LAOS

Background:
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.




Geography ::Laos

Location:
Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:
18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:
Southeast Asia

Area:
total: 236,800 sq km
country comparison to the world: 83
land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:
slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:
total: 5,083 km
border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:
none (landlocked)

Climate:
Current Weather
tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Terrain:
mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

Natural resources:
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:
arable land: 4.01%
permanent crops: 0.34%
other: 95.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:
1,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:
333.6 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%)
per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:
floods, droughts

Environment - current issues:
unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:
landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand




People ::Laos

Population:
6,834,345 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103

Age structure:
0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,399,674/female 1,386,526)
15-64 years: 56.2% (male 1,900,638/female 1,938,165)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 90,144/female 119,198) (2010 est.)

Median age:
total: 20.7 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 21 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:
2.32% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 38

Birth rate:
33.96 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41

Death rate:
10.76 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 48

Net migration rate:
NA

Urbanization:
urban population: 31% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 77.76 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 21
male: 86.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 68.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 56.57 years
country comparison to the world: 193
male: 54.45 years
female: 58.79 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:
4.33 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.2% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
5,500 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 122

HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 100 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140

Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008) (2009)

Nationality:
noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
adjective: Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:
Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)

Religions:
Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)

Languages:
Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68.7%
male: 77%
female: 60.9% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 8 years (2006)

Education expenditures:
3% of GDP (2006)
country comparison to the world: 146




Government ::Laos

Country name:
conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Government type:
Communist state

Capital:
name: Vientiane (Viangchan)
geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:
16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence:
19 July 1949 (from France)

National holiday:
Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Constitution:
promulgated 14 August 1991; amended in 2003

Legal system:
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May 2002), Lt. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27 March 2001)
cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held on 8 June 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly for five-year term
election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 97%

Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 30 on April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 113, independents 2

Judicial branch:
People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)

Political parties and leaders:
Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA

International organization participation:
ADB, APT, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador SENG Soukhathiwong
chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416
FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ravic R. HUSO
embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane
mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546
telephone: [856] 21-26-7000
FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Flag description:
three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Pathet Lao, as well as the country's bright future




Economy ::Laos

Economy - overview:
The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts. Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from international donors. Economic growth has reduced official poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in 2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues from mining projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will improve Lao's economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. The World Bank has declared that Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 is achievable. According Laotian officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will outline efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$14.22 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
$13.35 billion (2008 est.)
$12.46 billion (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):
$5.598 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
6.5% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 13
7.2% (2008 est.)
7.8% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
$2,000 (2008 est.)
$1,900 (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 29.9%
industry: 33.1%
services: 37% (2009 est.)

Labor force:
3.65 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 80%
industry and services: 20% (2009 est.)

Unemployment rate:
2.5% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
2.4% (2005 est.)

Population below poverty line:
26% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:
34.6 (2002)
country comparison to the world: 88
37 (1997)

Budget:
revenues: $941.5 million
expenditures: $1.129 billion (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
0% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
7.6% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:
4% (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 54
7.67% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:
11% (30 November 2009)
country comparison to the world: 13
24% (31 December 2008)

Stock of money:
$691.1 million (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 122
$438.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of quasi money:
$1.08 billion (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 115
$717.9 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:
$832.2 million (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 115
$285.8 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:
sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Industries:
copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:
2.3% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - production:
1.656 billion kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - consumption:
1.798 billion kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity - exports:
230 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:
819.5 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - consumption:
3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - imports:
3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - proved reserves:
NA bbl (1 January 2009 est.)

Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155

Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155

Current account balance:
-$356 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
-$602 million (2008 est.)

Exports:
$1.104 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146
$1.163 billion (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:
wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Exports - partners:
Thailand 29.18%, China 15.04%, Vietnam 14.96%, UK 4.29% (2009)

Imports:
$2.034 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 152
$2.342 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Imports - partners:
Thailand 66.2%, China 11.45%, Vietnam 5.3% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$712.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
$638.6 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Debt - external:
$3.085 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119
$3.179 billion (2006 est.)

Exchange rates:
kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,556.56 (2009), 8,760.69 (2008), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006), 10,820 (2005)




Communications ::Laos

Telephones - main lines in use:
97,600 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 145

Telephones - mobile cellular:
2.022 million (2008)
country comparison to the world: 124

Telephone system:
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)

Broadcast media:
2 television stations operating out of Vientiane - 1 government-operated and the other jointly-owned by the government and a Thai company; roughly 15 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated station in Vientiane; relays from Hanoi provide access to a Vietnamese television station; broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 2 SW, and 2 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible (2008)

Internet country code:
.la

Internet hosts:
1,661 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 152

Internet users:
130,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 145




Transportation ::Laos

Airports:
41 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 102

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 32
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 9
under 914 m: 21 (2010)

Pipelines:
refined products 540 km (2009)

Roadways:
total: 36,831 km
country comparison to the world: 93
paved: 4,811 km
unpaved: 32,020 km (2007)

Waterways:
4,600 km
country comparison to the world: 24
note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2008)

Merchant marine:
total: 1
country comparison to the world: 157
by type: cargo 1 (2008)




Military ::Laos

Military branches:
Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA; includes Riverine Force), Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:
15 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum 18-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,633,725
females age 16-49: 1,654,235 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,056,050
females age 16-49: 1,121,640 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 77,910
female: 77,761 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:
0.5% of GDP (2006)
country comparison to the world: 164

Military - note:
serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups; together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)




Transnational Issues ::Laos

Disputes - international:
Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Illicit drugs:
estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)

LATVIA

Background:
The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.




Geography ::Latvia

Location:
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania

Geographic coordinates:
57 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:
Europe

Area:
total: 64,589 sq km
country comparison to the world: 123
land: 62,249 sq km
water: 2,340 sq km

Area - comparative:
slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:
total: 1,382 km
border countries: Belarus 171 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 292 km

Coastline:
498 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:
Current Weather
maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:
low plain

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Galzina Kalns 312 m

Natural resources:
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land

Land use:
arable land: 28.19%
permanent crops: 0.45%
other: 71.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:
200 sq km
note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (2003)

Total renewable water resources:
49.9 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 0.25 cu km/yr (55%/33%/12%)
per capita: 108 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:
NA

Environment - current issues:
Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:
most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east




People ::Latvia

Population:
2,231,503 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142

Age structure:
0-14 years: 13.3% (male 152,472/female 145,161)
15-64 years: 69.6% (male 756,469/female 797,505)
65 years and over: 17% (male 124,432/female 255,464) (2010 est.)

Median age:
total: 40.4 years
male: 37.4 years
female: 43.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:
-0.614% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 226

Birth rate:
9.78 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 196

Death rate:
13.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23

Net migration rate:
-2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136

Urbanization:
urban population: 68% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 8.77 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 162
male: 10.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 72.15 years
country comparison to the world: 121
male: 66.98 years
female: 77.59 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:
1.31 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.8% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
10,000 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 500 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96

Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Nationality:
noun: Latvian(s)
adjective: Latvian

Ethnic groups:
Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2% (2002)

Religions:
Lutheran 19.6%, Orthodox 15.3%, other Christian 1%, other 0.4%, unspecified 63.7% (2006)

Languages:
Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.7%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 16 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2006)

Education expenditures:
5.1% of GDP (2004)
country comparison to the world: 65




Government ::Latvia

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
conventional short form: Latvia
local long form: Latvijas Republika
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:
parliamentary democracy

Capital:
name: Riga
geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:
26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons

Independence:
18 November 1918 (from the Soviet Russia)

National holiday:
Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21 August 1991 was the date of de facto independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:
15 February 1922; restored to force by the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Latvia adopted by the Supreme Council on 21 August 1991; multiple amendments since

Legal system:
based on civil law system with traces of Socialist legal traditions and practices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12 March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by Parliament
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 May 2007 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament
election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Legislative branch:
unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 October 2006 (next to be held in October 2010)
election results: percent of vote by party - TP 19.5%, ZZS 16.7%, JL 16.4%, SC 14.4%; LPP/LC 8.6%; TB/LNNK 6.9%; PCTVL 6%; seats by party - TP 23, ZZS 18, JL 18, SC 17, LPP/LC 10, TB/LNNK 8, PCTVL 6; note - seats by party as of November 2009 - TP 21, SC 18, ZZS 17, JL 15, LPP/LC 10, Civic Union 6, TB/LNNK 5, PCTVL 5, independents 3

Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament); Constitutional Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by parliament)

Political parties and leaders:
Civic Union [Sandra KALNIETE, Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS]; First Party of Latvia/Latvia's Way or LPP/LC [Ainars SLESERS]; For Human Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS, Tatjana ZDANOKA]; For the Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement or TB/LNNK [Roberts ZILE, Maris GRINBLATS]; Harmony Center or SC [Nils USAKOVS, Janis URBANOVICS]; New Era Party or JL [Solvita ABOLTINA, Dzintars ZAKIS]; People's Party or TP [Andris SKELE]; Society for Different Politics or SCP [Aigars STOKENBERGS; Artis PABRIKS]; The Union of Latvian Greens and Farmers Party or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:
Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia [Peteris KRIGERS], Employers' Confederation of Latvia [Elina EGLE], Farmers' Parliament [Juris LAZDINS]

International organization participation:
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Andrejs PILDEGOVICS
chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840
FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Judith G. GARBER
embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510
mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723
telephone: [371] 670-36200
FAX: [371] 678-20047

Flag description:
three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280




Economy ::Latvia

Economy - overview:
Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07 but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the softening world economy. GDP plunged nearly 18% in 2009 - the three former Soviet Baltic republics had the world's worst declines last year. The IMF, EU, and other donors provided assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro and reduce the fiscal deficit to about 5% of GDP. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999. EU membership, a top foreign policy goal, came in May 2004.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$32.22 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 105
$39.29 billion (2008 est.)
$41.19 billion (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):
$26.25 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
-18% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
-4.6% (2008 est.)
10% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$14,400 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
$17,500 (2008 est.)
$18,200 (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 21.9%
services: 74.3% (2009 est.)

Labor force:
1.186 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 139

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 12.1%
industry: 25.8%
services: 61.8% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:
17.1% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
7.5% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line:
NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 2.7%
highest 10%: 27.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:
36 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 84
32 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):
21.3% of GDP (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 77

Budget:
revenues: $8.901 billion
expenditures: $11.24 billion (2009 est.)

Public debt:
36.1% of GDP (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 73
19.5% of GDP (2008 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
3.5% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 114
15.4% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:
6% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 73
6% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:
11.85% (31 December 2008)

Stock of money:
$6.688 billion (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 59
$8.196 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:
$5.572 billion (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 80
$5.113 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:
$28.96 billion (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 60
$27.56 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:
$1.872 billion (31 December 2009)
country comparison to the world: 99
$1.609 billion (31 December 2008)
$3.111 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:
grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:
buses, vans, street and railroad cars; synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:
-22.8% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - production:
4.62 billion kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - consumption:
6.822 billion kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 101

Electricity - exports:
2.123 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:
4.643 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - consumption:
40,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - exports:
5,873 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - imports:
43,400 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162

Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - consumption:
2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - imports:
2.05 billion cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46

Current account balance:
$2.53 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
-$4.493 billion (2008 est.)

