Topic: Photos of Puerto Rico

Topic: Introduction
Background: Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Christopher COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self-government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status with the US, but the results of a 2012 vote left open the possibility of American statehood. Economic recession on the island has led to a net population loss since about 2005, as large numbers of residents moved to the US mainland. The trend has accelerated since 2010; in 2014, Puerto Rico experienced a net population loss to the mainland of 64,000, more than double the net loss of 26,000 in 2010. Hurricane Maria struck the island on 20 September 2017 causing catastrophic damage, including destruction of the electrical grid that had been cripled by Hurricane Irma just two weeks before. It was the worst storm to hit the island in eight decades, and damage is estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. A referendum held in late 2020 showed a narrow preference for American statehood.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic
Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 66 30 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 9,104 sq km

land: 8,959 sq km

water: 145 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 501 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain in north; precipitous mountains to the sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas
Elevation: highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 261 m
Natural resources: some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil
Land use: agricultural land: 22% (2018 est.)

arable land: 6.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.)

forest: 63.2% (2018 est.)

other: 14.8% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 220 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: population clusters tend to be found along the coast, the largest of these is found in and around San Juan; an exception to this is a sizeable population located in the interior of the island immediately south of the capital around Caguas; most of the interior, particularly in the western half of the island, is dominated by the Cordillera Central mountains, where population density is low
Natural hazards: periodic droughts; hurricanes
Geography - note: important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Topic: People and Society
Population: 3,098,423 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican
Ethnic groups: White 75.8%, Black/African American 12.4%, other 8.5% (includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and others), mixed 3.3% (2010 est.)

note: 99% of the population is Latino
Languages: Spanish, English

major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Roman Catholic 56%, Protestant 33% (largely Pentecostal), other 2%, atheist 1%, none 7% (2014 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.22% (male 231,406/female 222,061)

15-24 years: 12.78% (male 207,169/female 200,373)

25-54 years: 37.73% (male 573,114/female 630,276)

55-64 years: 13.5% (male 197,438/female 232,931)

65 years and over: 21.77% (male 297,749/female 396,551) (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57.7

youth dependency ratio: 24.8

elderly dependency ratio: 32.8

potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 43.6 years

male: 41.6 years

female: 45.3 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -1.38% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 7.87 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 9.76 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -11.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population clusters tend to be found along the coast, the largest of these is found in and around San Juan; an exception to this is a sizeable population located in the interior of the island immediately south of the capital around Caguas; most of the interior, particularly in the western half of the island, is dominated by the Cordillera Central mountains, where population density is low
Urbanization: urban population: 93.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 2.443 million SAN JUAN (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 21 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.04 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.68 years

male: 78.47 years

female: 85.08 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.24 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: 3.06 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 6.1% of GDP (2014)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.4%

male: 92.4%

female: 92.4% (2017)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 18 years (2018)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.6%

male: 28.9%

female: 23.1% (2012 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: soil erosion; occasional droughts cause water shortages; industrial pollution
Climate: tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Land use: agricultural land: 22% (2018 est.)

arable land: 6.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.)

forest: 63.2% (2018 est.)

other: 14.8% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 93.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4,170,953 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 583,933 tons (2013 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14% (2013 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 796 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 2.365 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 113.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 7.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form: Puerto Rico

abbreviation: PR

etymology: Christopher COLUMBUS named the island San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist) and the capital city and main port Cuidad de Puerto Rico (Rich Port City); over time, however, the names were shortened and transposed and the island came to be called Puerto Rico and its capital San Juan
Government type: unincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Note: reference Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act, 2 March 1917, as amended by Public Law 600, 3 July 1950
Dependency status: unincorporated organized territory of the US; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President
Capital: name: San Juan

geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the name dates to 1521 and the founding of the city under the name "Ciudad de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico" (City of Saint John the Baptist of Puerto Rico)
Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco
Independence: none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
National holiday: US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)
Constitution: history: previous 1900 (Organic Act, or Foraker Act); latest ratified by referendum 3 March 1952, approved 3 July 1952, effective 25 July 1952

amendments: proposed by a concurrent resolution of at least two-thirds majority by the total Legislative Assembly membership; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and approval by a majority of voters in a special referendum; if passed by at least three-fourths Assembly vote, the referendum can be held concurrently with the next general election; constitutional articles such as the republican form of government or the bill of rights cannot be amended; amended 1952
Legal system: civil law system based on the Spanish civil code and within the framework of the US federal system
Citizenship: see United States
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021)

head of government: Governor Pedro PIERLUISI (since 2 January 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor with the consent of the Legislative Assembly

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of Puerto Rico do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held on  November 2024)

election results: Pedro PIERLUISI elected governor; percent of vote - Pedro PIERLUISI (PNP) 32.9%, Carlos DELGADO (PPD) 31.6%, Alexandra LUGARO (independent) 14.2%, Juan DALMAU (PIP) 13.7%

note: on 24 July 2019, Governor Ricardo ROSSELLO announced his resignation effective 2 August 2019; as Secretary of State, Pedro PIERLUISI succeeded Governor Ricardo ROSSELLO; on 7 August 2019 the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico ruled Pedro PIERLUISI accession was unconstitutional and Wanda VAZQUEZ is sworn in as governor
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa consists of:
Senate or Senado (30 seats; 16 members directly elected in 8 2-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 14 at-large members directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
 House of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (51 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections:
 Senate - last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 3 November 2020)
 House of Representatives - last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 3 November 2020)

election results:
 Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 21, PPD 7, PIP 1, Independent 1; composition - men 23, women 7, percent of women 23.3%
 House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 34, PPD 16, PIP 1; composition - men 11, women 4, percent of women 26.7%; total Legislative Assembly percent of women 16%
 note: Puerto Rico directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 4-year term as a commissioner to the US House of Representatives; the commissioner can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House but not when legislation is submitted for a 'full floor' House vote; election of commissioner last held on 6 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2022)
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 8 associate justices)

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by majority Senate vote; judges serve until compulsory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; First Instance Court comprised of superior and municipal courts
Political parties and leaders: National Democratic Party [Charlie RODRIGUEZ]
National Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Jenniffer GONZALEZ]
New Progressive Party or PNP [Ricardo ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood)
Popular Democratic Party or PPD [Alejandro GARCIA Padillo] (pro-commonwealth)
Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)
International organization participation: AOSIS (observer), Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WFTU (NGOs)
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
Flag description: five equal horizontal bands of red (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents liberty, victory, and peace

note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed
National symbol(s): Puerto Rican spindalis (bird), coqui (frog); national colors: red, white, blue
National anthem: name: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican)

lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES

note: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name is a reference to the indigenous name of the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century; there is some evidence that the music was written by Francisco RAMIREZ; as a commonwealth of the US, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the US entry

selected World Heritage Site locales: La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Puerto Rico had one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region until 2006; however, growth has been negative for each of the last 11 years. The downturn coincided with the phaseout of tax preferences that had led US firms to invest heavily in the Commonwealth since the 1950s, and a steep rise in the price of oil, which generates most of the island's electricity.Diminished job opportunities prompted a sharp rise in outmigration, as many Puerto Ricans sought jobs on the US mainland. Unemployment reached 16% in 2011, but declined to 11.5% in December 2017. US minimum wage laws apply in Puerto Rico, hampering job expansion. Per capita income is about two-thirds that of the US mainland.The industrial sector greatly exceeds agriculture as the locus of economic activity and income. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008. Puerto Rico's merchandise trade surplus is exceptionally strong, with exports nearly 50% greater than imports, and its current account surplus about 10% of GDP.Closing the budget deficit while restoring economic growth and employment remain the central concerns of the government. The gap between revenues and expenditures amounted to 0.6% of GDP in 2016, although analysts believe that not all expenditures have been accounted for in the budget and a better accounting of costs would yield an overall deficit of roughly 5% of GDP. Public debt remained steady at 92.5% of GDP in 2017, about $17,000 per person, or nearly three times the per capita debt of the State of Connecticut, the highest in the US. Much of that debt was issued by state-run schools and public corporations, including water and electric utilities. In June 2015, Governor Alejandro GARCIA Padilla announced that the island could not pay back at least $73 billion in debt and that it would seek a deal with its creditors.Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico square on in September 2017, causing electrical power outages to 90% of the territory, as well as extensive loss of housing and infrastructure and contamination of potable water. Despite massive efforts, more than 40% of the territory remained without electricity as of yearend 2017. As a result of the destruction, many Puerto Ricans have emigrated to the US mainland.Puerto Rico had one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region until 2006; however, growth has been negative for each of the last 11 years. The downturn coincided with the phaseout of tax preferences that had led US firms to invest heavily in the Commonwealth since the 1950s, and a steep rise in the price of oil, which generates most of the island's electricity.Diminished job opportunities prompted a sharp rise in outmigration, as many Puerto Ricans sought jobs on the US mainland. Unemployment reached 16% in 2011, but declined to 11.5% in December 2017. US minimum wage laws apply in Puerto Rico, hampering job expansion. Per capita income is about two-thirds that of the US mainland.The industrial sector greatly exceeds agriculture as the locus of economic activity and income. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008. Puerto Rico's merchandise trade surplus is exceptionally strong, with exports nearly 50% greater than imports, and its current account surplus about 10% of GDP.Closing the budget deficit while restoring economic growth and employment remain the central concerns of the government. The gap between revenues and expenditures amounted to 0.6% of GDP in 2016, although analysts believe that not all expenditures have been accounted for in the budget and a better accounting of costs would yield an overall deficit of roughly 5% of GDP. Public debt remained steady at 92.5% of GDP in 2017, about $17,000 per person, or nearly three times the per capita debt of the State of Connecticut, the highest in the US. Much of that debt was issued by state-run schools and public corporations, including water and electric utilities. In June 2015, Governor Alejandro GARCIA Padilla announced that the island could not pay back at least $73 billion in debt and that it would seek a deal with its creditors.Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico square on in September 2017, causing electrical power outages to 90% of the territory, as well as extensive loss of housing and infrastructure and contamination of potable water. Despite massive efforts, more than 40% of the territory remained without electricity as of yearend 2017. As a result of the destruction, many Puerto Ricans have emigrated to the US mainland.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $106.82 billion (2020 est.)

$111.16 billion (2019 est.)

$109.53 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -2.4% (2017 est.)

-1.3% (2016 est.)

-1% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $33,400 (2020 est.)

$34,800 (2019 est.)

$34,300 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $104.2 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (2017 est.)

-0.3% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Standard & Poors rating: D (2015)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.8% (2017 est.)

industry: 50.1% (2017 est.)

services: 49.1% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 87.7% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 12.2% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 11.7% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 117.8% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -129.8% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, plantains, bananas, poultry, tomatoes, mangoes/guavas, eggs, oranges, gourds, papayas
Industries: pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: -2.1% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 1.139 million (December 2014 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 19%

services: 79% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 10.8% (2017 est.)

11.8% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.6%

male: 28.9%

female: 23.1% (2012 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 9.268 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 9.974 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 51.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

50.1% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 8.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Current account balance: $0 (2017 est.)

$0 (2016 est.)
Exports: $73.17 billion (2017 est.)

$73.2 billion (2016 est.)
Exports - partners: Italy 15%, Netherlands 15%, Belgium 9%, Japan 8%, Germany 8%, Austria 8%, Spain 7%, China 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, hormones, orthopedic and medical appliances, sulfur compounds (2019)
Imports: $49.01 billion (2017 est.)

$48.86 billion (2016 est.)
Imports - partners: Ireland 38%, Singapore 9%, Switzerland 8%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines, cars (2019)
Debt - external: $56.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$52.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - production: 20.95 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 19.48 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 6.294 million kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 94% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 2% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 4% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 98,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 18,420 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 127,100 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 1.303 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 1.303 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 711,512 (2020)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24.87 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 3,483,570 (2020)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121.8 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: small telecom market affected by mismanagement and natural disasters; hurricanes in 2017 and earthquake in 2020 caused destruction of telecom infrastructure, leading to market decline; US provided funds to rebuild after some delay; lags behind US in fixed and broadband penetration due to high unemployment and lack of operator investment; multi-national telcoms enable LTE and launch of 5G; growing number of submarine cables helps to reduce costs and supports streaming of international content and cloud services; operator launched connectivity for school children during pandemic (2020)

domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services; fixed-line nearly 25 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 122 per 100 persons (2020)

international: country code - 1-787, 939; landing points for the GTMO-PR, AMX-1, BRUSA, GCN, PCCS, SAm-1, Southern Caribbean Fiber, Americas-II, Antillas, ARCOS, SMPR-1, and Taino-Carib submarine cables providing connectivity to the mainland US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: more than 30 TV stations operating; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations
Internet country code: .pr
Internet users: total: 2.21 million (2021 est.)

percent of population: 77.74% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 671,284 (2020)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23.46 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 29 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 17

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 5 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2021)
Roadways: total: 26,862 km (includes 454 km of expressways) (2012)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San Juan

container port(s) (TEUs): San Juan (2,142,662) (2019)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Guayanilla Bay

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular indigenous military forces; National Guard, State Guard, Police Force
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for workincreasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for work


Topic: Photos of Macau

Topic: Introduction
Background: Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's political and economic system would not be imposed on Macau, and that Macau would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign affairs and defense for the subsequent 50 years.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Geographic coordinates: 22 10 N, 113 33 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 28 sq km

land: 28.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 3 km

regional borders (1): China 3 km
Coastline: 41 km
Maritime claims: not specified
Climate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers
Terrain: generally flat
Elevation: highest point: Alto Coloane 172 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
Natural resources: NEGL
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 100% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: population fairly equally distributed
Natural hazards: typhoons
Geography - note: essentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland peninsula by three bridges

Topic: People and Society
Population: 635,293 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese
Ethnic groups: Chinese 88.7%, Portuguese 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, other 9.2% (includes Macanese - mixed Portuguese and Asian ancestry) (2016 est.)
Languages: Cantonese 80.1%, Mandarin 5.5%, other Chinese dialects 5.3%, Tagalog 3%, English 2.8%, Portuguese 0.6%, other 2.8%; note - Chinese and Portuguese are official languages; Macanese, a Portuguese-based Creole, is also spoken (2016 est.)

major-language sample(s):
 世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese)
Religions: folk religion 58.9%, Buddhist 17.3%, Christian 7.2%, other 1.2%, none 15.4% (2020 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 13.43% (male 42,449/female 40,051)

15-24 years: 10.45% (male 33,845/female 30,354)

25-54 years: 49% (male 134,302/female 166,762)

55-64 years: 14.57% (male 44,512/female 45,007)

65 years and over: 12.56% (male 36,223/female 40,953) (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 35.7

youth dependency ratio: 19.5

elderly dependency ratio: 16.2

potential support ratio: 6.2 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 40.8 years

male: 40.7 years

female: 40.9 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.75% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 9.11 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 4.72 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population fairly equally distributed
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.83 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 84.98 years

male: 82.09 years

female: 88.02 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.22 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: 2.41 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 3.1% of GDP (2019)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.5%

male: 98.2%

female: 95% (2016)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 18 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1%

male: 9.9%

female: 6.4% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: air pollution; coastal waters pollution; insufficient policies in reducing and recycling solid wastes; increasing population density worsening noise pollution
Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 2.07 megatons (2016 est.)
Climate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 100% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 377,942 tons (2016 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 75,588 tons (2014 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 20% (2014 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Macau

official long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)

official short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

etymology: name is thought to derive from the A-Ma Temple - built in 1488 and dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen - which is referred to locally as "Maa Gok" - and in Portuguese became "Macau"; the Chinese name Aomen means "inlet gates"
Government type: executive-led limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China
Dependency status: special administrative region of the People's Republic of China
Administrative divisions: none (special administrative region of the People's Republic of China)
Independence: none (special administrative region of China)
National holiday: National Day (anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December (1999) is celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Constitution: history: previous 1976 (Organic Statute of Macau, under Portuguese authority); latest adopted 31 March 1993, effective 20 December 1999 (Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China serves as Macau's constitution)

amendments: proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the People’s Republic of China State Council, and the Macau Special Administrative Region; submittal of proposals to the NPC requires two-thirds majority vote by the Legislative Assembly of Macau, approval by two thirds of Macau's deputies to the NPC, and consent of the Macau chief executive; final passage requires approval by the NPC; amended 2005, 2012
Legal system: civil law system based on the Portuguese model
Citizenship: see China
Suffrage: 18 years of age in direct elections for some legislative positions, universal for permanent residents living in Macau for the past 7 years; note - indirect elections are limited to organizations registered as "corporate voters" and an election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad regional groupings, municipal organizations, central government bodies, and elected Macau officials
Executive branch: chief of state: President of China XI Jinping (since 14 March 2013)

head of government: Chief Executive HO Iat Seng (since 20 December 2019)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the chief executive

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2023);chief executive chosen by a 400-member Election Committee for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 August 2019 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: Fernando CHUI Sai On reelected chief executive; Election Committee vote - 380 of 396; note - HO Iat Seng was elected chief executive (receiving 392 out of 400 votes) on 24 August 2019 and will take office on 20 December 2019
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Regiao Administrativa Especial de Macau (33 seats; 14 members directly elected by proportional representation vote, 12 indirectly elected by an electoral college of professional and commercial interest groups, and 7 appointed by the chief executive; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 12 September 2021 (next to be held in September 2025)

election results: percent of vote - ACUM 20.1%, UPD 18%, NE 13.8%, UMG 12.7%, UPP 11.4%, ABL 10.8%, PS 6.6%, other 6.6%; seats by political group - ACUM 3, UPD 2, UMG 2, UPP 2, ABL 2, NE 2, PS 1; composition NA
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Final Appeal of Macau Special Administrative Region (consists of the court president and 2 associate justices)

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the Macau chief executive upon the recommendation of an independent commission of judges, lawyers, and "eminent" persons; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts: Court of Second Instance; Court of First instance; Lower Court; Administrative Court
Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Change or APM [Melinda CHAN Mei-yi]
Alliance for a Happy Home or ABL [WONG Kit-cheng] (an electoral list of UPP)
Civic Watch or Civico [Agnes LAM Iok-fong]
Macau-Guangdong Union or UMG [MAK Soi-kun]
Macau Citizens' Development Association or ACDM [Becky SONG Pek-kei]
New Democratic Macau Association or ANMD [AU Kam-san]
New Hope or NE [Jose Maria Pereira COUTINHO]
New Macau Association (New Macau Progressives) or AMN or ANPM [Sulu SOU Ka-hou]
New Union for Macau's Development or NUDM [Angela LEONG On-kei]
Progress Promotion Union
Prosperous Democratic Macau Association or APMD (an electoral list of AMN)
Union for Development or UPD [HO Sut Hen]
Union for Promoting Progress or UPP [HO Ion-sang]
United Citizens Association of Macau or ACUM [CHAN Meng-kam]

note: there is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies
International organization participation: ICC (national committees), IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (Special Administrative Region of China)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong Kong is accredited to Macau
Flag description: green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in the center of the arc and two smaller on either side; the lotus is the floral emblem of Macau, the three petals represent the peninsula and two islands that make up Macau; the five stars echo those on the flag of China
National symbol(s): lotus blossom; national colors: green, white, yellow
National anthem: note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyongjun Jinxingqu" is the official anthem (see China)note: as a Special Administrative Region of China, "Yiyongjun Jinxingqu" is the official anthem (see China)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Since opening up its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in 2001, Macau has attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign investment, transforming the territory into one of the world's largest gaming centers. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens wishing to visit Macau. In 2016, Macau's gaming-related taxes accounted for more than 76% of total government revenue.Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in the 2010-13 period, largely on the back of tourism from mainland China and the gaming sectors. In 2015, this city of 646,800 hosted nearly 30.7 million visitors. Almost 67% came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry has slowed greatly since the termination of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. Services export — primarily gaming — increasingly has driven Macau’s economic performance. Mainland China’s anti-corruption campaign brought Macau’s gambling boom to a halt in 2014, with spending in casinos contracting 34.3% in 2015. As a result, Macau's inflation-adjusted GDP contracted 21.5% in 2015 and another 2.1% in 2016 - down from double-digit expansion rates in the period 2010-13 - but the economy recovered handsomely in 2017.Macau continues to face the challenges of managing its growing casino industry, risks from money-laundering activities, and the need to diversify the economy away from heavy dependence on gaming revenues. Macau's currency, the pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also freely accepted in the territory.Since opening up its locally-controlled casino industry to foreign competition in 2001, Macau has attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign investment, transforming the territory into one of the world's largest gaming centers. Macau's gaming and tourism businesses were fueled by China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese citizens wishing to visit Macau. In 2016, Macau's gaming-related taxes accounted for more than 76% of total government revenue.Macau's economy slowed dramatically in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but strong growth resumed in the 2010-13 period, largely on the back of tourism from mainland China and the gaming sectors. In 2015, this city of 646,800 hosted nearly 30.7 million visitors. Almost 67% came from mainland China. Macau's traditional manufacturing industry has slowed greatly since the termination of the Multi-Fiber Agreement in 2005. Services export — primarily gaming — increasingly has driven Macau’s economic performance. Mainland China’s anti-corruption campaign brought Macau’s gambling boom to a halt in 2014, with spending in casinos contracting 34.3% in 2015. As a result, Macau's inflation-adjusted GDP contracted 21.5% in 2015 and another 2.1% in 2016 - down from double-digit expansion rates in the period 2010-13 - but the economy recovered handsomely in 2017.Macau continues to face the challenges of managing its growing casino industry, risks from money-laundering activities, and the need to diversify the economy away from heavy dependence on gaming revenues. Macau's currency, the pataca, is closely tied to the Hong Kong dollar, which is also freely accepted in the territory.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $35.58 billion (2020 est.)

$81.44 billion (2019 est.)

$83.64 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 9.1% (2017 est.)

-0.9% (2016 est.)

-21.6% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $54,800 (2020 est.)

$127,200 (2019 est.)

$132,400 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $53.841 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.7% (2019 est.)

3% (2018 est.)

1.2% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA (2018)

Moody's rating: Aa3 (2016)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0% (2016 est.)

industry: 6.3% (2017 est.)

services: 93.7% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 24.2% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 9.9% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 18.5% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 79.4% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -32% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: pork, poultry, beef, pig fat, pig offals, eggs, pepper, cattle offals, cattle hides, goose/guinea fowl meat
Industries: tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear, toys
Industrial production growth rate: 2% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 392,000 (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.5%

industry: 9.8%

services: 4.4%

industry and services: 12.4%

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 15%

manufacturing: 25.9%

construction: 7.1%

transportation and utilities: 2.6%

commerce: 20.3% (2013 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2% (2017 est.)

1.9% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1%

male: 9.9%

female: 6.4% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35 (2013)

38 (2008)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 14.71 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 9.684 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 10% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 0% of GDP (2017 est.)

0% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 29.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: $16.75 billion (2017 est.)

$12.22 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $45.35 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

$45.62 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

note: includes reexports
Exports - partners: Hong Kong 66%, China 9% (2019)
Exports - commodities: broadcasting equipment, jewelry, watches, trunks/cases, telephones (2019)
Imports: $17.35 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

$18.28 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)
Imports - partners: China 33%, Hong Kong 31%, France 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: jewelry, watches, electricity, aircraft, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $20.17 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$18.89 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

note: the Fiscal Reserves Act that came into force on 1 January 2012 requires the fiscal reserves to be separated from the foreign exchange reserves and to be managed separately; the transfer of assets took place in February 2012
Debt - external: $0 (31 December 2013)

$0 (31 December 2012)
Exchange rates: patacas (MOP) per US dollar -

8 (2017 est.)

7.9951 (2016 est.)

7.9951 (2015 est.)

7.985 (2014 est.)

7.9871 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - production: 929 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 5.077 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 4.306 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 472,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 12,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 14,180 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 178.2 million cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 175.5 million cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 123,469 (2018)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19.55 (2018 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,181,194 (2018)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 328.8 (2019 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Macau’s sophisticated telecom market boasts one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world due to high tourism; liberalized market is managed by independent regulator with effective competition in the mobile market; modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services; high mobile subscriber numbers and mobile penetration; offering 4G, LTE services and first phase of 5G network rollout; possible synchronizing with neighboring regions; Macau's smart city project spans areas of transportation, medical services, tourism, and e-government; importer of broadcast and video equipment from China (2020)

domestic: fixed-line nearly 20 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 329 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: local government dominates broadcast media; 2 television stations operated by the government with one broadcasting in Portuguese and the other in Cantonese and Mandarin; 1 cable TV and 4 satellite TV services available; 3 radio stations broadcasting, of which 2 are government-operated (2019)
Internet country code: .mo
Internet users: total: 565,600 (2021 est.)

percent of population: 86.47% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 208,000 (2021 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32.03 (2021 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (registered in China) (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 (registered in China)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,157,724 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 31.84 million mt-km (2018)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: B-M
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 2 (2021)
Roadways: total: 428 km (2017)

paved: 428 km (2017)
Merchant marine: total: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Macau

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular indigenous military forces; Macau Public Security Police Force (includes the Police Intervention Tactical Unit or UTIP for counterterrorism operations) (2021)
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of China; the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) maintains a garrison in Macau

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: nonenone
Trafficking in persons: current situation: Macau is a destination and, to a much lesser extent, source for women and children subjected to sex trafficking and possibly forced labor; most victims come from the Chinese mainland, but others are trafficked from China, Russia, and Southeast Asia; victims are lured in by false job offers and forced into prostitution, often being confined to massage parlors and illegal brothels where their identity documents are confiscated and they are threatened with violence; Chinese, Russian, and Thai criminal organizations are believed to be involved in recruiting women for Macau’s commercial sex industry

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Macau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government trained police, customs, and social welfare officials on human trafficking, funded an awareness campaign, and provided services to victims; authorities convicted three sex traffickers but did not sentence anyone to significant prison terms; authorities investigated only one potential trafficking case and made no prosecutions; the government provided no assistance to any victims, and officials did not initiate any prosecutions or sentence convicted traffickers to significant terms of imprisonment; Macau was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020)
Illicit drugs: asian organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking and money launderingasian organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking and money laundering


This entry lists the percentage distribution of the labor force by sector of occupation. Agriculture includes farming, fishing, and forestry. Industry includes mining, manufacturing, energy production, and construction. Services cover government activities, communications, transportation, finance, and all other economic activities that do not produce material goods. The distribution will total less than 100 percent if the data are incomplete and may range from 99-101 percent due to rounding.

Topic: Afghanistanagriculture: 44.3%

industry: 18.1%

services: 37.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Albaniaagriculture: 41.4%

industry: 18.3%

services: 40.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Algeriaagriculture: 10.8%

industry: 30.9%

services: 58.4% (2011 est.)

Topic: American Samoaagriculture: NA

industry: 15.5%

services: 46.4% (2015 est.)

Topic: Andorraagriculture: 0.5%

industry: 4.4%

services: 95.1% (2015)

Topic: Angolaagriculture: 85%

industry: 15% (2015 est.)

industry and services: 15% (2003 est.)

Topic: Anguillaagriculture: 74.1%

industry: 3%

services: 18%

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 4% (2000 est.)

manufacturing: 3% (2000 est.)

construction: 18% (2000 est.)

transportation and utilities: 10% (2000 est.)

commerce: 36% (2000 est.)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudaagriculture: 7%

industry: 11%

services: 82% (1983 est.)

Topic: Argentinaagriculture: 5.3%

industry: 28.6%

services: 66.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Armeniaagriculture: 36.3%

industry: 17%

services: 46.7% (2013 est.)

Topic: Arubaagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

note: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade, followed by hotels and restaurants

Topic: Australiaagriculture: 3.6%

industry: 21.1%

services: 75.3% (2009 est.)

Topic: Austriaagriculture: 0.7%

industry: 25.2%

services: 74.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijanagriculture: 37%

industry: 14.3%

services: 48.9% (2014)

Topic: Bahamas, Theagriculture: 3%

industry: 11%

services: 49%

tourism: 37% (2011 est.)

Topic: Bahrainagriculture: 1%

industry: 32%

services: 67% (2004 est.)

Topic: Bangladeshagriculture: 42.7%

industry: 20.5%

services: 36.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Barbadosagriculture: 10%

industry: 15%

services: 75% (1996 est.)

Topic: Belarusagriculture: 9.7%

industry: 23.4%

services: 66.8% (2015 est.)

Topic: Belgiumagriculture: 1.3%

industry: 18.6%

services: 80.1% (2013 est.)

Topic: Belizeagriculture: 10.2%

industry: 18.1%

services: 71.7% (2007 est.)

Topic: Bermudaagriculture: 2%

industry: 13%

services: 85% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bhutanagriculture: 58%

industry: 20%

services: 22% (2015 est.)

Topic: Boliviaagriculture: 29.4%

industry: 22%

services: 48.6% (2015 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaagriculture: 18%

industry: 30.4%

services: 51.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Botswanaagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Brazilagriculture: 9.4%

industry: 32.1%

services: 58.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: British Virgin Islandsagriculture: 0.6%

industry: 40%

services: 59.4% (2005)

Topic: Bruneiagriculture: 4.2%

industry: 62.8%

services: 33% (2008 est.)

Topic: Bulgariaagriculture: 6.8%

industry: 26.6%

services: 66.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Burkina Fasoagriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2000 est.)

Topic: Burmaagriculture: 70%

industry: 7%

services: 23% (2001 est.)

Topic: Burundiagriculture: 93.6%

industry: 2.3%

services: 4.1% (2002 est.)

Topic: Cambodiaagriculture: 48.7%

industry: 19.9%

services: 31.5% (2013 est.)

Topic: Cameroonagriculture: 70%

industry: 13%

services: 17% (2001 est.)

Topic: Canadaagriculture: 2%

industry: 13%

services: 6%

industry and services: 76%

manufacturing: 3% (2006 est.)

Topic: Cayman Islandsagriculture: 1.9%

industry: 19.1%

services: 79% (2008 est.)

Topic: Chadagriculture: 80%

industry: 20% (2006 est.)

Topic: Chileagriculture: 9.2%

industry: 23.7%

services: 67.1% (2013)

Topic: Chinaagriculture: 27.7%

industry: 28.8%

services: 43.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnote: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism is the other main source of employmentnote: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism is the other main source of employment

Topic: Colombiaagriculture: 17%

industry: 21%

services: 62% (2011 est.)

Topic: Comorosagriculture: 80%

industry: 20% (1996 est.)

industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Congo, Republic of theagriculture: 35.4%

industry: 20.6%

services: 44% (2005 est.)

Topic: Cook Islandsagriculture: 29%

industry: 15%

services: 56% (1995)

Topic: Costa Ricaagriculture: 14%

industry: 22%

services: 64% (2006 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoireagriculture: 68% (2007 est.)

Topic: Croatiaagriculture: 1.9%

industry: 27.3%

services: 70.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cubaagriculture: 18%

industry: 10%

services: 72% (2016 est.)

Topic: Curacaoagriculture: 1.2%

industry: 16.9%

services: 81.8% (2008 est.)

Topic: Cyprusagriculture: 3.8%

industry: 15.2%

services: 81% (2014 est.)

Topic: Czechiaagriculture: 2.8%

industry: 38%

services: 59.2% (2015)

Topic: Denmarkagriculture: 2.4%

industry: 18.3%

services: 79.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Djiboutiagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Dominicaagriculture: 40%

industry: 32%

services: 28% (2002 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republicagriculture: 14.4%

industry: 20.8% (2014)

services: 64.7% (2014 est.)

Topic: Ecuadoragriculture: 26.1%

industry: 18.4%

services: 55.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Egyptagriculture: 25.8%

industry: 25.1%

services: 49.1% (2015 est.)

Topic: El Salvadoragriculture: 21%

industry: 20%

services: 58% (2011 est.)

Topic: Eritreaagriculture: 80%

industry: 20% (2004 est.)

Topic: Estoniaagriculture: 2.7%

industry: 20.5%

services: 76.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Eswatiniagriculture: 10.7%

industry: 30.4%

services: 58.9% (2014 est.)

Topic: Ethiopiaagriculture: 72.7%

industry: 7.4%

services: 19.9% (2013 est.)

Topic: European Unionagriculture: 5%

industry: 21.9%

services: 73.1% (2014 est.)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)agriculture: 41%

industry: 24.5%

services: 34.5% (2015 est.)

Topic: Faroe Islandsagriculture: 15%

industry: 15%

services: 70% (December 2016 est.)

Topic: Fijiagriculture: 44.2%

industry: 14.3%

services: 41.6% (2011)

Topic: Finlandagriculture: 4%

industry: 20.7%

services: 75.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Franceagriculture: 2.8% (2016 est.)

industry: 20% (2016 est.)

services: 77.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: French Polynesiaagriculture: 13%

industry: 19%

services: 68% (2013 est.)

Topic: Gabonagriculture: 64%

industry: 12%

services: 24% (2005 est.)

Topic: Gambia, Theagriculture: 75%

industry: 19%

services: 6% (1996 est.)

Topic: Gaza Stripagriculture: 5.2%

industry: 10%

services: 84.8% (2015 est.)

note: data exclude the West Bank

Topic: Georgiaagriculture: 55.6%

industry: 8.9%

services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Topic: Germanyagriculture: 1.4%

industry: 24.2%

services: 74.3% (2016)

Topic: Ghanaagriculture: 44.7%

industry: 14.4%

services: 40.9% (2013 est.)

Topic: Gibraltaragriculture: NEGL

industry: 1.8%

services: 98.2% (2014 est.)

Topic: Greeceagriculture: 12.6%

industry: 15%

services: 72.4% (30 October 2015 est.)

Topic: Greenlandagriculture: 15.9%

industry: 10.1%

services: 73.9% (2015 est.)

Topic: Grenadaagriculture: 11%

industry: 20%

services: 69% (2008 est.)

Topic: Guamagriculture: 0.3%

industry: 21.6%

services: 78.1% (2013 est.)

Topic: Guatemalaagriculture: 31.4%

industry: 12.8%

services: 55.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Guineaagriculture: 76%

industry: 24% (2006 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissauagriculture: 82%

industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Topic: Guyanaagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Haitiagriculture: 38.1%

industry: 11.5%

services: 50.4% (2010)

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)note: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vaticannote: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Topic: Hondurasagriculture: 39.2%

industry: 20.9%

services: 39.8% (2005 est.)

Topic: Hong Kongagriculture: 3.8% (2013 est.)

industry: 2% (2016 est.)

services: 54.5% (2016 est.)

industry and services: 12.5% (2013 est.)

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 10.1% (2013)

manufacturing: 17.1% (2013 est.)

note: above data exclude public sector

Topic: Hungaryagriculture: 4.9%

industry: 30.3%

services: 64.5% (2015 est.)

Topic: Icelandagriculture: 4.8%

industry: 22.2%

services: 73% (2008)

Topic: Indiaagriculture: 47%

industry: 22%

services: 31% (FY 2014 est.)

Topic: Indonesiaagriculture: 32%

industry: 21%

services: 47% (2016 est.)

Topic: Iranagriculture: 16.3%

industry: 35.1%

services: 48.6% (2013 est.)

Topic: Iraqagriculture: 21.6%

industry: 18.7%

services: 59.8% (2008 est.)

Topic: Irelandagriculture: 5%

industry: 11%

services: 84% (2015 est.)

Topic: Isle of Manmanufacturing: 5% (2006 est.)

construction: 8% (2006 est.)

tourism: 1% (2006 est.)

transport and communications: 9% (2006 est.)

agriculture, forestry, and fishing: 2% (2006 est.)

gas, electricity, and water: 1% (2006 est.)

wholesale and retail distribution: 11% (2006 est.)

professional and scientific services: 20% (2006 est.)

public administration: 7% (2006 est.)

banking and finance: 23% (2006 est.)

entertainment and catering: 5% (2006 est.)

miscellaneous services: 8% (2006 est.)

Topic: Israelagriculture: 1.1%

industry: 17.3%

services: 81.6% (2015 est.)

Topic: Italyagriculture: 3.9%

industry: 28.3%

services: 67.8% (2011)

Topic: Jamaicaagriculture: 16.1%

industry: 16%

services: 67.9% (2017)

Topic: Japanagriculture: 2.9%

industry: 26.2%

services: 70.9% (February 2015 est.)

Topic: Jerseyagriculture: 3%

industry: 12%

services: 85% (2014 est.)

Topic: Jordanagriculture: 2%

industry: 20%

services: 78% (2013 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstanagriculture: 18.1%

industry: 20.4%

services: 61.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kenyaagriculture: 61.1%

industry: 6.7%

services: 32.2% (2005 est.)

Topic: Kiribatiagriculture: 15%

industry: 10%

services: 75% (2010)

Topic: Korea, Northagriculture: 37%

industry: 63% (2008 est.)

Topic: Korea, Southagriculture: 4.8%

industry: 24.6%

services: 70.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kosovoagriculture: 4.4%

industry: 17.4%

services: 78.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kuwaitagriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Kyrgyzstanagriculture: 48%

industry: 12.5%

services: 39.5% (2005 est.)

Topic: Laosagriculture: 73.1%

industry: 6.1%

services: 20.6% (2012 est.)

Topic: Latviaagriculture: 7.7%

industry: 24.1%

services: 68.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Lebanonagriculture: 39% NA (2009 est.)

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Lesothoagriculture: 86%

industry and services: 14% (2002 est.)

note: most of the resident population is engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa

Topic: Liberiaagriculture: 70%

industry: 8%

services: 22% (2000 est.)

Topic: Libyaagriculture: 17%

industry: 23%

services: 59% (2004 est.)

Topic: Liechtensteinagriculture: 0.8%

industry: 36.9%

services: 62.3% (2015)

Topic: Lithuaniaagriculture: 9.1%

industry: 25.2%

services: 65.8% (2015 est.)

Topic: Luxembourgagriculture: 1.1%

industry: 20%

services: 78.9% (2013 est.)

Topic: Macauagriculture: 2.5%

industry: 9.8%

services: 4.4%

industry and services: 12.4%

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining: 15%

manufacturing: 25.9%

construction: 7.1%

transportation and utilities: 2.6%

commerce: 20.3% (2013 est.)

Topic: Malawiagriculture: 76.9%

industry: 4.1%

services: 19% (2013 est.)

Topic: Malaysiaagriculture: 11%

industry: 36%

services: 53% (2012 est.)

Topic: Maldivesagriculture: 7.7%

industry: 22.8%

services: 69.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Maliagriculture: 80%

industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Topic: Maltaagriculture: 1.6%

industry: 20.7%

services: 77.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Marshall Islandsagriculture: 11%

industry: 16.3%

services: 72.7% (2011 est.)

Topic: Mauritaniaagriculture: 50%

industry: 1.9%

services: 48.1% (2014 est.)

Topic: Mauritiusagriculture: 8%

industry: 29.8%

services: 62.2% (2014 est.)

Topic: Mexicoagriculture: 13.4%

industry: 24.1%

services: 61.9% (2011)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofagriculture: 0.9%

industry: 5.2%

services: 93.9% (2013 est.)

note: two-thirds of the labor force are government employees

Topic: Moldovaagriculture: 32.3%

industry: 12%

services: 55.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Monacoagriculture: 0%

industry: 16.1%

services: 83.9% (2012 est.)

Topic: Mongoliaagriculture: 31.1%

industry: 18.5%

services: 50.5% (2016)

Topic: Montenegroagriculture: 7.9%

industry: 17.1%

services: 75% (2017 est.)

Topic: Montserratagriculture: 1.4%

industry: 12.7%

services: 85.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Moroccoagriculture: 39.1%

industry: 20.3%

services: 40.5% (2014 est.)

Topic: Mozambiqueagriculture: 74.4%

industry: 3.9%

services: 21.7% (2015 est.)

Topic: Namibiaagriculture: 31%

industry: 14%

services: 54% (2013 est.)

note: about half of Namibia's people are unemployed while about two-thirds live in rural areas; roughly two-thirds of rural dwellers rely on subsistence agriculture

Topic: Naurunote: most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportationnote: most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportation

Topic: Nepalagriculture: 69%

industry: 12%

services: 19% (2015 est.)

Topic: Netherlandsagriculture: 1.2%

industry: 17.2%

services: 81.6% (2015 est.)

Topic: New Caledoniaagriculture: 2.7%

industry: 22.4%

services: 74.9% (2010)

Topic: New Zealandagriculture: 6.6%

industry: 20.7%

services: 72.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Nicaraguaagriculture: 31%

industry: 18%

services: 50% (2011 est.)

Topic: Nigeragriculture: 79.2%

industry: 3.3%

services: 17.5% (2012 est.)

Topic: Nigeriaagriculture: 70%

industry: 10%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Topic: Niuenote: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Boardnote: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Topic: Norfolk Islandagriculture: 6%

industry: 14%

services: 80% (2006 est.)

Topic: North Macedoniaagriculture: 16.2%

industry: 29.2%

services: 54.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsagriculture: 1.9%

industry: 10%

services: 88.1% (2010 est.)

Topic: Norwayagriculture: 2.1%

industry: 19.3%

services: 78.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Omanagriculture: 4.7% NA

industry: 49.6% NA

services: 45% NA (2016 est.)

Topic: Pakistanagriculture: 42.3%

industry: 22.6%

services: 35.1% (FY2015 est.)

Topic: Palauagriculture: 1.2%

industry: 12.4%

services: 86.4% (2016)

Topic: Panamaagriculture: 17%

industry: 18.6%

services: 64.4% (2009 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guineaagriculture: 85%

industry: NA

services: NA

Topic: Paraguayagriculture: 26.5%

industry: 18.5%

services: 55% (2008)

Topic: Peruagriculture: 25.8%

industry: 17.4%

services: 56.8% (2011)

Topic: Philippinesagriculture: 25.4%

industry: 18.3%

services: 56.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Pitcairn Islandsnote: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishingnote: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Topic: Polandagriculture: 11.5%

industry: 30.4%

services: 57.6% (2015)

Topic: Portugalagriculture: 8.6%

industry: 23.9%

services: 67.5% (2014 est.)

Topic: Puerto Ricoagriculture: 2.1%

industry: 19%

services: 79% (2005 est.)

Topic: Romaniaagriculture: 28.3%

industry: 28.9%

services: 42.8% (2014)

Topic: Russiaagriculture: 9.4%

industry: 27.6%

services: 63% (2016 est.)

Topic: Rwandaagriculture: 75.3%

industry: 6.7%

services: 18% (2012 est.)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaagriculture: 6%

industry: 48%

services: 46% (1987 est.)

Topic: Saint Luciaagriculture: 21.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Topic: Saint Martin85 directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonagriculture: 18%

industry: 41%

services: 41% (1996 est.)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesagriculture: 26%

industry: 17%

services: 57% (1980 est.)

Topic: Samoaagriculture: 65%

industry: 6%

services: 29% (2015 est.)

Topic: San Marinoagriculture: 0.2%

industry: 33.5%

services: 66.3% (September 2013 est.)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principeagriculture: 26.1%

industry: 21.4%

services: 52.5% (2014 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabiaagriculture: 6.7%

industry: 21.4%

services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Topic: Senegalagriculture: 77.5%

industry: 22.5%

industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Topic: Serbiaagriculture: 19.4%

industry: 24.5%

services: 56.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Seychellesagriculture: 3%

industry: 23%

services: 74% (2006)

Topic: Sierra Leoneagriculture: 61.1%

industry: 5.5%

services: 33.4% (2014 est.)

Topic: Singaporeagriculture: 0.7%

industry: 25.6%

services: 73.7% (2017)

note: excludes non-residents

Topic: Sint Maartenagriculture: 1.1%

industry: 15.2%

services: 83.7% (2008 est.)

Topic: Slovakiaagriculture: 3.9%

industry: 22.7%

services: 73.4% (2015)

Topic: Sloveniaagriculture: 5.5%

industry: 31.2%

services: 63.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islandsagriculture: 75%

industry: 5%

services: 20% (2000 est.)

Topic: Somaliaagriculture: 71%

industry: 29%

industry and services: 29% (1975)

Topic: South Africaagriculture: 4.6%

industry: 23.5%

services: 71.9% (2014 est.)

Topic: Spainagriculture: 4.2%

industry: 24%

services: 71.7% (2009)

Topic: Sri Lankaagriculture: 27%

industry: 26%

services: 47% (31 December 2016)

Topic: Sudanagriculture: 80%

industry: 7%

services: 13% (1998 est.)

Topic: Surinameagriculture: 11.2%

industry: 19.5%

services: 69.3% (2010)

Topic: Swedenagriculture: 2%

industry: 12%

services: 86% (2014 est.)

Topic: Switzerlandagriculture: 3.3%

industry: 19.8%

services: 76.9% (2015)

Topic: Syriaagriculture: 17%

industry: 16%

services: 67% (2008 est.)

Topic: Taiwanagriculture: 4.9%

industry: 35.9%

services: 59.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: Tajikistanagriculture: 43%

industry: 10.6%

services: 46.4% (2016 est.)

Topic: Tanzaniaagriculture: 66.9%

industry: 6.4%

services: 26.6% (2014 est.)

Topic: Thailandagriculture: 31.8%

industry: 16.7%

services: 51.5% (2015 est.)

Topic: Timor-Lesteagriculture: 41%

industry: 13%

services: 45.1% (2013)

Topic: Togoagriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (1998 est.)

Topic: Tongaagriculture: 2,006% (2006 est.)

industry: 27.5% (2006 est.)

services: 2,006% (2006 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoagriculture: 3.1%

industry: 11.5%

services: 85.4% (2016 est.)

Topic: Tunisiaagriculture: 14.8%

industry: 33.2%

services: 51.7% (2014 est.)

Topic: Turkeyagriculture: 18.4%

industry: 26.6%

services: 54.9% (2016)

Topic: Turkmenistanagriculture: 48.2%

industry: 14%

services: 37.8% (2004 est.)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnote: about 33% in government and 20% in agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial, and other servicesnote: about 33% in government and 20% in agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial, and other services

Topic: Tuvalunote: most people make a living through exploitation of the sea, reefs, and atolls - and through overseas remittances (mostly from workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)note: most people make a living through exploitation of the sea, reefs, and atolls - and through overseas remittances (mostly from workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Topic: Ugandaagriculture: 71%

industry: 7%

services: 22% (2013 est.)

Topic: Ukraineagriculture: 5.8%

industry: 26.5%

services: 67.8% (2014)

Topic: United Arab Emiratesagriculture: 7%

industry: 15%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

Topic: United Kingdomagriculture: 1.3%

industry: 15.2%

services: 83.5% (2014 est.)

Topic: United Statesagriculture: 0.7% (2009)

industry: 20.3% (2009)

services: 37.3% (2009)

industry and services: 24.2% (2009)

manufacturing: 17.6% (2009)

farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7% (2009)

manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3% (2009)

managerial, professional, and technical: 37.3% (2009)

sales and office: 24.2% (2009)

other services: 17.6% (2009)

note: figures exclude the unemployed

Topic: Uruguayagriculture: 13%

industry: 14%

services: 73% (2010 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistanagriculture: 25.9%

industry: 13.2%

services: 60.9% (2012 est.)

Topic: Vanuatuagriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (2000 est.)

Topic: Venezuelaagriculture: 7.3%

industry: 21.8%

services: 70.9% (4th quarter, 2011 est.)

Topic: Vietnamagriculture: 40.3%

industry: 25.7%

services: 34% (2017)

Topic: Virgin Islandsagriculture: 1%

industry: 19%

services: 80% (2003 est.)

Topic: Wallis and Futunaagriculture: 74%

industry: 3%

services: 23% (2015 est.)

Topic: West Bankagriculture: 11.5%

industry: 34.4%

services: 54.1% (2013 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip

Topic: Worldagriculture: 31%

industry: 23.5%

services: 45.5% (2014 est.)

Topic: Yemennote: most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor forcenote: most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force

Topic: Zambiaagriculture: 54.8%

industry: 9.9%

services: 35.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Zimbabweagriculture: 67.5%

industry: 7.3%

services: 25.2% (2017 est.)


Topic: Photos of Saint Barthelemy

Topic: Introduction
Background: Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, which renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1877 and took control the following year. It was placed under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the islanders voted to secede from Guadeloupe, and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity. In 2012, it became an overseas territory of the EU, allowing it to exert local control over the permanent and temporary immigration of foreign workers including non-French European citizens. Hurricane Irma hit the island in September 2017 causing extensive damage, but Saint Barthelemy recovered by early 2018.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean; located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Saint Barthelemy lies east of the US Virgin Islands
Geographic coordinates: 17 90 N, 62 85 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 25 sq km

land: 25 sq km

water: negligible
Area - comparative: less than one-eighth the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Climate: tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)
Terrain: hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with plentiful beaches
Elevation: highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: few natural resources; beaches foster tourism
Population distribution: most of the populace concentrated in and around the capital of Gustavia, but scattered settlements exist around the island periphery
Geography - note: a 1,200-hectare marine nature reserve, the Reserve Naturelle, is made up of five zones around the island that form a network to protect the island's coral reefs, seagrass, and endangered marine species

Topic: People and Society
Population: 7,116 (July 2021 est.)
Ethnic groups: French, Portuguese, Caribbean, Afro-Caribbean
Languages: French (primary), English

major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witnesses
Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.16% (male 555/female 525)

15-24 years: 7.34% (male 275/female 248)

25-54 years: 41.86% (male 1,618/female 1,363)

55-64 years: 16.29% (male 630/female 530)

65 years and over: 19.35% (male 690/female 688) (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Median age: total: 45.6 years

male: 45.5 years

female: 45.8 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.2% (2021 est.)
Birth rate: 9.29 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 9.01 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Population distribution: most of the populace concentrated in and around the capital of Gustavia, but scattered settlements exist around the island periphery
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.36 years

male: 77.24 years

female: 83.6 years (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.64 children born/woman (2021 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: land-based pollution; urbanization; with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is in short supply, especially in summer, and is provided by the desalination of sea water, the collection of rain water, or imported via water tanker; overfishing
Climate: tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy

conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy

local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy

local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

abbreviation: Saint-Barth (French); St. Barts or St. Barths (English)

etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in honor of his brother Bartolomeo's namesake saint in 1493
Government type: parliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France
Dependency status: overseas collectivity of France
Capital: name: Gustavia

geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named in honor of King Gustav III (1746-1792) of Sweden during whose reign the island was obtained from France in 1784; the name was retained when in 1878 the island was sold back to France
Independence: none (overseas collectivity of France)
National holiday: Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August (1572)
Constitution: history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

amendments: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply
Legal system: French civil law
Citizenship: see France
Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Serge GOUTEYRON (since 16 December 2020)

head of government: President of Territorial Council Bruno MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Territorial Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council

elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; president of Territorial Council indirectly elected by its members for a 5-year term; election last held on 2 April 2017 (next to be held in 2022)

election results: Bruno MAGRAS (SBA) reelected president; Territorial Council vote - NA
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members elected by absolute majority vote in the first round vote and proportional representation vote in the second round; members serve 5-year terms); Saint Barthelemy indirectly elects 1 senator to the French Senate by an electoral college for a 6-year term and directly elects 1 deputy (shared with Saint Martin) to the French National Assembly

elections: Territorial Council - last held on 19 March 2017 (next to be held in September 2022)
French Senate - election last held 24 September 2017 (next to be held in September 2020)
French National Assembly - election last held on 11 and 18 June 2017 (next to be held by June 2022)

election results: Territorial Council - percent of vote by party - SBA 53.7%, United for Saint Barth 20.6%, Saint Barth Essential 18.1%, All for Saint Barth 7.7%; seats by party - SBA 14, United for Saint Barth 2, Saint Barth Essential 2, All for Saint Barth 1; composition - men 9, women 10, percent of women 52.6%
French Senate - percent of vote by party NA; seats by party UMP 1
French National Assembly - percent of vote by party NA; seats by party UMP 1
Political parties and leaders: All for Saint Barth (Tous pour Saint-Barth) [Bettina COINTRE]
Saint Barth Essential (Saint-Barth Autrement) [Marie-Helene BERNIER]
Saint Barth First! (Saint-Barth d'Abord!) or SBA [Bruno MAGRAS] (affiliated with France's Republican party, Les Republicans)
Saint Barth United (Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy) [Xavier LEDEE]
International organization participation: UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas collectivity of France)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas collectivity of France)none (overseas collectivity of France)
Flag description: the flag of France is used
National symbol(s): pelican
National anthem: name: "L'Hymne a St. Barthelemy" (Hymn to St. Barthelemy)

lyrics/music: Isabelle Massart DERAVIN/Michael VALENTI

note: local anthem in use since 1999; as a collectivity of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host 70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism. The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources and most manufactured goods. The tourism sector creates a strong employment demand and attracts labor from Brazil and Portugal. The country’s currency is the euro.
Exports - partners: France 60%, Germany 27% (2019)
Exports - commodities: beauty products, broadcasting equipment, sunflower seed oil, plastics, cars (2019)
Imports - partners: France 78%, Switzerland 7%, Italy 7% (2019)
Imports - commodities: furniture, wine, refined petroleum, jewelry, food preparation materials (2019)
Exchange rates: 2013 est.)

0.885 (2017 est.)

0.903 (2016 est.)

0.9214 (2015 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)

Topic: Communications
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: fully integrated access; 4G and LTE services (2019)

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems, 3 FM channels, no broadcasting (2018)

international: country code - 590; landing points for the SSCS and the Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cables providing voice and data connectivity to numerous Caribbean Islands (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 2 local TV broadcasters; 5 FM radio channels (2021)
Internet country code: .bl; note - .gp, the Internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the Internet country code for France, might also be encountered
Internet users: total: 2,025 (2021 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 1 (2013)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2019)
Roadways: total: 40 km
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Gustavia
Transportation - note: nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located on Sint Maarten

Topic: Military and Security
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France


This entry provides the mean (average) age of mothers at the birth of their first child. It is a useful indicator for gauging the success of family planning programs aiming to reduce maternal mortality, increase contraceptive use – particularly among married and unmarried adolescents – delay age at first marriage, and improve the health of newborns.

Topic: Afghanistan19.9 years (2015 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Albania24.8 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Andorra32.8 years (2019)

Topic: Angola19.4 years (2015/16 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Armenia25.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Australia28.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Austria29.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijan24 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Bangladesh18.6 years (2017/18 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Belarus26.8 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Belgium29.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Benin20.5 years (2017/18 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Bolivia21.2 years (2008 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina27.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Bulgaria26.3 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Burkina Faso19.4 years (2010 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Burma24.7 years (2015/16 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Burundi21.5 years (2016/17 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Cambodia22.4 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Cameroon20.1 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Canada29.4 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Chad18.1 years (2014/15 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Colombia21.7 years (2015 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Comoros23 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the19.9 years (2013/14 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Congo, Republic of the19.8 years (2011/12 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire19.6 years (2011/12 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Croatia28.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Cyprus29.2 years (2019 est.)

note: data represent only government-controlled areas

Topic: Czechia28.5 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Denmark29.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republic20.9 years (2013 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Egypt22.6 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: El Salvador20.8 years (2008 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Eritrea21.3 years (2010 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Estonia28.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Ethiopia19.3 years (2019 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Finland29.4 years (2019 est.)

Topic: France28.8 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Gabon19.6 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Gambia, The20.7 years (2019/20 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Georgia25.9 years (2019 est.)

note: data do not cover Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Topic: Germany29.8 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Ghana20.7 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Greece29.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Guatemala20.6 years (2014/15 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Guinea19.9 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Guyana20.8 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Haiti22.4 years (2016/7 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Honduras20.3 years (2011/12 est.)

note: median age a first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Hong Kong29.8 years (2008 est.)

Topic: Hungary28.3 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Iceland28.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: India21 years (2015/16)

note: median age a first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Indonesia22.4 years (2017 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Ireland30.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Israel27.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Italy31.3 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Jamaica21.2 years (2008 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Japan30.7 years (2018 est.)

Topic: Jordan24.6 years (2017/18 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Kazakhstan28.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Kenya20.3 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Kiribati23.1 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Korea, South32.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan22.6 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Latvia27.3 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Lesotho20.9 years (2014 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Liberia19.1 years (2019/20 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Liechtenstein31.3 years (2017)

Topic: Lithuania27.5 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Luxembourg31.1 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Madagascar19.5 years (2008/09 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Malawi19.1 years (2015/16 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Maldives24.5 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Mali19.2 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Malta29 years (2019 est.)

note: data refer to the average of the different childbearing ages of first-order births

Topic: Mexico21.3 years (2008 est.)

Topic: Moldova25.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Mongolia20.5 years (2008 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-24

Topic: Montenegro26.3 years (2010 est.)

Topic: Mozambique19.2 years (2011 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Namibia21.6 years (2013 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Nepal21.6 years (2016 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Netherlands30.1 years (2019 est.)

Topic: New Zealand27.8 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth

Topic: Nicaragua19.2 years (2011/12 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Niger20.4 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Nigeria20.4 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: North Macedonia27 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Norway29.7 years (2019 est.)

note: data is calculated based on actual age at first births

Topic: Pakistan22.8 years (2017/18 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Papua New Guineanote: median age a first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Paraguay22.9 years (2008 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Peru21.9 years (2013 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Philippines23.5 years (2017 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Poland27.6 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Portugal29.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Romania26.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Russia25.2 years (2013 est.)

Topic: Rwanda22.7 years (2014/15 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Samoa23.6 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: San Marino31.9 years (2019)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe19.4 years (2008/09 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Senegal21.9 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Serbia28.1 years (2019 est.)

note: data do not cover Kosovo or Metohija

Topic: Sierra Leone19.6 years (2019 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Singapore30.5 years (2015 est.)

median age

Topic: Slovakia27.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Slovenia28.9 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islands22.6 years (2015 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29

Topic: Spain31.1 years (201 est.)

Topic: Sri Lanka25.6 years (2016 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 30-34

Topic: Sweden29.5 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Switzerland30.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Tajikistan21.9 years (2017 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Tanzania19.8 years (2015/16 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Thailand23.3 years (2009 est.)

Topic: Timor-Leste23 years (2016 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Togo20.9 years (2013/14 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Tonga24.9 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Turkey26.4 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistan24.2 years (2019)

Topic: Uganda19.4 years (2016 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Ukraine26.2 years (2019 est.)

Topic: United Kingdom29 years (2018 est.)

note: data represent England and Wales only

Topic: United States27 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistan23.7 years (2019 est.)

Topic: Yemen20.8 years (2013 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49

Topic: Zambia19.2 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Topic: Zimbabwe20.3 years (2015 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49