note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on
Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with
the Congregational Christian Church predominant
Languages:
Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English
Literacy:
NA
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 11 years
male: 10 years
female: 11 years (2004)
Education expenditures:
NA
Government ::Tokelau
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tokelau
Dependency status:
self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau and New
Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves toward
free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum on self
governance in October 2007 did not produce the two-thirds majority
vote necessary for changing the political status
Government type:
NA
Capital:
none; each atoll has its own administrative center
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
none (territory of New Zealand)
Independence:
none (territory of New Zealand)
National holiday:
Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty
over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Constitution:
administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948; amended in 1970
Legal system:
New Zealand and local statutes
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator
David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)
head of government: Foua TOLOA (since 21 February 2009); note -
position rotates annually among the 3 Faipule (village leaders)
cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau,
consisting of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village
mayors), functions as a cabinet
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by
the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head
of government chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a
one-year term
Legislative branch:
unicameral General Fono (20 seats; members elected by popular vote
to serve three-year terms based upon proportional representation
from the three islands; Atafu has 7 seats, Fakaofo has 7 seats,
Nukunonu has 6 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996
confers limited legislative power to the General Fono
elections: last held on 17-19 January 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: independents 20
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal
jurisdiction in Tokelau
Political parties and leaders:
none
Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of New Zealand)
Flag description:
a yellow stylized Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails toward
the manu - the Southern Cross constellation of four, white,
five-pointed stars at the hoist side; the Southern Cross represents
the role of Christianity in Tokelauan culture and symbolizes the
country's navigating into the future, the color yellow indicates
happiness and peace, and the blue field represents the ocean on
which the community relies
National anthem:
name: "Te Atua" (For the Almighty)
lyrics/music: unknown/Falani KALOLO
note: adopted 2008; in preparation for eventual self governance,
Tokelau held a national contest to choose an anthem; as a territory
of New Zealand, "God Defend New Zealand" and "God Save the Queen"
are official (see New Zealand)
Economy ::Tokelau
Economy - overview:
Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of
resources greatly restrain economic development and confine
agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid
from New Zealand - about $10 million annually in 2008 and 2009 - to
maintain public services. New Zealand's support amounts to 80% of
Tokelau's recurrent government budget. An international trust fund,
currently worth nearly US$32 million, was established in 2004 to
provide Tokelau an independent source of revenue. The principal
sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps,
souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families
from relatives in New Zealand.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$1.5 million (1993 est.)
country comparison to the world: 228
GDP (official exchange rate):
$NA
GDP - real growth rate:
NA%
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,000 (1993 est.)
country comparison to the world: 215
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%
Labor force:
440 (2001)
country comparison to the world: 228
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Agriculture - products:
coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats;
fish
Industries:
small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited
craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing
Electricity - production:
NA kWh
Electricity - consumption:
NA kWh
Exports:
$0 (2002)
country comparison to the world: 223
Exports - commodities:
stamps, copra, handicrafts
Imports:
$969,200 (2002)
country comparison to the world: 222
Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, building materials, fuel
Exchange rates:
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002
(2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)
Communications ::Tokelau
Telephones - main lines in use:
300 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 228
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern satellite-based communications system
domestic: radiotelephone service between islands
international: country code - 690; radiotelephone service to Samoa;
government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth
stations - 3
Broadcast media:
no broadcast television stations; each atoll operates a radio
service that provides shipping news and weather reports (2009)
Internet country code:
.tk
Internet hosts:
526 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 178
Internet users:
800 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 215
Transportation ::Tokelau
Ports and terminals:
none; offshore anchorage only
Military ::Tokelau
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
Transnational Issues ::Tokelau
Disputes - international:
Tokelau included American Samoa's Swains Island (Olohega) in its
2006 draft constitution
page last updated on January 12, 2011
======================================================================
@Tonga (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Tonga
Background:
Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its
indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands"
were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a
constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900;
it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of
Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
Geography ::Tonga
Location:
Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of
the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 S, 175 00 W
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 747 sq km
country comparison to the world: 189
land: 717 sq km
water: 30 sq km
Area - comparative:
four times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
419 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate:
tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May),
cool season (May to December)
Terrain:
most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral
formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation on Kao Island 1,033 m
Natural resources:
fish, fertile soil
Land use:
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 14.67%
other: 65.33% (2005)
Irrigated land:
NA
Natural hazards:
cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on
Fonuafo'ou
volcanism: the Tonga Islands experience volcanic activity; Fonualei
(elev. 180 m, 591 ft) has shown frequent activity in recent years,
while Niuafo'ou (elev. 260 m, 853 ft), which last erupted in 1985,
has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include
Late and Tofua
Environment - current issues:
deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for
agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish
and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens
native sea turtle populations
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)
People ::Tonga
Population:
122,580 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Age structure:
0-14 years: 32.8% (male 20,270/female 19,428)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 37,837/female 38,166)
65 years and over: 4.3% (male 2,163/female 3,034) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 22.7 years
male: 22.3 years
female: 23.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.282% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Birth rate:
17.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
Death rate:
4.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
country comparison to the world: 103
Urbanization:
urban population: 25% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 147
male: 12.42 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 71.03 years
country comparison to the world: 137
male: 68.46 years
female: 73.73 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 129
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA
Nationality:
noun: Tongan(s)
adjective: Tongan
Ethnic groups:
Polynesian, Europeans
Religions:
Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)
Languages:
Tongan (official), English (official)
Literacy:
definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English
total population: 98.9%
male: 98.8%
female: 99% (1999 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2004)
Education expenditures:
4.7% of GDP (2004)
country comparison to the world: 84
Government ::Tonga
Country name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga
conventional short form: Tonga
local long form: Pule'anga Tonga
local short form: Tonga
former: Friendly Islands
Government type:
constitutional monarchy
Capital:
name: Nuku'alofa
geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u
Independence:
4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)
National holiday:
Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)
Constitution:
4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967
Legal system:
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO
(since 22 December 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister and appointed by
the monarch
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
note: there is also a Privy Council that advises the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy
prime minister elected by and from the members of parliament and
appointed by the monarch
election results: Lord Siale'ataonga TU'IVAKANO elected by
parliament on 21 December 2010 with 14 of 26 votes
Legislative branch:
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats - 9 for
nobles elected from among the country's 29 nobles, 17 members
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote -
independents 67.3%, Democratic Party 28.5%; seats - Democratic Party
12, independents 5
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of Appeal
(Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen and
approved by Privy Council)
Political parties and leaders:
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands [Samuela 'Akilisi POHIVA];
People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]; Sustainable
Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]; Tonga Democratic Labor Party
[NA]; Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev. Simote VEA,
chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE]
International organization participation:
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF,
Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi TAUMOEPEAU-TUPOU
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US ambassador to Fiji
is accredited to Tonga
Flag description:
red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper
hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity
in Tonga; red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice;
white signifies purity
National anthem:
name: "Ko e fasi `o e tu"i `o e `Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the
Tonga Islands)
lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT
note: in use since 1875; the anthem is more commonly known as "Fasi
Fakafonua" (National Song)
Economy ::Tonga
Economy - overview:
Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has a
narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and
yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make
up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high
proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains
dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities
overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest
source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had
39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the
development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of
investment, and is committing increased funds for health and
education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and
well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a
continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and
rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the
government.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$767 million (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208
$770.9 million (2009 est.)
$774.7 million (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$301 million (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
-0.5% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194
-0.5% (2009 est.)
1.2% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$6,300 (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
$6,400 (2009 est.)
$6,500 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 25%
industry: 17%
services: 57% (FY05/06 est.)
Labor force:
39,960 (2007)
country comparison to the world: 195
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 31.8%
industry: 30.6%
services: 2,003% (2003 est.)
Unemployment rate:
13% (FY03/04 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
Population below poverty line:
24% (FY03/04)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
5.9% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
12.47% (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 67
12.46% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$44.64 million (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 184
$36.16 million (31 December 2008)
Stock of broad money:
$153.8 million (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 183
$136.9 million (31 December 2008)
Stock of domestic credit:
$149.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
$163.1 million (31 December 2007 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA
Agriculture - products:
squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee,
ginger, black pepper; fish
Industries:
tourism, construction, fishing
Industrial production growth rate:
1% (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146
Electricity - production:
43 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Electricity - consumption:
39.99 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125
Oil - consumption:
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169
Oil - imports:
1,173 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126
Current account balance:
-$23 million (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
Exports:
$22 million (2006)
country comparison to the world: 205
Exports - commodities:
squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops
Exports - partners:
Hong Kong 25.42%, US 22.65%, Japan 12.21%, NZ 7.31%, Fiji 7.2%,
Samoa 6.06%, South Korea 4.48% (2009)
Imports:
$139 million (2006)
country comparison to the world: 206
Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals
Imports - partners:
Fiji 34.37%, NZ 25.03%, US 9.43%, Australia 7.53%, China 5.64% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$40.83 million (FY04/05)
country comparison to the world: 132
Debt - external:
$80.7 million (2004)
country comparison to the world: 182
Exchange rates:
pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96 (2005),
1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003)
Communications ::Tonga
Telephones - main lines in use:
31,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 179
Telephones - mobile cellular:
53,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 196
Telephone system:
general assessment: competition between Tonga Telecommunications
Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications Tonga (SCT) is
accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT granted approval
to introduce high-speed digital service for telephone, Internet, and
television while TCC has exclusive rights to operate the
mobile-phone network; international telecom services are provided by
government-owned Tonga Telecommunications International (TTI)
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about
70 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network
international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)
Broadcast media:
2 state-owned television stations and 2 privately-owned stations;
satellite and cable TV services are available; 2 state-owned and 3
privately-owned radio stations; Radio Australia broadcasts
obtainable via a satellite feed (2009)
Internet country code:
.to
Internet hosts:
20,847 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 110
Internet users:
8,400 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 202
Transportation ::Tonga
Airports:
6 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 174
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 680 km
country comparison to the world: 188
paved: 184 km
unpaved: 496 km (2000)
Merchant marine:
total: 10
country comparison to the world: 115
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 6, carrier 1, liquefied gas 1,
passenger/cargo 1
foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai
Military ::Tonga
Military branches:
Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard), Maritime
Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2010)
Military service age and obligation:
16 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental approval);
no conscription (2010)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 34,254
females age 16-49: 32,974 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 27,404
females age 16-49: 28,509 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 1,448
female: 1,392 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
0.9% of GDP (2006 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141
Transnational Issues ::Tonga
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on January 3, 2011
======================================================================
@Trinidad and Tobago (Central America and Caribbean)
Introduction ::Trinidad and Tobago
Background:
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British
control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was
hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was
replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India
between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the
cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added
another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The
country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks
largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing.
Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.
The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.
Geography ::Trinidad and Tobago
Location:
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Geographic coordinates:
11 00 N, 61 00 W
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total: 5,128 sq km
country comparison to the world: 173
land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Delaware
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
362 km
Maritime claims: