offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and
armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been
attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked
vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East
Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift
Military ::Vietnam
Military branches:
People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) (includes
People's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard), Air and
Air Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense Command),
People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force, Self-Defense Forces
(2010)
Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service; females may
volunteer for active duty military service; conscript service
obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years of age
(male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self
Defense Forces (2006)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 25,402,395
females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 20,153,269
females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 877,075
female: 816,076 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
2.5% of GDP (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61
Transnational Issues ::Vietnam
Disputes - international:
southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check
the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese
squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000
Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime
boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the
sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the
China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies
the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in
complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and
Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but
falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by
several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction
of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national
oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint
accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands
Illicit drugs:
minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for
Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic
opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding
crackdowns
page last updated on January 19, 2011
======================================================================
@Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)
Introduction ::Virgin Islands
Background:
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two
territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane,
produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th
and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish
portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of
slavery in 1848.
Geography ::Virgin Islands
Location:
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates:
18 20 N, 64 50 W
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total: 1,910 sq km
country comparison to the world: 181
land: 346 sq km
water: 1,564 sq km
Area - comparative:
twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
188 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low
humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season
September to November
Terrain:
mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m
Natural resources:
sun, sand, sea, surf
Land use:
arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 2.86%
other: 91.43% (2005)
Irrigated land:
NA
Natural hazards:
several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and
floods; occasional earthquakes
Environment - current issues:
lack of natural freshwater resources
Geography - note:
important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane
for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural
deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
People ::Virgin Islands
Population:
109,750 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)
65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 39.8 years
male: 39.2 years
female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.072% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 207
Birth rate:
11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 170
Death rate:
6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 132
Net migration rate:
-5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Urbanization:
urban population: 95% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 166
male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 79.19 years
country comparison to the world: 38
male: 76.14 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA
Nationality:
noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Virgin Islander
Ethnic groups:
black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000
census)
Religions:
Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%
Languages:
English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French
Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90-95% est.
male: NA
female: NA (2005 est.)
Education expenditures:
NA
Government ::Virgin Islands
Country name:
conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
conventional short form: Virgin Islands
former: Danish West Indies
abbreviation: USVI
Dependency status:
organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations
between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the
Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Government type:
NA
Capital:
name: Charlotte Amalie
geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative
divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three
islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas
Independence:
none (territory of the US)
National holiday:
Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)
Constitution:
Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Legal system:
based on US laws
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do
not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009);
Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)
cabinet: NA
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections
for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the
Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor
and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote
for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held
on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)
election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote -
John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%
Legislative branch:
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to
serve two-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November
2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3
note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the
US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010
(next to be held on November 2012)
Judicial branch:
US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit
jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges
appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)
Political parties and leaders:
Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement
or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA
International organization participation:
IOC, UPU, WFTU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of the US)
Flag description:
white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between
the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow
eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in
the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white
vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity,
the letters stand for the Virgin Islands
National anthem:
name: "Virgin Islands March"
lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.
note: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the
United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United
States)
Economy ::Virgin Islands
Economy - overview:
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP
and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million visitors in 2008. The
manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, rum distilling,
textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of
the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The
agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported.
International business and financial services are small but growing
components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial
damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal
discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector,
to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the
environment.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$1.577 billion (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 193
GDP (official exchange rate):
$NA
GDP - real growth rate:
2% (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$14,500 (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)
Labor force:
49,820 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)
Unemployment rate:
6.2% (2004)
country comparison to the world: 59
Population below poverty line:
28.9% (2002)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.2% (2003)
country comparison to the world: 62
Agriculture - products:
fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Industries:
tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling,
construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Industrial production growth rate:
NA%
Electricity - production:
776.4 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
Electricity - consumption:
722 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 76
Oil - consumption:
88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 82
Oil - exports:
388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Oil - imports:
480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 113
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 121
Exports:
$4.234 billion (2001)
country comparison to the world: 116
Exports - commodities:
refined petroleum products
Imports:
$4.609 billion (2001)
country comparison to the world: 120
Imports - commodities:
crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials
Debt - external:
$NA
Exchange rates:
the US dollar is used
Communications ::Virgin Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:
75,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 150
Telephones - mobile cellular:
80,300 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 190
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses
fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: full range of services available
international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to
US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth
stations - NA
Broadcast media:
about a dozen television broadcast stations including 1 public TV
station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are
available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)
Internet country code:
.vi
Internet hosts:
8,933 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 129
Internet users:
30,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 180
Transportation ::Virgin Islands
Airports:
2 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 201
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 1,260 km (2008)
country comparison to the world: 179
Ports and terminals:
Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay
Military ::Virgin Islands
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 17,675
females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 805
female: 849 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues ::Virgin Islands
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on January 11, 2011
======================================================================
@Wake Island (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Wake Island
Background:
The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An important
air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December 1941, the
island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end of World
War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a stopover and
refueling site for military and commercial aircraft transiting the
Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been used by the US
military, as well as for emergency landings. Although operations on
the island were suspended and all personnel evacuated in August 2006
with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was
comparatively minor. A US Air Force repair team restored full
capability to the airfield and facilities, which remains a vital
strategic link in the Pacific region.
Geography ::Wake Island
Location:
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the
way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands
Geographic coordinates:
19 17 N, 166 39 E
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 6.5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 243
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
19.3 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical
Terrain:
atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up
on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands
are part of the rim
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 6 m
Natural resources:
none
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2005)
Irrigated land:
0 sq km
Natural hazards:
occasional typhoons
Environment - current issues:
NA
Geography - note:
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing
location for transpacific flights
People ::Wake Island
Population:
no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors
maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities
(2009)
Government ::Wake Island
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Wake Island
Dependency status:
unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered from
Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the
atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force
Legal system:
the laws of the US where applicable apply
Flag description:
the flag of the US is used
Economy ::Wake Island
Economy - overview:
Economic activity is limited to providing services to military
personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and
manufactured goods must be imported.
Electricity - production:
NA kWh
Communications ::Wake Island
Telephone system:
general assessment: satellite communications; 2 DSN circuits off the
Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code -
808
domestic: NA
international: NA
Broadcast media:
American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides
satellite radio/television broadcasts (2009)
Transportation ::Wake Island
Airports:
1 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 212
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2010)
Ports and terminals:
none; two offshore anchorages for large ships
Transportation - note:
there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from Wake Island,
except in direct support of island missions; emergency landing is
available
Military ::Wake Island
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air Force is
responsible for overall administration and operation of the island
facilities; the launch support facility is administered by the US
Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
Transnational Issues ::Wake Island
Disputes - international:
claimed by Marshall Islands
page last updated on December 28, 2010
======================================================================
@Wallis and Futuna (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Wallis and Futuna
Background:
The Futuna island group was discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and
Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the French who declared a
protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of
the islands voted to become a French overseas territory.
Geography ::Wallis and Futuna
Location:
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the
way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates:
13 18 S, 176 12 W
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 142 sq km
country comparison to the world: 220
land: 142 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island),
Ile Alofi, and 20 islets
Area - comparative:
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
129 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season
(May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity);
average temperature 26.6 degrees C
Terrain:
volcanic origin; low hills
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m
Natural resources:
NEGL
Land use:
arable land: 7.14%
permanent crops: 35.71%
other: 57.15% (2005)
Irrigated land:
NA
Natural hazards:
NA
Environment - current issues:
deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain)
largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel
source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the
mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;
there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of
natural fresh water resources
Geography - note:
both island groups have fringing reefs
People ::Wallis and Futuna
Population:
15,343 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 221
Age structure:
0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,141/female 1,935)
15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,069/female 5,065)
65 years and over: 7.1% (male 488/female 591) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 27.9 years
male: 26.8 years
female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.365% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169
Birth rate:
14.08 births/1,000 population NA
country comparison to the world: 149
Death rate:
4.56 deaths/1,000 population NA
country comparison to the world: 198
Net migration rate:
-5.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population
country comparison to the world: 204
note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New
Caledonia (2010 est.)
Urbanization:
urban population: 0% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.057 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 4.74 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 189
male: 4.98 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 78.83 years
country comparison to the world: 40
male: 75.85 years
female: 81.96 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.84 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 152
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA
Nationality:
noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders
adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander
Ethnic groups:
Polynesian
Religions:
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%
Languages:
Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language), Futunian 30.1%,
French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 50%
male: 50%
female: 50% (1969 est.)
Government ::Wallis and Futuna
Country name:
conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands
conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna
local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna
local short form: Wallis et Futuna
Dependency status:
overseas territory of France
Government type:
NA
Capital:
name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order
administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there
are three kingdoms at the second order named Alo, Sigave, Wallis
Independence:
none (overseas territory of France)
National holiday:
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)
Constitution:
4 October 1958 (French Constitution)
Legal system:
the laws of France where applicable apply
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: