overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which
has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the
Pacific islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over
the years and reached 29,000 in FY88/89. Revenues from tourism have
given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the
agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of
beef, poultry, and eggs.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $NA
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $NA
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Labor force: 1,395 (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:
revenues: $4.6 million
expenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(FY92/93)
Industries: tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity:
capacity: 7,000 kW
production: 8 million kWh
consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990)
Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals,
vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry
Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., FY91/92)
commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and
Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados
partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe
Imports: $17.9 million (c.i.f., FY91/92)
commodities: NA
partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: none
Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3477 (January
1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992),
1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation
--------------
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total: 80 km
paved: 53 km
unpaved: 27 km
Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade
Merchant marine: none
Airports:
total: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications
--------------
Telephones: 1,087 (1983 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 2,000 (1991 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 900 (1991 est.)
Defense
-------
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
======================================================================
@Northern Mariana Islands
------------------------
(commonwealth in political union with the US)
Map
---
Location: 15 12 N, 145 45 E -- Oceania, islands in the North
Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the
Philippines
Flag
----
Description: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on
the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone
used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Geography
---------
Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about
three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total area: 477 sq km
land area: 477 sq km
comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,482 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds,
little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June,
rainy season July to October
Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and
fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m
Natural resources: arable land, fish
Land use:
arable land: 5% on Saipan
permanent crops: NA%
meadows and pastures: 19%
forest and woodland: NA%
other: NA%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:
current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage
contributes to disease
natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons
(especially August to November)
international agreements: NA
Geographic note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
People
------
Population: 52,284 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 3.04% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 33.05 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female
all ages: NA male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 67.43 years
male: 65.53 years
female: 69.48 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:
noun: NA
adjective: NA
Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians,
Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean
Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although
traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian
note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 96%
Government
----------
Name of country:
conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands
Data code: CQ
Type of government: commonwealth in political union with the US;
self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor,
and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by
the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and
International Affairs
Capital: Saipan
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages,
immigration laws, and taxation
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are
US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:
chief of state: President (of the United States) William Jefferson
CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr.
(since 20 January 1993)
head of government: Governor Froilan C. TENORIO (since NA January
1994) and Lieutenant Governor Jesus C. BORJA (since NA January 1994)
were elected for four-year terms by universal suffrage; election
last held in NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997);
results - Froilan C. TENORIO (Democrat) was elected governor with
56% of the vote
Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature
Senate: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA
November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9
total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats
House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1993 (next
to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA;
seats - (18 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats
US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a
nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official
"resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1
total) Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican)
Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;
Federal District Court
Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Benigno R.
FITIAL, leader; Democratic Party, Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO, chairman
International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), SPC
Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray
silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in
building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Economy
-------
Economic overview: The economy benefits substantially from
financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined
as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement
for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for
capital development, government operations, and special programs. A
rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry,
which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists
predominate. The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is
made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts,
breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly
handicrafts, light manufacturing, and garment production.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $524 million (1994 est.)
note: GDP numbers reflect US spending
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $10,500 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed;
21,188 foreign workers (1990)
by occupation: NA
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:
revenues: $190.4 million
expenditures: $190.4 million, including capital expenditures of
$19.1 million (FY94/95)
Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity:
capacity: 105,000 kW
production: NA kWh
consumption per capita: NA kWh
Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle
Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.)
commodities: garments
partners: NA
Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.)
commodities: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum
products
partners: US, Japan
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: none
Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: US currency is used
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation
--------------
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total: 381.5 km (1991 est.)
paved: NA km
unpaved: NA km
Waterways: none
Ports: Saipan, Tinian
Merchant marine: none
Airports:
total: 5
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2
with paved runways under 914 m: 1
with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications
--------------
Telephones: 13,618 (1993 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1984)
Radios: 15,350 (1987 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1
note: there are 2 cable TV stations
Televisions: 10,650 (1993 est.)
Defense
-------
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US
======================================================================
@Norway
------
Map
---
Location: 62 00 N, 10 00 E -- Northern Europe, bordering the North
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Flag
----
Description: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends
to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted
to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
Geography
---------
Location: Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 10 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area:
total area: 324,220 sq km
land area: 307,860 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:
total: 2,515 km
border countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km
Coastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands
2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor
indentations 16,093 km)
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 10 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 4 nm
International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen
Maud Land); maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of
Barents Sea
Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic
Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast
Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains
broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply
indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north
lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
highest point: Glittertinden 2,472 m
Natural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites,
nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower
Land use:
arable land: 3%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 27%
other: 70%
Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989)
Environment:
current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and
adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution
from vehicle emissions
natural hazards: NA
international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air
Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air
Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,
Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law
of the Sea
Geographic note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands
off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea
lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and
longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members
having a land boundary with Russia
People
------
Population: 4,383,807 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 19% (male 434,848; female 411,668)
15-64 years: 65% (male 1,446,746; female 1,396,150)
65 years and over: 16% (male 288,789; female 405,606) (July 1996
est.)
Population growth rate: 0.48% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 11.96 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.68 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)