unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note -
the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 and early
1993 in preparation for new legislative elections. In its place, an interim
High Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have been
established
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour
Constitutionnelle)
Leaders: Chief of State:
President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Guy RAZANAMASY (since 8 August 1991)
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,
OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO
chancery:
2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 265-5525 or 5526
consulate general:
New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Douglas BARRETT
embassy:
14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
mailing address:
B. P. 620, Antananarivo
telephone:
[261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18
FAX:
261-234-539
Flag:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band
of the same width on hoist side
*Madagascar, Economy
Overview:
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture,
including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting
for over 30% of GDP and contributing to more than 70% of total export
earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural
products and textile manufacturing; in 1991 it accounted for only 13% of
GDP. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan that
stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased
production for exports, and reduced energy imports. After mid-1991, however,
output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes and
demonstrations for political reform.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1992 est.)
National product real growth rate:
1% (1992 est.)
National product per capita:
$200 (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
20% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:
revenues $250 million; expenditures $265 million, including capital
expenditures of $180 million (1991)
Exports:
$312 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)
commodities:
coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum products
partners:
France, Japan, Italy, Germany, US
Imports:
$350 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer
goods 14%, food 13%
partners:
France, Germany, UK, other EC, US
External debt:
$4.4 billion (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP
Electricity:
125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991)
Industries:
agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries,
tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries
(textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum
Agriculture:
accounts for 31% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves,
cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raising
widespread; almost self-sufficient in rice
Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for
domestic consumption
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million;
Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million
*Madagascar, Economy
Currency:
1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,910.2 (December 1992), 1,867.9 (1992),
1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989), 1,407.1 (1988),
1,069.2 (1987)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Madagascar, Communications
Railroads:
1,020 km 1.000-meter gauge
Highways:
40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized
soil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.)
Inland waterways:
of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des
Pangalanes
Ports:
Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara
Merchant marine:
11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,359 GRT/48,772 DWT; includes 6
cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1
liquefied gas
Airports:
total:
146
usable:
103
with permanent-surface runways:
30
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
3
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
36
Telecommunications:
above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay,
and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations
- 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36
repeaters) TV
*Madagascar, Defense Forces
Branches:
Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces,
Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential
Security Regiment
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,826,018; fit for military service 1,681,553; reach
military age (20) annually 118,233 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1991 est.)
*Malawi, Geography
Location:
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and Zambia
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area: total area:
118,480 km2
land area:
94,080 km2
comparative area:
slightly larger than Pennsylvania
Land boundaries:
total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)
Climate:
tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)
Terrain:
narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains
Natural resources:
limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite
Land use:
arable land:
25%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
20%
forest and woodland:
50%
other:
5%
Irrigated land:
200 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
deforestation
Note:
landlocked
*Malawi, People
Population:
9,831,935 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.95% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
51.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
22.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
-37.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
141.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 40.48 years
male:
39.61 years
female:
41.37 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
7.5 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Malawian(s)
adjective:
Malawian
Ethnic divisions:
Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian,
European
Religions:
Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous
beliefs
Languages:
English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important
regionally
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1966)
total population:
22%
male:
34%
female:
12%
Labor force:
428,000 wage earners
by occupation:
agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%,
construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6%
(1986)
*Malawi, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Malawi
conventional short form:
Malawi
former:
Nyasaland
Digraph:
MI
Type:
one-party republic
note:
a referendum to determine whether Malawi should remain a one-party state is
scheduled to be held on 14 June 1993
Capital:
Lilongwe
Administrative divisions:
24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga,
Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza,
Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima,
Thyolo, Zomba
Independence:
6 July 1964 (from UK)
Constitution:
6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974
Legal system:
based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of
legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday:
Independence Day, 6 July (1964)
Political parties and leaders:
only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrative
secretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretary
general vacant since 1983
Other political or pressure groups:
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chakufwa CHIHANA; United Democratic Front
(UDF) Bakili MULUZI; Malawi Democratic People (MDP), leader NA
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971
National Assembly:
last held 26-27 June 1987 (next to be held by June 1997); results - MCP is
the only party; seats - (141 total, 136 elected) MCP 141
Executive branch:
president, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly
Judicial branch:
High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in as
President for Life 6 July 1971)
*Malawi, Government
Member of:
ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS,
NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA
chancery:
2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 797-1007
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR
embassy:
address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwe
mailing address:
P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe
telephone:
[265] 730-166
FAX:
[265] 732-282
Flag:
three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant,
rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag of
Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposed
on the hoist side of the black and red bands
*Malawi, Economy
Overview:
Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The
economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population
living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of export
revenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improved
significantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly based
economic adjustment effort by the government. Drought cut overall output
sharply in 1992. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic
assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion (1992 est.)
National product real growth rate:
-7.7% (1992 est.)
National product per capita:
$200 (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
21% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capital
expenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.)
Exports:
$400 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)
commodities:
tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood products
partners:
US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, Germany
Imports:
$660 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)
commodities:
food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation
equipment
partners:
South Africa, Japan, US, UK, Zimbabwe
External debt:
$1.8 billion (December 1991 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988)
Electricity:
190,000 kW capacity; 620 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer
goods
Agriculture:
accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and
corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock -
cattle, goats
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 million
Currency:
1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala
Exchange rates:
Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 4.3418 (November 1992), 2.8033 (1991),
2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
*Malawi, Communications
Railroads:
789 km 1.067-meter gauge
Highways:
13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized
soil; 10,520 km earth and improved earth
Inland waterways:
Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km
Ports:
Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (Lake
Malawi)
Airports:
total:
47
usable:
41
with permanent-surface runways:
5
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
10
Telecommunications:
fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications
stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV;
satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean
INTELSAT
Note:
a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira,
Nacala, and Limgogo railroads, but now most go through South Africa because
of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines
*Malawi, Defense Forces
Branches:
Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including
paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,059,509; fit for military service 1,048,986 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)
*Malaysia, Geography
Location:
Southeast Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Vietnam and Indonesia
Map references:
Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
329,750 km2
land area:
328,550 km2
comparative area:
slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:
total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km
Coastline:
4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200 m depth or to depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South
China Sea
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,
Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by
the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that
divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; two
islands in dispute with Indonesia
Climate:
tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to
February) monsoons
Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains
Natural resources:
tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite
Land use:
arable land:
3%
permanent crops:
10%
meadows and pastures:
0%
forest and woodland:
63%
other:
24%
Irrigated land:
3,420 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
subject to flooding; air and water pollution
Note:
strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
*Malaysia, People
Population:
18,845,340 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.32% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
28.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
68.82 years
male:
65.96 years
female:
71.81 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Malaysian(s)
adjective:
Malaysian
Ethnic divisions:
Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9%
Religions:
Peninsular Malaysia:
Muslim (Malays)
Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians)
Sabah:
Muslim 38%
Christian 17%, other 45%
Sarawak:
tribal religion 35%
Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5%
Languages:
Peninsular Malaysia:
Malay (official)
English, Chinese dialects, Tamil
State of Sabah:
English
Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects
predominate)
State of Sarawak:
English
Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages,
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
78%
male:
86%
female:
70%
Labor force:
7.258 million (1991 est.)
*Malaysia, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Malaysia
former:
Malayan Union
Digraph:
MY
Type:
constitutional monarchy
note:
Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by the paramount
ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states -
hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by
Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited
by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in
House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security,
and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing
state within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with
foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to
federal government
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Administrative divisions:
13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories*, (wilayah-wilayah
persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau, Pinang, Sabah,
Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*, Independence:
31 August 1957 (from UK)
Constitution:
31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963
Legal system:
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the
Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday:
National Day, 31 August (1957)
Political parties and leaders:
Peninsular Malaysia:
National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by United
Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad;
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat
Malaysia, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S.
Samy VELLU
Sabah:
Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Joseph
Pairin KITINGAN; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA
Sarawak:
coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka Bumiputra
Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak United
People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak National
Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk
Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM
Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
*Malaysia, Government
Elections:
House of Representatives:
last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995); results -
National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP
20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNO
got 71 seats and MCA 18 seats
Executive branch:
paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy prime
minister, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (Dewan
Negara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Leaders:
Chief of State: Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26
April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26
April 1989)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime
Minister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986)
Member of:
APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,
INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed
chancery:
2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 328-2700
consulates general:
Los Angeles and New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador John S. WOLF
embassy:
376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address:
P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur
telephone:
[60] (3) 248-9011
FAX:
[60] (3) 242-2207
Flag:
fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white
(bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a
yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the
star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of
the US
*Malaysia, Economy
Overview:
The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and a soundly managed
public sector, has posted a remarkable record of 8%-9% average growth in
1987-92. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and
a marked rise in real wages. Despite sluggish growth in the major world
economies in 1992, demand for Malaysian goods remained strong and foreign
investors continued to commit large sums in the economy. The government is
aware of the inflationary potential of this rapid development and is closely
monitoring fiscal and monetary policies.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $54.5 billion (1992 est.)
National product real growth rate:
8% (1992 est.)
National product per capita: $2,960 (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4.7% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
4.1% (1992 est.)
Budget:
revenues $15.6 billion; expenditures $18.0 billion, including capital
expenditures of $4.5 billion (1992 est.)
Exports:
$39.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and petroleum products, wood and
wood products, rubber, textiles
partners:
Singapore 23%, US 18.6%, Japan 13.2%, UK 4%, Germany 4%
Imports:
$39.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
food, consumer goods, petroleum products, chemicals, capital equipment
partners:
Japan 26%, US 15.8%, Singapore 15.7%, Taiwan 5.6%, Germany 4.2%
External debt:
$25.7 billion (1992 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 13% (1992); accounts for NA% of GDP
Electricity:
8,000,000 kW capacity; 30,000 million kWh produced, 1,610 kWh per capita
(1992)
Industries:
Peninsular Malaysia:
rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing
industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing
timber
Sabah:
logging, petroleum production
Sarawak:
agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging
Agriculture:
accounts for 20% of GDP
Peninsular Malaysia:
natural rubber, palm oil, rice
Sabah:
mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice
*Malaysia, Economy
Sarawak:
rubber, timber, pepper; deficit of rice in all areas; fish catch of 608,000
metric tons in 1987
Illicit drugs:
transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe,
and the Third World
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPEC
bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 million
Currency:
1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen
Exchange rates:
ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6238 (January 1993), 2.5475 (1992), 2.7501
(1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Malaysia, Communications
Railroads:
Peninsular Malaysia:
1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government owned
Sabah:
136 km 1.000-meter gauge
Sarawak:
none
Highways:
Peninsular Malaysia:
23,600 km; 19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous surface treatment, and
4,248 km unpaved
Sabah:
3,782 km
Sarawak:
1,644 km
Inland waterways:
Peninsular Malaysia:
3,209 km
Sabah:
1,569 km
Sarawak:
2,518 km
Pipelines:
crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km
Ports:
Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang,
Sandakan, Tawau
Merchant marine:
184 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,869,817 GRT/2,786,765 DWT; includes
1 passenger-cargo, 2 short-sea passenger, 71 cargo, 28 container, 2 vehicle
carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 38 oil tanker, 6 chemical
tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 27 bulk
Airports:
total:
111
usable:
102
with permanent-surface runways:
32
with runways over 3,659 m:
1
with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
18
Telecommunications:
good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave
radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah
and Sarawak via Brunei; international service good; good coverage by radio
and television broadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations -
28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM
submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations -
1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic
*Malaysia, Defense Forces
Branches:
Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal
Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border Scouts
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 4,837,256; fit for military service 2,941,577; reach
military age (21) annually 181,435 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992)
*Maldives, Geography
Location:
South Asia, in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of India
Map references:
Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
300 km2
land area:
300 km2
comparative area:
slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
644 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone:
35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides
with maritime boundary with India
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy,
southwest monsoon (June to August)
Terrain: flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 meters
Natural resources:
fish
Land use:
arable land:
10%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
3%
forest and woodland:
3%
other:
84%
Irrigated land:
NA km2
Environment:
1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls
Note:
archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in
Indian Ocean
*Maldives, People
Population:
243,094 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
3.64% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
44.34 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
57.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
63.86 years
male:
62.5 years
female:
65.28 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.36 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Maldivian(s)
adjective:
Maldivian
Ethnic divisions:
Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Religions:
Sunni Muslim
Languages:
Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic), English spoken by
most government officials
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1985)
total population:
92%
male:
92%
female:
92%
Labor force:
66,000 (est.)
by occupation:
fishing industry 25%
*Maldives, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Maldives
conventional short form:
Maldives
Digraph:
MV
Type:
republic
Capital:
Male
Administrative divisions:
19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu,
Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa,
Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Waavu
Independence:
26 July 1965 (from UK)
Constitution:
4 June 1964
Legal system:
based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in
commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday:
Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Political parties and leaders:
no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for the
past eight centuries
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1993); results -
President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected
Citizens' Council:
last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results -
percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected)
Executive branch:
president, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis)
Judicial branch:
High Court
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978)
Member of:
AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF,
IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WHO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission
in New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic
visits there
consular agency:
Midhath Hilmy, Male
*Maldives, Government
telephone:
2581
Flag:
red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white
crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
*Maldives, Economy
Overview:
The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture is
limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10%
of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the
work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an important
source of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism became one of the
most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industry
accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to have
increased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $140 million (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
4.7% (1991 est.)
National product per capita:
$620 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
11.5% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NEGL%
Budget:
revenues $52 million (excluding foreign transfers); expenditures $83
million, including capital expenditures of $39 million (1991 est.)
Exports:
$53.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
fish, clothing
partners:
US, UK, Sri Lanka
Imports:
$150.9 million (c.i.f., 1991)
commodities:
consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products
partners:
Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India
External debt:
$90 million (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 24.0% (1990); accounts for 6% of GDP
Electricity:
5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990)
Industries:
fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut
processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicrafts
Agriculture:
accounts for almost 25% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more important
than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; most
staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.)
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPEC
bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 million
Currency:
1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laaris
Exchange rates:
rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.506 (January 1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253 (1991),
9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Maldives, Communications
Highways:
Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city
Ports:
Male, Gan
Merchant marine:
14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 38,848 GRT/58,496 DWT; includes 12
cargo, 1 container, 1 oil tanker
Airports:
total:
2
useable:
2 with permanent-surface runways:
2
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
2
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcast
stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Maldives, Defense Forces
Branches:
National Security Service (paramilitary police force)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 53,730; fit for military service 30,014 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Mali, Geography
Location:
Western Africa, between Mauritania and Niger
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
1.24 million km2
land area:
1.22 million km2
comparative area:
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries:
total 7,243 km, Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote
d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted
to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ
issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept;
Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the
tripoint with Niger
Climate:
subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild
June to November; cool and dry November to February
Terrain:
mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south,
rugged hills in northeast
Natural resources:
gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore,
manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited
Land use:
arable land:
2%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
25%
forest and woodland:
7%
other:
66%
Irrigated land:
50 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertification
Note:
landlocked
*Mali, People
Population:
8,868,617 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.66% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
51.73 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
20.81 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
-4.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
108 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
45.45 years
male:
43.89 years
female:
47.06 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
7.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Malian(s)
adjective:
Malian
Ethnic divisions:
Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%,
Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%
Languages:
French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
32%
male:
41%
female:
24%
Labor force:
2.666 million (1986 est.)
by occupation:
agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981)
note:
50% of population of working age (1985)
*Mali, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Mali
conventional short form:
Mali
local long form:
Republique de Mali
local short form:
Mali
former:
French Sudan
Digraph:
ML
Type:
republic
Capital:
Bamako
Administrative divisions:
8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti,
Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou
Independence:
22 September 1960 (from France)
Constitution:
new constitution adopted in constitutional referendum in January 1992
Legal system:
based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of
legislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday:
Anniverary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)
Political parties and leaders:
Alliance for Democracy (Adema), Alpha Oumar KONARE; National Committee for
Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African
Democratic Rally (US/RAD), Baba Hakib HAIDARA and Treoule Mamadon KONATE;
Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of West Africa; Rally
for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union for Democracy and
Development (UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally for Democracy and Labor
(RDT); Union of Democratic Forces for Progress (UFDP), Col. Youssouf TRAORE;
Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union for
Democracy and Development (UMDD)
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
last held in April 1992; Alpha KONARE was elected in runoff race against
Montaga TALL
National Assembly:
last held on 8 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by
party NA; seats - (total 116) Adema 76, CNID 9, US/RAD 8, Popular Movement
for the Development of the Republic of West Africa 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3,
UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1
Executive branch:
Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25
members, predominantly civilian
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
*Mali, Government
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Younoussi TOURE (since 8 June 1992)
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,
IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,
OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Siragatou Ibrahim CISSE
chancery:
2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 332-2249 or 939-8950
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Herbert Donald GELBER
embassy:
Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamako
mailing address:
B. P. 34, Bamako
telephone:
[223] 225470
FAX:
[233] 228059
Flag:
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the
popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
*Mali, Economy
Overview:
Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% of its land
area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the
riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population live as
nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and
fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities.
In consultation with international lending agencies, the government has
adopted a structural adjustment program for 1992-95, aiming at GDP annual
growth of 4.6%, inflation of no more than 2.5% on average, and a substantial
reduction in the external current account deficit.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.3 billion (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
-0.2% (1991 est.)
National product per capita:
$265 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.4% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capital
expenditures of $178 (1989 est.)
Exports:
$320 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)
commodities:
livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skins
partners:
mostly franc zone and Western Europe
Imports:
$390 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)
commodities:
textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cereals
partners:
mostly franc zone and Western Europe
External debt:
$2.6 billion (1991 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 15.0% (1990 est.); accounts for 10.0% of GDP
Electricity:
260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991)
Industries:
small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold,
fishing
Agriculture:
accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms;
cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops -
millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPEC
bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190
million
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January
1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85
(1988)
*Mali, Economy
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Mali, Communications
Railroads:
642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes
Highways:
about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth,
10,360 km unimproved earth
Inland waterways:
1,815 km navigable
Airports:
total:
34
usable:
27
with permanent-surface runways:
8
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
5
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
10
Telecommunications:
domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radio
relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay in
progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV;
satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean
INTELSAT
*Mali, Defense Forces
Branches:
Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police (Surete
Nationale)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 1,749,662; fit for military service 995,554 (1993 est.); no
conscription
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)
*Malta, Geography
Location:
in the central Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south of Sicily (Italy), 290 km
north of Libya
Map references:
Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
320 km2
land area:
320 km2
comparative area:
slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
140 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 m depth or to depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone:
25 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain:
mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Natural resources:
limestone, salt
Land use:
arable land:
38%
permanent crops:
3%
meadows and pastures:
0%
forest and woodland:
0%
other:
59%
Irrigated land: 10 km2 (1989)
Environment:
numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce; increasing
reliance on desalination
Note:
the country comprises an archipelago, with only the 3 largest islands
(Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited
*Malta, People
Population:
363,791 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.84% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
13.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
7.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
1.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
76.52 years
male:
74.32 years
female:
78.9 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.97 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Maltese (singular and plural)
adjective:
Maltese
Ethnic divisions:
Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English
Religions:
Roman Catholic 98%
Languages:
Maltese (official), English (official)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1985)
total population:
84%
male:
86%
female:
82%
Labor force:
127,200
by occupation:
government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%,
training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990)
*Malta, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Malta
conventional short form:
Malta
Digraph:
MT
Type:
parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Valletta
Administrative divisions:
none (administration directly from Valletta)
Independence:
21 September 1964 (from UK)
Constitution:
26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974
Legal system:
based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction, with reservations
National holiday:
Independence Day, 21 September
Political parties and leaders:
Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred
SANT
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
House of Representatives:
last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results -
NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note -
additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to
ensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after
adjustment)
Executive branch:
president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
unicameral House of Representatives
Judicial branch:
Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy
Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987)
Member of:
C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO,
IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, PCA, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET
chancery:
2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 462-3611 or 3612
FAX:
(202) 387-5470
*Malta, Government
consulate:
New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
(vacant)
embassy:
2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta
mailing address:
P. O. Box 535, Valletta
telephone:
[356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654
FAX:
same as telephone numbers
Flag:
two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper
hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
*Malta, Economy
Overview:
Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a
productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has
limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources.
Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services.
Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy.
Manufacturing accounts for about 27% of GDP, with the electronics and
textile industries major contributors and the state-owned Malta drydocks
employing about 4,300 people. In 1991, about 900,000 tourists visited the
island. Per capita GDP at $7,600 places Malta in the middle-income range of
the world's nations.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5.9% (1991)
National product per capita:
$7,600 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.9% (1991)
Unemployment rate:
3.6% (1992)
Budget:
revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.1 billion, including capital
expenditures of $161 million (1992 est.)
Exports:
$l.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
clothing, textiles, footwear, ships
partners:
Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11%
Imports:
$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods
partners:
Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4%
External debt:
$127 million (1990 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDP
Electricity:
328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 3,000 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing,
textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobacco
Agriculture:
accounts for 3% of GDP and 2.5% of the work force (1992); overall, 20%
self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat,
barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs;
generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, pork products;
seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic
foodstuffs
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPEC
bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48
million
Currency:
1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents
*Malta, Economy
Exchange rates:
Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3687 (January 1993), 0.3178 (1992), 0.3226
(1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
*Malta, Communications
Highways:
1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35
km improved and unimproved earth
Ports:
Valletta, Marsaxlokk
Merchant marine:
789 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,059,874 GRT/18,758,969 DWT;
includes 6 passenger, 17 short-sea passenger, 272 cargo, 26 container, 2
passenger-cargo, 20 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 barge carrier, 17
refrigerated cargo, 19 chemical tanker, 15 combination ore/oil, 3
specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 131 oil tanker, 223 bulk, 26
combination bulk, 3 multifunction large load carrier, 1 railcar carrier;
note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships, Russia owns 52
ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Croatia owns 37, Romania owns 3
Airports:
total:
1
useable:
1
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones;
excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarine
cable and microwave radio relay between islands; international service by 1
submarine cable and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Malta, Defense Forces
Branches:
Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 97,446; fit for military service 77,481 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)
*Man, Isle of, Header
Affiliation:
(British crown dependency)
*Man, Isle of, Geography
Location:
in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and Great Britain
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total area:
588 km2
land area:
588 km2
comparative area:
nearly 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
113 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
3 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time
Terrain:
hills in north and south bisected by central valley
Natural resources:
lead, iron ore
Land use:
arable land:
NA%
permanent crops:
NA%
meadows and pastures:
NA%
forest and woodland:
NA%
other:
NA% (extensive arable land and forests)
Irrigated land:
NA km2
Environment:
strong westerly winds prevail
Note:
one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird
sanctuary
*Man, Isle of, People
Population:
71,263 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.07% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
13.57 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
12.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate: 9.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
8.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
75.98 years
male:
73.25 years
female:
78.92 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.8 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Manxman, Manxwoman
adjective:
Manx
Ethnic divisions:
Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton
Religions:
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of
Friends
Languages:
English, Manx Gaelic
Literacy:
total population:
NA%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
25,864 (1981)
by occupation:
NA
*Man, Isle of, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Isle of Man
Digraph:
IM
Type:
British crown dependency
Capital:
Douglas
Administrative divisions:
none (British crown dependency)
Independence:
none (British crown dependency)
Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act
Legal system:
English law and local statute
National holiday:
Tynwald Day, 5 July
Political parties and leaders:
there is no party system and members sit as independents
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Elections:
House of Keys:
last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA;
no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24
Executive branch:
British monarch, lieutenant governor, president, prime minister, Council of
Ministers (cabinet)
Legislative branch:
bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and a
lower house or House of Keys
Judicial branch:
Court of Tynwald
Leaders:
Chief of State:
Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by
Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990)
Head of Government:
President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990)
Member of:
none
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (British crown dependency)
US diplomatic representation:
none (British crown dependency)
Flag:
red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three
legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes
pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used
*Man, Isle of, Economy
Overview:
Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy.
The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies
and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding
employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture
and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their
shares of GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturing
about 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access
to European Community markets.
National product:
GNP - exchange rate conversion - $490 million (1988)
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita: $7,500 (1988)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
7% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
1% (1992 est.)
Budget:
revenues $130.4 million; expenditures $114.4 million, including capital
expenditures of $18.1 million (FY85 est.)
Exports:
$NA
commodities:
tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meat
partners:
UK
Imports:
$NA
commodities:
timber, fertilizers, fish
partners:
UK
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,965 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
an important offshore financial center; financial services, light
manufacturing, tourism
Agriculture:
cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry
Economic aid:
NA
Currency:
1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 pence
Exchange rates:
Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652
(1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); the Manx pound is at
par with the British pound
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
*Man, Isle of, Communications
Railroads:
60 km; 36 km electric track, 24 km steam track
Highways:
640 km motorable roads
Ports:
Douglas, Ramsey, Peel
Merchant marine:
59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,363,502 GRT/2,363,502 DWT; includes
10 cargo, 6 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 14 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker,
4 liquefied gas, 12 bulk; note - a captive register of the United Kingdom,
although not all ships on the register are British owned
Airports:
total:
1
useable:
1
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
1
Telecommunications:
24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV
*Man, Isle of, Defense Forces
Note:
defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Marshall Islands, Geography
Location:
Oceania, in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between
Hawaii and Papua New Guinea
Map references:
Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
181.3 km2
land area:
181.3 km2
comparative area:
slightly larger than Washington, DC
note:
includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
370.4 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
claims US territory of Wake Island
Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt
Terrain:
low coral limestone and sand islands
Natural resources:
phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
60%
meadows and pastures:
0%
forest and woodland:
0%
other:
40%
Irrigated land:
NA km2
Environment:
occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30
atolls and 1,152 islands
Note:
Bikini and Eniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous
World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range
*Marshall Islands, People
Population:
51,982 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
3.87% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
46.65 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
50.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
62.79 years
male:
61.27 years
female:
64.38 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Marshallese (singular and plural)
adjective:
Marshallese
Ethnic divisions: Micronesian
Religions:
Christian (mostly Protestant)
Languages:
English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major
Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1980)
total population:
93%
male:
100%
female:
88%
Labor force:
4,800 (1986)
by occupation:
NA
*Marshall Islands, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form:
Marshall Islands
former:
Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
Digraph:
RM
Type:
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of
Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986
Capital:
Majuro
Administrative divisions:
none
Independence:
21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Constitution:
1 May 1979
Legal system:
based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,
common, and customary laws
National holiday:
Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979)
Political parties and leaders:
no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional)
leader
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President Amata
KABUA was reelected
Parliament:
last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results -
percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total)
Executive branch:
president, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
unicameral Nitijela (parliament)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Amata KABUA (since 1979)
Member of:
AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,
WHO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL
chancery:
2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 234-5414
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador David C. FIELDS
*Marshall Islands, Government
embassy:
NA address, Majuro
mailing address:
P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379
telephone:
(011) 692-4011
FAX:
(011) 692-4012
Flag:
blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange
(top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small
rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
*Marshall Islands, Economy
Overview:
Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural
production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial
crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches
supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to
handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary
source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The
islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 1987
the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallese
budget of $55 million.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $63 million (1989 est.)
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$1,500 (1989 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues $55 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of
$NA (1987 est.)
Exports:
$2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985)
commodities:
copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicrafts
partners:
NA
Imports:
$29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985)
commodities:
foodstuffs, beverages, building materials
partners:
NA
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990)
Industries:
copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore
banking (embryonic)
Agriculture:
coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, pigs, chickens
Economic aid:
under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide
approximately $40 million in aid annually
Currency:
US currency is used
Exchange rates:
US currency is used
Fiscal year:
1 October - 30 September
*Marshall Islands, Communications
Highways:
paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-,
or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks
Ports: Majuro
Merchant marine:
29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,786,070 GRT/3,498,895 DWT; includes
2 cargo, 1 container, 9 oil tanker, 15 bulk carrier, 2 combination ore/oil;
note - a flag of convenience registry
Airports:
total:
16
usable:
16
with permanent-surface runways:
4
with runways over 3,659m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
8
Telecommunications:
telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services;
islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government
purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Pacific
Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications system
on Kwajalein
*Marshall Islands, Defense Forces
Note:
defense is the responsibility of the US
*Martinique, Header
Affiliation:
(overseas department of France)
*Martinique, Geography
Location:
in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean, South America
Area:
total area:
1,100 km2
land area:
1,060 km2
comparative area:
slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
290 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October)
Terrain:
mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Natural resources:
coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
Land use:
arable land:
10%
permanent crops:
8%
meadows and pastures:
30%
forest and woodland:
26%
other:
26%
Irrigated land:
60 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an
average of one major natural disaster every five years
*Martinique, People
Population:
387,656 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.21% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
18.07 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
10.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
77.82 years
male:
74.68 years
female:
81.01 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.94 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Martiniquais (singular and plural)
adjective:
Martiniquais
Ethnic divisions:
African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian,
Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%
Languages:
French, Creole patois
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1982)
total population:
93%
male:
92%
female:
93%
Labor force:
100,000
by occupation:
service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%, agriculture
13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3%
*Martinique, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Department of Martinique
conventional short form:
Martinique
local long form:
Departement de la Martinique
local short form:
Martinique
Digraph:
MB
Type:
overseas department of France
Capital:
Fort-de-France
Administrative divisions:
none (overseas department of France)
Independence:
none (overseas department of France)
Constitution:
28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Legal system:
French legal system
National holiday:
National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)
Political parties and leaders:
Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP);
Martinique Progressive Party (PPM); Socialist Federation of Martinique
(FSM); Martinique Communist Party (PCM); Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for
French Democracy (UDF)
Other political or pressure groups:
Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution
Group (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean Revolutionary
Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR;
Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
French Senate:
last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote
by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1
French National Assembly:
last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1
General Council:
last held in 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to be held by NA);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by
party NA; note - a leftist coalition obtained a one-seat margin
Regional Assembly:
last held on NA March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) UMP 16
Executive branch:
government commissioner
Legislative branch:
unicameral General Council
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
*Martinique, Government
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)
Head of Government:
Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President of
the General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988)
Member of:
FZ, WCL
Diplomatic representation in US:
as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are represented
in the US by France
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON
embassy:
Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France
mailing address:
B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206
telephone: [596] 63-13-03
Flag:
the flag of France is used
*Martinique, Economy
Overview:
The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry.
Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and the small industrial sector
for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used
for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to
France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be
imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual
transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than
agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the
work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. Banana
workers launched protests late in 1992 because of falling banana prices and
fears of greater competition in the European market from other producers.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1988)
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$6,000 (1988)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
3.9% (1990)
Unemployment rate:
32.1% (1990)
Budget:
revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capital
expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)
Exports:
$196 million (f.o.b., 1988)
commodities:
refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples
partners:
France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987)
Imports:
$1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988)
commodities:
petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles,
clothing and other consumer goods
partners:
France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987)
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,580 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Agriculture:
including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principal
crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane for
rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetables
Economic aid:
Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),
$10.1 billion
Currency:
1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421
(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)
*Martinique, Economy
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Martinique, Communications
Highways:
1,680 km total; 1,300 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth
Ports:
Fort-de-France
Airports:
total:
2
useable:
2
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interisland microwave
radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; broadcast
stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
*Martinique, Defense Forces
Branches:
French Forces, Gendarmerie
Note:
defense is the responsibility of France
*Mauritania, Geography
Location:
Northern Africa, along the North Atlantic Ocean, between Western Sahara and
Senegal
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
1,030,700 km2
land area:
1,030,400 km2
comparative area:
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico
Land boundaries:
total 5,074 km, Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western
Sahara 1,561 km
Coastline:
754 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm or the edge of continental margin
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
boundary with Senegal
Climate:
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Terrain:
mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills
Natural resources:
iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate
Land use:
arable land:
1%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
38%
forest and woodland:
5%
other:
56%
Irrigated land:
120 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April;
desertification; only perennial river is the Senegal
*Mauritania, People
Population:
2,124,792 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
3.14% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
47.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
16.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
87 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
47.59 years
male:
44.81 years
female:
50.48 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
7.05 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Mauritanian(s)
adjective:
Mauritanian
Ethnic divisions:
mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%
Religions:
Muslim 100%
Languages:
Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official)
Literacy:
age 10 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
34%
male:
47%
female:
21%
Labor force:
465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980)
by occupation:
agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10%
note:
53% of population of working age (1985)
*Mauritania, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form:
Mauritania local long form:
Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form:
Muritaniyah
Digraph:
MR
Type:
republic
Capital:
Nouakchott
Administrative divisions:
12 regions(regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet
Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri,
Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
note:
there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott
Independence:
28 November 1960 (from France)
Constitution:
12 July 1991
Legal system:
three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, state security
courts (in the process of being eliminated)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Political parties and leaders:
legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to
be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican
Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of
Democratic Forces - New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly
for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and
Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for
Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry
Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould
SIDI BADI
Other political or pressure groups:
Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM)
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
last held January 1992 (next to be held January 1998); results - President
Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA elected
Senate:
last held 3 and 10 April 1992 (one-third of the seats up for re-election in
1994)
National Assembly:
last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held March 1997)
Executive branch:
president
Legislative branch:
bicameral legislature consists of an upper house or Senate (Majlis
al-Shuyukh) and a lower house or National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani)
*Mauritania, Government
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984)
Member of:
ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO,
ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,
IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Mohamed Fall OULD AININA
chancery:
2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 232-5700
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN
embassy:
address NA, Nouakchott
mailing address:
B. P. 222, Nouakchott
telephone:
[222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63
FAX:
[222] (2) 525-89
Flag:
green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent;
the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green
are traditional symbols of Islam
*Mauritania, Economy
Overview:
A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for
a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers
were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50%
of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led
to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest
fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens
this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near
Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, the droughts, the endemic conflict with
Senegal, rising energy costs, and economic mismanagement have resulted in a
substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second
stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the
IMF, and major donor countries. But the reform process suffered a major
setback following the Gulf war of early 1991. Because of Mauritania's
support of SADDAM Husayn, bilateral aid from its two top donors, Saudi
Arabia and Kuwait, was suspended, and multilateral aid was reduced.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
3% (1991 est.)
National product per capita:
$555 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6.2% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
20% (1991 est.)
Budget:
revenues $280 million; expenditures $346 million, including capital
expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.)
Exports:
$447 million (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum; unrecorded
but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal
partners:
EC 43%, Japan 27%, USSR 11%, Cote d'Ivoire 3%
Imports:
$385 million (c.i.f., 1990)
commodities:
foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods
partners:
EC 60%, Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%
External debt:
$1.9 billion (1990)
Industrial production:
growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 33% of GDP
Electricity:
190,000 kW capacity; 135 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991)
Industries:
fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum
Agriculture:
accounts for 50% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and
nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops -
dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large
food deficit in years of drought
*Mauritania, Economy
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US)
countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC
bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277
million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 million
Currency:
1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums
Exchange rates:
ouguiya (UM) per US$1 - 116.990 (February 1993), 87.082 (1992), 81.946
(1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Mauritania, Communications
Railroads:
690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by
government mining company
Highways:
7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise
improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks
Inland waterways:
mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River
Ports:
Nouadhibou, Nouakchott
Merchant marine:
1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT
Airports:
total:
29
usable:
29
with permanent-surface runways:
9
with runways over 3,659 m:
1
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
5
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
16
Telecommunications:
poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links,
and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast
stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean
INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned
*Mauritania, Defense Forces
Branches:
Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National
Police, Presidential Guard
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 452,008; fit for military service 220,717 (1993 est.);
conscription law not implemented
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989)
*Mauritius, Geography
Location:
Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 900 km east of Madagascar
Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
1,860 km2
land area:
1,850 km2
comparative area:
slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC
note:
includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and
Rodrigues
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
177 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm or the edge of continental margin
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of
Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims
French-administered Tromelin Island
Climate:
tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to
November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)
Terrain:
small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central
plateau
Natural resources:
arable land, fish
Land use:
arable land:
54%
permanent crops:
4%
meadows and pastures:
4%
forest and woodland:
31%
other:
7%
Irrigated land:
170 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by
reefs
*Mauritius, People
Population:
1,106,516 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.95% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
19.67 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
-3.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
19 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
70.24 years
male:
66.34 years
female:
74.3 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.23 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Mauritian(s)
adjective:
Mauritian
Ethnic divisions:
Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%
Religions:
Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%), Muslim
16.6%, other 3.1%
Languages:
English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori
Literacy:
age 13 and over can read and write (1962)
total population:
61%
male:
72%
female:
50%
Labor force:
335,000
by occupation:
government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%,
other 22%
note:
43% of population of working age (1985)
*Mauritius, Government
Names:
conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius
conventional short form:
Mauritius
Digraph:
MP
Type:
parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Port Louis
Administrative divisions:
9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados, Carajos*, Flacq,
Grand, Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port
Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne, Independence:
12 March 1968 (from UK)
Constitution:
12 March 1968
Legal system:
based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in
certain areas
National holiday:
Independence Day, 12 March (1968)
Political parties and leaders:
government coalition:
Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH
Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Paul BERENGER; Organization of the People
of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil
BAICHOO
opposition:
Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN
Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party
(PMSD), X. DUVAL
Other political or pressure groups:
various labor unions
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
Legislative Assembly:
last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996);
results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM
alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3
Executive branch:
president, vice president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of
Ministers (cabinet)
Legislative branch:
unicameral Legislative Assembly
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice President Robin Dranooth
GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime
Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990)
*Mauritius, Government
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,
LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING
chancery:
Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 244-1491 or 1492
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador vacant
embassy:
4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
mailing address:
4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
telephone:
[230] 208-9763 through 208-9767
FAX:
[230] 208-9534
Flag:
four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green
*Mauritius, Economy
Overview:
The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism.
Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for
40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on
industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification,
and tourism. Economic performance in FY91 was impressive, with 6% real
growth and low unemployment.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (FY91 est.)
National product real growth rate:
6.1% (FY91 est.)
National product per capita:
$2,300 (FY91 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
7% (FY91)
Unemployment rate:
2.4% (1991 est.)
Budget:
revenues $557 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital
expenditures of $111 million (FY90)
Exports:
$1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10%
partners:
EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15%
Imports:
$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum
products 8%, chemicals 7%
partners:
EC, US, South Africa, Japan
External debt:
$869 million (1991 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 7% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP
Electricity:
235,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced, 570 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel,
chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery,
tourism
Agriculture:
accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other
products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net
food importer, especially rice and fish
Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade
Economic aid:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US)
countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54
million
Currency:
1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 16.982 (January 1993), 15.563 (1992),
15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988)
*Mauritius, Economy
Fiscal year:
1 July - 30 June
*Mauritius, Communications
Highways:
1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth
Ports:
Port Louis
Merchant marine:
7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 103,328 GRT/163,142 DWT; includes 3
cargo, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk
Airports: total:
5
usable:
4
with permanent-surface runways:
2
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
small system with good service utilizing primarily microwave radio relay;
new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several
countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1
Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Mauritius, Defense Forces
Branches:
National Police Force (including the paramilitary Special Mobile Force
(SMF), Special Support Units (SSU), and National Coast Guard
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 312,056; fit for military service 159,408 (1993 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89)
*Mayotte, Header
Affiliation:
(territorial collectivity of France)
*Mayotte, Geography
Location:
Southern Africa, in the northern Mozambique Channel about halfway between
Madagascar and Mozambique
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total area:
375 km2
land area:
375 km2
comparative area:
slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline: 185.2 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
claimed by Comoros
Climate:
tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon
(November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
Terrain:
generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines
Natural resources:
negligible
Land use:
arable land:
NA%
permanent crops:
NA%
meadows and pastures:
NA%
forest and woodland:
NA%
other:
NA%
Irrigated land:
NA km2
Environment:
subject to cyclones during rainy season
Note:
part of Comoro Archipelago
*Mayotte, People
Population:
89,983 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
3.8% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
49.22 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
11.22 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
81.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
57.35 years
male:
55.23 years
female:
59.55 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.84 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Mahorais (singular and plural)
adjective:
Mahoran
Ethnic divisions:
NA
Religions:
Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)
Languages:
Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French
Literacy:
total population:
NA
male:
NA
female:
NA
Labor force:
NA
*Mayotte, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte
conventional short form:
Mayotte
Digraph:
MF
Type:
territorial collectivity of France
Capital:
Mamoutzou
Administrative divisions:
none (territorial collectivity of France)
Independence:
none (territorial collectivity of France)
Constitution:
28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Legal system:
French law
National holiday:
Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)
Political parties and leaders:
Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran
Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic
(RMPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union of the Center (UDC)
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
General Council: last held March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of vote
by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 12, RPR 5
French Senate:
last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1993); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1
French National Assembly:
last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent
of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDC 1
Executive branch:
government commissioner
Legislative branch:
unicameral General Council (Conseil General)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)
Head of Government:
Commissioner, Representative of the French Government Jean-Paul COSTE (since
NA 1991); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since NA 1976)
Member of:
FZ
Diplomatic representation in US:
as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented
in the US by France
Flag:
the flag of France is used
*Mayotte, Economy
Overview:
Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including
fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must
import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The
economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French
financial assistance.
National product:
GDP $NA
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues $NA; expenditures $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of
$NA (1985)
Exports:
$4.0 million (f.o.b., 1984)
commodities:
ylang-ylang, vanilla
partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9%
Imports:
$21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984)
commodities:
building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour
partners:
France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8%
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
NA kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita
Industries:
newly created lobster and shrimp industry
Agriculture:
most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla,
ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs
Economic aid:
Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),
$402 million
Currency:
1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421
(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
*Mayotte, Communications
Highways:
42 km total; 18 km bituminous
Ports:
Dzaoudzi
Airports:
total:
1
usable:
1
with permanet-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
1
Telecommunications:
small system administered by French Department of Posts and
Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio
communications for links to Comoros and international communications; 450
telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
*Mayotte, Defense Forces
Note:
defense is the responsibility of France
*Mexico, Geography
Location:
Central America, between Guatemala and the US
Map references:
North America, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
1,972,550 km2
land area:
1,923,040 km2
comparative area:
slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Land boundaries:
total 4,538 km, Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km
Coastline:
9,330 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm or the natural prolongation of continental margin
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
claims Clipperton Island (French possession)
Climate:
varies from tropical to desert
Terrain:
high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert
Natural resources:
petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber
Land use:
arable land:
12%
permanent crops:
1%
meadows and pastures:
39%
forest and woodland:
24%
other:
24%
Irrigated land:
51,500 km2 (1989 est.)
Environment:
subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast and destructive earthquakes in
the center and south; natural water resources scarce and polluted in north,
inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast;
deforestation; erosion widespread; desertification; serious air pollution in
Mexico City and urban centers along US-Mexico border
Note:
strategic location on southern border of US
*Mexico, People
Population:
90,419,606 (July 1993 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.97% (1993 est.)
Birth rate:
27.67 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Death rate:
4.82 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Net migration rate:
-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
28.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
72.55 years
male:
68.99 years
female:
76.3 years (1993 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Mexican(s)
adjective:
Mexican
Ethnic divisions:
mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%,
Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1%
Religions:
nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%
Languages:
Spanish, various Mayan dialects
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
87%
male:
90%
female:
85%
Labor force:
26.2 million (1990)
by occupation:
services 31.7%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 28%, commerce
14.6%, manufacturing 11.1%, construction 8.4%, transportation 4.7%, mining
and quarrying 1.5%
*Mexico, Government
Names:
conventional long form:
United Mexican States
conventional short form:
Mexico
local long form:
Estados Unidos Mexicanos
local short form:
Mexico
Digraph:
MX
Type:
federal republic operating under a centralized government
Capital:
Mexico
Administrative divisions:
31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito, federal);
Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche,
Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango,, Guanajuato, Guerrero,
Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit,
Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,
Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas
Independence:
16 September 1810 (from Spain)
Constitution:
5 February 1917
Legal system:
mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of
legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
National holiday:
Independence Day, 16 September (1810)
Political parties and leaders:
(recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Fernando Ortiz
Arana; National Action Party (PAN), Carlos CASTILLO; Popular Socialist Party
(PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD),
Roberto ROBLES Garnica; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction
Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican
Revolution (PARM), Carlos Enrique CANTU Rosas; Democratic Forum Party (PFD),
Pablo Emilio MADERO; Mexican Ecologist Party (PEM), Jorge GONZALEZ Torres
Other political or pressure groups:
Roman Catholic Church; Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM); Confederation
of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN); Confederation of National Chambers of
Commerce (CONCANACO); National Peasant Confederation (CNC); Revolutionary
Workers Party (PRT); Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants
(CROC); Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM); Confederation of
Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX); National Chamber of
Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA); Coordinator for Foreign Trade
Business Organizations (COECE); Federation of Unions Provding Goods and
Services (FESEBES)
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)
Elections:
President:
last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held August 1994); results - Carlos
SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%,
Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note - several of the smaller
parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National
Democratic Front (FDN)
*Mexico, Government
Senate:
last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (64 total) PRI 62, PRD
1, PAN 1
Chamber of Deputies:
last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - PRI
53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats -
(500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41, PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12
Executive branch:
president, Cabinet
Legislative branch:
bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) consists of an upper
chamber or Senate (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of
Deputies (Camara de Diputados)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988)
Member of:
AG (observer), CARICOM (observer), CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6,
G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,
LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Jorge MONTANO Martinez
chancery:
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
telephone:
(202) 728-1600
consulates general:
Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Juan
(Puerto Rico)
consulates:
Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico
(California), Corpus Christi, Detroit, Fresno (California), Miami, Nogales
(Arizona), Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Seattle
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission:
Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE, Jr.
embassy:
Paseo de la Reforma 305, 06500 Mexico, D.F.
mailing address:
P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087
telephone:
[52] (5) 211-0042
FAX:
[52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373
consulates general:
Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana
consulates:
Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, Nuevo Laredo
Flag:
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat
of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered
in the white band
*Mexico, Economy