Exports:
$7.223 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
$9.634 billion (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:
wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:
Lithuania 15.19%, Estonia 13.57%, Russia 13.17%, Germany 8.13%, Sweden 5.7% (2009)

Imports:
$8.906 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
$15.65 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Imports - partners:
Lithuania 16.36%, Germany 11.34%, Russia 10.68%, Poland 8.11%, Estonia 7.69% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$6.907 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 76
$5.248 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Debt - external:
$38.01 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
$42.26 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$11.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
$11.54 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$1.037 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
$1.054 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:
lati (LVL) per US dollar - 0.5157 (2009), 0.4701 (2008), 0.5162 (2007), 0.5597 (2006), 0.5647 (2005)




Communications ::Latvia

Telephones - main lines in use:
644,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 92

Telephones - mobile cellular:
2.234 million (2008)
country comparison to the world: 121

Telephone system:
general assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed lines is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands
domestic: number of telecommunications operators has grown rapidly since the fixed-line market opened to competition in 2003; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 125 per 100 persons
international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden (2008)

Broadcast media:
several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly-owned; system supplemented by privately-owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts are available; publicly-owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:
.lv

Internet hosts:
257,414 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 60

Internet users:
1.254 million (2008)
country comparison to the world: 82




Transportation ::Latvia

Airports:
42 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 101

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 19
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 23
under 914 m: 23 (2010)

Pipelines:
gas 948 km; refined products 415 km (2009)

Railways:
total: 2,298 km
country comparison to the world: 68
broad gauge: 2,265 km 1.520-m gauge
narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:
total: 73,074 km
country comparison to the world: 65
paved: 14,459 km
unpaved: 58,615 km (2010)

Waterways:
300 km (2007)
country comparison to the world: 93

Merchant marine:
total: 22
country comparison to the world: 95
by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned: 2 (Estonia 2)
registered in other countries: 118 (Antigua and Barbuda 13, Belize 12, Cambodia 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 1, Dominica 1, Jamaica 1, Liberia 21, Malta 19, Marshall Islands 16, Panama 8, Russia 2, Saint Kitts and Nevis 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17) (2008)

Ports and terminals:
Riga, Ventspils




Military ::Latvia

Military branches:
National Armed Forces (Nacionalo Brunoto Speku): Ground Forces, Navy (Latvijas Juras Speki; includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flotes)), Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), Border Guard, Latvian Home Guard (Latvijas Zemessardze) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; conscription abolished January 2007; under current law, every citizen is entitled to serve in the armed forces for life (2009)

Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 554,943
females age 16-49: 550,700 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 406,592
females age 16-49: 456,071 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 11,536
female: 11,058 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:
1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125




Transnational Issues ::Latvia

Disputes - international:
Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; as of January 2007, ground demarcation of the boundary with Belarus was complete and mapped with final ratification documentation in preparation; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs:
transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Balkan countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds

MONTESERRAT

Background:
English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.




Geography ::Montserrat

Location:
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:
16 45 N, 62 12 W

Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean

Area:
total: 102 sq km
country comparison to the world: 225
land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:
about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:
0 km

Coastline:
40 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:
Current Weather
tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:
volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

Natural resources:
NEGL

Land use:
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (2005)

Irrigated land:
NA

Natural hazards:
severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Environment - current issues:
land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Geography - note:
the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages




People ::Montserrat

Population:
5,097
country comparison to the world: 229
note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 27.6% (male 731/female 678)
15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,599/female 1,738)
65 years and over: 6.9% (male 232/female 119) (2010 est.)

Median age:
total: 29.1 years
male: 28.8 years
female: 29.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:
0.392% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167

Birth rate:
12.36 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166

Death rate:
8.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94

Net migration rate:
NA

Urbanization:
urban population: 14% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.032 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 2.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 16.08 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 122
male: 12.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 20.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 72.76 years
country comparison to the world: 117
male: 74.74 years
female: 70.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:
1.23 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 217

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA

Nationality:
noun: Montserratian(s)
adjective: Montserratian

Ethnic groups:
black, white

Religions:
Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations

Languages:
English

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 16 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:
3.3% of GDP (2004)
country comparison to the world: 138




Government ::Montserrat

Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat

Dependency status:
overseas territory of the UK

Government type:
NA

Capital:
name: Plymouth
geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Administrative divisions:
3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Independence:
none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:
Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:
effective 19 December 1989

Legal system:
English common law and statutory law

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July 2007)
head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September 2009)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister

Legislative branch:
unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members popularly elected to serve five-year terms); note - expanded in 2001 to 9 elected members with attorney general and financial secretary sitting as ex-officio members
elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3

Judicial branch:
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia, one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court)

Political parties and leaders:
Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS]; Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY]; New People's Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA

International organization participation:
Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness




Economy ::Montserrat

Economy - overview:
Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain uninhabitable for another decade.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$29 million (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 223

GDP (official exchange rate):
$NA

GDP - real growth rate:
-1% (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$3,400 (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 161

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 1.2%
industry: 23.1%
services: 75.7% (1999 est.)

Labor force:
NA

Unemployment rate:
6% (1998 est.)
country comparison to the world: 56

Population below poverty line:
NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $31.4 million
expenditures: $31.6 million (1997 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.6% (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90

Central bank discount rate:
6.5% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 65
6.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:
9.89% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 84
10.4% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:
$16.71 million (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 163
$17.9 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:
$45.42 million (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 162
$43.9 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:
$9.93 million (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 135
$5.537 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:
cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products

Industries:
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Industrial production growth rate:
NA%

Electricity - production:
22 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - consumption:
20.46 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - consumption:
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199

Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - imports:
521 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109

Exports:
$700,000 (2001)
country comparison to the world: 219

Exports - commodities:
electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Imports:
$17 million (2001)

Imports - commodities:
machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Debt - external:
$8.9 million (1997)
country comparison to the world: 191

Exchange rates:
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)
note: fixed rate since 1976




Communications ::Montserrat

Telephones - main lines in use:
2,800 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 218

Telephones - mobile cellular:
3,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 214

Telephone system:
general assessment: modern and fully digitalized
domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone systems available
international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Broadcast media:
Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:
.ms

Internet hosts:
688 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 168

Internet users:
1,200 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 211




Transportation ::Montserrat

Airports:
2 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 206

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 2
under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:
note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built in the north end of the island (2008)

Ports and terminals:
Little Bay, Plymouth




Military ::Montserrat

Military branches:
no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force (2010)

Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,339 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,127
females age 16-49: 1,217 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 38
female: 36 (2010 est.)

Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the UK




Transnational Issues ::Montserrat

Disputes - international:
none

Illicit drugs:
transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe

KIRIBATI

Background:
The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892 and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.




Geography ::Kiribati

Location:
Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about half way between Hawaii and Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the International Date Line

Geographic coordinates:
1 25 N, 173 00 E

Map references:
Oceania

Area:
total: 811 sq km
country comparison to the world: 186
land: 811 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands

Area - comparative:
four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:
0 km

Coastline:
1,143 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:
Current Weather
tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:
mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Banaba 81 m

Natural resources:
phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Land use:
arable land: 2.74%
permanent crops: 47.95%
other: 49.31% (2005)

Irrigated land:
NA

Natural hazards:
typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:
heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:
21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru




People ::Kiribati

Population:
112,850 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 190

Age structure:
0-14 years: 37.6% (male 21,488/female 20,899)
15-64 years: 59% (male 32,871/female 33,690)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 1,656/female 2,246) (2010 est.)

Median age:
total: 22.2 years
male: 21.4 years
female: 23 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:
2.235% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40

Birth rate:
30.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47

Death rate:
7.85 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109

Net migration rate:
NA

Urbanization:
urban population: 44% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.8% 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: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 43.48 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 63
male: 48.35 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 38.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 63.22 years
country comparison to the world: 173
male: 60.14 years
female: 66.45 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:
2.86 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA

Nationality:
noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)
adjective: I-Kiribati

Ethnic groups:
Micronesian 98.8%, other 1.2% (2000 census)

Religions:
Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant (Congregational) 40%, other (includes Seventh-Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i, Latter-day Saints, Church of God) 8% (1999)

Languages:
I-Kiribati, English (official)

Literacy:
NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:
17.8% of GDP (2002)
country comparison to the world: 1




Government ::Kiribati

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati
conventional short form: Kiribati
local long form: Republic of Kiribati
local short form: Kiribati
note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss
former: Gilbert Islands

Government type:
republic

Capital:
name: Tarawa
geographic coordinates: 1 19 N, 172 58 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:
3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Independence:
12 July 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:
Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Constitution:
12 July 1979

Legal system:
English common law supplemented by local, customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice President Teima ONORIO
cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the House of Parliament
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on 17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed by the president
election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

Legislative branch:
unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members elected by popular vote, 1 ex officio member - the attorney general, 1 nominated by the Rabi Council of Leaders (representing Banaba Island); members serve four-year terms)
elections: legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first round on 22 August 2007 and the second round on 30 August 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA, other 2 (includes attorney general)

Judicial branch:
Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:
Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON]; Maneaban Te Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati or MKP; National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]
note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures

Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA

International organization participation:
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an honorary consulate in Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Flag description:
the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigate bird symbolizes authority and freedom




Economy ::Kiribati

Economy - overview:
A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Islands. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more than one-fifth of GDP. Private sector initiatives and a financial sector are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid from the EU, UK, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP. Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than $5 million each year. Kiribati receives around $15 million annually for the government budget from an Australian trust fund.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$602.2 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 209
$606.4 million (2008 est.)
$613.2 million (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):
$130 million (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
-0.7% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 121
-1.1% (2008 est.)
0.4% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$6,100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
$6,300 (2008 est.)
$6,400 (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 24.2%
services: 66.8% (2004)

Labor force:
7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (2001 est.)
country comparison to the world: 216

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 32%
services: 65.3% (2000)

Unemployment rate:
2% (1992 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11

Population below poverty line:
NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $55.52 million
expenditures: $59.71 million (FY05)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
0.2% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29

Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA

Agriculture - products:
copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Industries:
fishing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:
NA%

Electricity - production:
14 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - consumption:
13.02 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - consumption:
NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - imports:
261 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 200

Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165

Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157

Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157

Current account balance:
-$21 million (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63

Exports:
$17 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208

Exports - commodities:
copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Imports:
$62 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 214

Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel

Debt - external:
$10 million (1999 est.)
country comparison to the world: 190

Exchange rates:
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.2894 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006), 1.3095 (2005)




Communications ::Kiribati

Telephones - main lines in use:
4,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 216

Telephones - mobile cellular:
1,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 218

Telephone system:
general assessment: generally good quality national and international service
domestic: wire line service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF radiotelephone; wireless service available in Tarawa since 1999
international: country code - 686; Kiribati is being linked to the Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which should improve telephone service; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:
1 television broadcast station that provides about 1 hour of local programming Monday-Friday; multi-channel TV packages provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated radio station broadcasting on AM, FM, and shortwave (2009)

Internet country code:
.ki

Internet hosts:
41 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 212

Internet users:
2,000 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 209




Transportation ::Kiribati

Airports:
19 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 137

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 11
under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Roadways:
total: 670 km (2000)
country comparison to the world: 190

Waterways:
5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands) (2007)
country comparison to the world: 109

Merchant marine:
total: 43
country comparison to the world: 76
by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 18, chemical tanker 3, petroleum tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 14
foreign-owned: 31 (China 15, Hong Kong 4, South Korea 2, Singapore 4, Taiwan 5, Turkey 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:
Betio




Military ::Kiribati

Military branches:
no regular military forces (constitutionally prohibited); Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 24,734 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 17,941
females age 16-49: 19,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 1,107
female: 1,083 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:
NA

Military - note:
Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance is provided by Australia and NZ




Transnational Issues ::Kiribati

Disputes - international:
none

MADAGASCAR

Background:
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. RAVALOMANANA achieved a second term following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential elections of 2006. In early 2009, protests over increasing restrictions on opposition press and activities resulted in RAVALOMANANA stepping down and the presidency was conferred to the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA. Following negotiations in July and August of 2009, a power-sharing agreement with a 15-month transitional period was established, but has not yet been implemented.




Geography ::Madagascar

Location:
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:
20 00 S, 47 00 E

Map references:
Africa

Area:
total: 587,041 sq km
country comparison to the world: 46
land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,501 sq km

Area - comparative:
slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Land boundaries:
0 km

Coastline:
4,828 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath

Climate:
Current Weather
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain:
narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Natural resources:
graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Land use:
arable land: 5.03%
permanent crops: 1.02%
other: 93.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:
10,860 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:
337 cu km (1984)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 14.96 cu km/yr (3%/2%/96%)
per capita: 804 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:
periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation

Environment - current issues:
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:
world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel




People ::Madagascar

Population:
20,653,556 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57

Age structure:
0-14 years: 43.5% (male 4,523,033/female 4,460,473)
15-64 years: 53.5% (male 5,483,684/female 5,557,098)
65 years and over: 3% (male 280,677/female 348,591) (2010 est.)

Median age:
total: 18.1 years
male: 17.8 years
female: 18.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:
3% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12

Birth rate:
38.14 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21

Death rate:
8.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 104

Net migration rate:
NA

Urbanization:
urban population: 29% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 54.2 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 47
male: 59.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 49.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 62.89 years
country comparison to the world: 176
male: 60.93 years
female: 64.91 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:
5.09 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.1% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
14,000 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88

HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79

Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and plague
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:
noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)
adjective: Malagasy

Ethnic groups:
Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Religions:
indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Languages:
English (official), French (official), Malagasy (official)

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68.9%
male: 75.5%
female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 9 years
male: 10 years
female: 9 years (2006)

Education expenditures:
3.1% of GDP (2006)
country comparison to the world: 144




Government ::Madagascar

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar
conventional short form: Madagascar
local long form: Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara
local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara
former: Malagasy Republic

Government type:
republic

Capital:
name: Antananarivo
geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:
6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Independence:
26 June 1960 (from France)

National holiday:
Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Constitution:
passed by referendum 19 August 1992

Legal system:
based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Albert Camille VITAL (since 18 December 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 December 2006 (next to be held in October 2010); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%, Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note - RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009
note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in general elections in 2010; as of December 2009 the agreement had not been fully implemented

Legislative branch:
bicameral legislature consists of a Senate or Senat (100 seats; two-thirds of the members appointed by regional assemblies; the remaining one-third appointed by the president; members to serve four-year terms) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (127 seats - reduced from 160 seats by an April 2007 national referendum; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 September 2007 (next to be held on 20 March 2010); note - a power-sharing agreement in the summer of 2009 established a 15-month transition, concluding in general elections
election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - TIM 106, LEADER/Fanilo 1, independents 20

Judicial branch:
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle

Political parties and leaders:
Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA [Pierrot RAJAONARIVELO]; Democratic Party for Union in Madagascar or PSDUM [Jean LAHINIRIKO]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO]; Fihaonana Party or FP [Guy-Willy RAZANAMASY]; I Love Madagascar or TIM [Marc RAVALOMANANA]; Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or RPSD [Evariste MARSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:
Committee for the Defense of Truth and Justice or KMMR; Committee for National Reconciliation or CRN [Albert Zafy]; National Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

International organization participation:
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jocelyn Bertin RADIFERA
chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 through 5526
FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador R. Niels MARQUARDT
embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101
mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56
FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side; by tradition, red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, white for purity




Economy ::Madagascar

Economy - overview:
After discarding socialist economic policies in the mid-1990s, Madagascar has followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of privatization and liberalization. This strategy placed the country on a slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing 80% of the population. Exports of apparel have boomed in recent years primarily due to duty-free access to the US. However, Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) led to the termination of the country's duty-free access in January 2010. Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns. Former President RAVALOMANANA worked aggressively to revive the economy following the 2002 political crisis, which triggered a 12% drop in GDP that year. The current political crisis which began in early 2009 has dealt additional blows to the economy. Tourism dropped more than 50% in 2009, compared with the previous year.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$20.15 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
$20.35 billion (2008 est.)
$19.02 billion (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):
$8.551 billion (2009 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
-1% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 127
7% (2008 est.)
6.2% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
$1,000 (2008 est.)
$1,000 (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 26.4%
industry: 16.6%
services: 57% (2009 est.)

Labor force:
9.504 million (2007)
country comparison to the world: 51

Population below poverty line:
50% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 2.6%
highest 10%: 41.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:
47.5 (2001)
country comparison to the world: 32
38.1 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):
40.9% of GDP (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 5

Budget:
revenues: $1.051 billion
expenditures: $1.568 billion (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
9% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
9.2% (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate:
NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:
45% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 3
45% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:
$1.216 billion (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 108
$1.161 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:
$667.2 million (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 131
$577.4 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:
$820.3 million (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 117
$767.5 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA

Agriculture - products:
coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Industries:
meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:
-2% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - production:
1.045 billion kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145

Electricity - consumption:
971.4 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - consumption:
21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - exports:
365 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - imports:
16,940 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162

Current account balance:
-$748 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
-$1.051 billion (2008 est.)

Exports:
$1.045 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149
$1.255 billion (2008 est.)

Exports - commodities:
coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, chromite, petroleum products

Exports - partners:
France 28.9%, US 20.49%, Germany 5.89%, China 4.36% (2009)

Imports:
$1.819 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 154
$2.531 billion (2008 est.)

Imports - commodities:
capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Imports - partners:
China 12.99%, Thailand 11.93%, Bahrain 7.1%, France 6.89%, US 4.13% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$1.136 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126
$982.3 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Debt - external:
$2.054 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 133
$2.023 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$NA

Exchange rates:
Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 1,966.97 (2009), 1,654.78 (2008), 1,880 (2007), 2,161.4 (2006), 2,003 (2005)




Communications ::Madagascar

Telephones - main lines in use:
164,900 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 130

Telephones - mobile cellular:
4.835 million (2008)
country comparison to the world: 88

Telephone system:
general assessment: system is above average for the region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is poorly developed; have been adding fixed line connections since 2005
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 25 per 100 persons
international: country code - 261; SEACOM undersea fiber-optic cable and the Lion undersea cable connecting to Reunion and Mauritius; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (2008)

Broadcast media:
state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach; privately-owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns; state-run radio predominates in rural areas; relays of 2 international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2007)

Internet country code:
.mg

Internet hosts:
27,807 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 93

Internet users:
316,100 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 124




Transportation ::Madagascar

Airports:
84 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 67

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 27
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
914 to 1,523 m: 17
under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 57
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 35
under 914 m: 20 (2010)

Railways:
total: 854 km
country comparison to the world: 98
narrow gauge: 854 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:
total: 65,663 km
country comparison to the world: 70
paved: 7,617 km
unpaved: 58,046 km (2003)

Waterways:
600 km
country comparison to the world: 80
note: 432 km navigable (2008)

Merchant marine:
total: 8
country comparison to the world: 120
by type: cargo 4, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2 (2008)

Ports and terminals:
Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara




Military ::Madagascar

Military branches:
People's Armed Forces: Intervention Force, Development Force, and Aeronaval Force (navy and air); National Gendarmerie

Military service age and obligation:
18-25 years of age for male-only voluntary military service; no conscription; service obligation - 18 months (either military or equivalent civil service); 20-30 years of age for National Gendarmerie recruits (35 years of age for those with military experience) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 4,745,274
females age 16-49: 4,750,188 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 3,268,291
females age 16-49: 3,541,256 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 242,334
female: 241,359 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:
1% of GDP (2006)
country comparison to the world: 133




Transnational Issues ::Madagascar

Disputes - international:
claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France); the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976,�also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands, part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands)

Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point for heroin