US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Mongolia due to COVID-19. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days. If you know you will be in country for more than 30 days, register with Mongolian Immigration within 7 days of arrival.
US Embassy/Consulate: +976-7007-6001; US Embassy Ulaanbaatar, Denver Street #3, 11th Micro-District, Ulaanbaatar 14190, Mongolia; UlaanbaatarACS@state.gov;

https://mn.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 976
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 103; Fire: 101; Police: 102
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)
Currency (Code): Togrog/tugriks (MNT)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages: Mongolian, Turkic, Russian
Major Religions: Buddhist 53%, Muslim 3%, Shamanist 2.9%, Christian 2.2%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Saturday in March; ends last Saturday in September; note: Mongolia has two time zones - Ulaanbaatar Time (8 hours in advance of UTC) and Hovd Time (7 hours in advance of UTC)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested / Note: Mongolia is sparsely inhabited and most of the country's road network consists of simple cross-country tracks.
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Karakorum; Gorkhi-Terelj National Park; Lake Khovsgol; Altai Tavan Bogd National Park; Orkhon Valley; Khustain Nuruu National Park; Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
Major Sports: Soccer, horse racing, archery, wrestling, basketball
Cultural Practices: Displaying the middle finger outward is not the obscene gesture that it is in many western countries, but rather translates to "so-so."
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary. It is accepted practice to tip guides and drivers $10-20 (USD) per person per day.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


Topic: Photos of Congo, Republic of the

Topic: Introduction
Background: Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992, and sparked a short period of ethnic and political unrest that was resolved by a peace agreement in late 1999. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and elections arranged shortly thereafter installed SASSOU-Nguesso. Following a year of renewed fighting, President SASSOU-Nguesso and southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. SASSOU-Nguesso was reeelected in 2009 and, after passing a referendum allowing him to run for a third term, was reelected again in 2016. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Geographic coordinates: 1 00 S, 15 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 342,000 sq km

land: 341,500 sq km

water: 500 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Montana; about twice the size of Florida
Land boundaries: total: 5,554 km

border countries (5): Angola 231 km; Cameroon 494 km; Central African Republic 487 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Gabon 2,567 km
Coastline: 169 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
Elevation: highest point: Mont Nabeba 1,020 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 430 m
Natural resources: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 31.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 29.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 65.6% (2018 est.)

other: 3.3% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 20 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km): Ubangi (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Major aquifers: Congo Basin
Population distribution: the population is primarily located in the south, in and around the capital of Brazzaville as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: seasonal flooding
Geography - note: about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them
Map description: Republic of the Congo map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.Republic of the Congo map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 5,546,307 (2022 est.)

note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo
Ethnic groups: Kongo 40.5%, Teke 16.9%, Mbochi 13.1%, foreigner 8.2%, Sangha 5.6%, Mbere/Mbeti/Kele 4.4%, Punu 4.3%, Pygmy 1.6%, Oubanguiens 1.6%, Duma 1.5%, Makaa 1.3%, other and unspecified 1% (2014-15 est.)
Languages: French (official), French Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

major-language sample(s):
Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Roman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguiste 1.5%, other 8.1%, none 11.3% (2007 est.)
Demographic profile: The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with nearly 70% of Congolese living in urban areas.  The population is concentrated in the southwest of the country, mainly in the capital Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and along the railway line that connects the two.  The tropical jungles in the north of the country are sparsely populated.  Most Congolese are Bantu, and most belong to one of four main ethnic groups, the Kongo, Teke, Mbochi, and Sangha, which consist of over 70 subgroups. The Republic of Congo is in the early stages of a demographic transition, whereby a population shifts from high fertility and mortality rates to low fertility and mortality rates associated with industrialized societies.  Its total fertility rate (TFR), the average number of children born per woman, remains high at 4.4.  While its TFR has steadily decreased, the progress slowed beginning in about 1995.  The slowdown in fertility reduction has delayed the demographic transition and Congo’s potential to reap a demographic dividend, the economic boost that can occur when the share of the working-age population is larger than the dependent age groups.  The TFR differs significantly between urban and rural areas – 3.7 in urban areas versus 6.5 in rural areas.  The TFR also varies among regions.  The urban regions of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire have much lower TFRs than other regions, which are predominantly or completely rural.  The gap between desired fertility and actual fertility is also greatest in rural areas.  Rural families may have more children to contribute to agricultural production and/or due to a lack of information about and access to contraception.  Urban families may prefer to have fewer children because raising them is more expensive and balancing work and childcare may be more difficult.  The number of births among teenage girls, the frequency of giving birth before the age of fifteen, and a lack of education are the most likely reasons for higher TFRs in rural areas.  Although 90% of school-age children are enrolled in primary school, repetition and dropout rates are high and the quality of education is poor.  Congolese women with no or little education start having children earlier and have more children in total than those with at least some secondary education.  The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with nearly 70% of Congolese living in urban areas.  The population is concentrated in the southwest of the country, mainly in the capital Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and along the railway line that connects the two.  The tropical jungles in the north of the country are sparsely populated.  Most Congolese are Bantu, and most belong to one of four main ethnic groups, the Kongo, Teke, Mbochi, and Sangha, which consist of over 70 subgroups.The Republic of Congo is in the early stages of a demographic transition, whereby a population shifts from high fertility and mortality rates to low fertility and mortality rates associated with industrialized societies.  Its total fertility rate (TFR), the average number of children born per woman, remains high at 4.4.  While its TFR has steadily decreased, the progress slowed beginning in about 1995.  The slowdown in fertility reduction has delayed the demographic transition and Congo’s potential to reap a demographic dividend, the economic boost that can occur when the share of the working-age population is larger than the dependent age groups. The TFR differs significantly between urban and rural areas – 3.7 in urban areas versus 6.5 in rural areas.  The TFR also varies among regions.  The urban regions of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire have much lower TFRs than other regions, which are predominantly or completely rural.  The gap between desired fertility and actual fertility is also greatest in rural areas.  Rural families may have more children to contribute to agricultural production and/or due to a lack of information about and access to contraception.  Urban families may prefer to have fewer children because raising them is more expensive and balancing work and childcare may be more difficult.  The number of births among teenage girls, the frequency of giving birth before the age of fifteen, and a lack of education are the most likely reasons for higher TFRs in rural areas.  Although 90% of school-age children are enrolled in primary school, repetition and dropout rates are high and the quality of education is poor.  Congolese women with no or little education start having children earlier and have more children in total than those with at least some secondary education.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 41.57% (male 1,110,484/female 1,089,732)

15-24 years: 17.14% (male 454,981/female 452,204)

25-54 years: 33.5% (male 886,743/female 886,312)

55-64 years: 4.59% (male 125,207/female 117,810)

65 years and over: 3.2% (2020 est.) (male 75,921/female 93,676)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 78.7

youth dependency ratio: 73.7

elderly dependency ratio: 4.9

potential support ratio: 20.3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 19.5 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 19.7 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.34% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 31.82 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.38 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: the population is primarily located in the south, in and around the capital of Brazzaville as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 68.7% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 2.553 million BRAZZAVILLE (capital), 1.295 million Pointe-Noire (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.6 years (2011/12 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 378 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 47.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 52.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.1 years

male: 60.65 years

female: 63.61 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.36 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 30.1% (2014/15)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.5% of population

rural: 56.4% of population

total: 84.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.5% of population

rural: 43.6% of population

total: 15.8% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 2.1% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.1 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 73.4% of population

rural: 15.1% of population

total: 54.7% of population

unimproved: urban: 26.6% of population

rural: 84.9% of population

total: 45.3% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3.3% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 110,000 (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 6,100 (2020 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies

note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; the Republic of the Congo is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 9.6% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 14.5% (2020 est.)

male: 26.8% (2020 est.)

female: 2.1% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 12.3% (2014/15)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 8.4%

women married by age 18: 29.1%

men married by age 18: 5.6% (2018 est.)
Education expenditures: 3.9% of GDP (2019 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 80.3%

male: 86.1%

female: 74.6% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2012)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation; wildlife protection
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 38.67 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 3.28 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 2.24 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Land use: agricultural land: 31.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 29.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 65.6% (2018 est.)

other: 3.3% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 68.7% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 3.17% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies

note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; the Republic of the Congo is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to floods - on 29 November 2021, a state of emergency was declared due to floods in northern areas that caused crop and livestock losses, and displaced people, particularly in Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette and Plateaux departments; it is estimated that about 71,700 people have been affected, (2022)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 451,200 tons (1993 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 118,214 tons (2005 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 26.2% (2005 est.)
Major rivers (by length in km): Ubangi (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Major aquifers: Congo Basin
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 63.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 24 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 832 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Congo

conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville)

local long form: Republique du Congo

local short form: Congo

former: French Congo, Middle Congo, People's Republic of the Congo, Congo/Brazzaville

etymology: named for the Congo River, which makes up much of the country's eastern border; the river name derives from Kongo, a Bantu kingdom that occupied its mouth at the time of Portuguese discovery in the late 15th century and whose name stems from its people the Bakongo, meaning "hunters"
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Brazzaville

geographic coordinates: 4 15 S, 15 17 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named after the Italian-born French explorer and humanitarian, Pierre Savorgnan de BRAZZA (1852-1905), who promoted French colonial interests in central Africa and worked against slavery and the abuse of African laborers
Administrative divisions: 12 departments (departments, singular - department); Bouenza, Brazzaville, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pointe-Noire, Pool, Sangha
Independence: 15 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 15 August (1960)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved by referendum 25 October 2015

amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; passage of presidential proposals requires Supreme Court review followed by approval in a referendum; such proposals may also be submitted directly to Parliament, in which case passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote of both houses in joint session; proposals by Parliament require three-fourths majority vote of both houses in joint session; constitutional articles including those affecting the country’s territory, republican form of government, and secularity of the state are not amendable
Legal system: mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Republic of the Congo

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Clement MOUAMBA (since 24 April 2016); note - a constitutional referendum held in 2015 approved the change of the head of government from the president to the prime minister (2019)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 additional terms); election last held on 21 March 2021 (next to be held on 21 March 2026)

election results: Denis SASSOU-Nguesso reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (PCT) 88.4%, Guy Price Parfait KOLELAS (MCDDI) 8.0%, other 3.6%  (2021)
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of:
Senate (72 seats; members indirectly elected by local, district, and regional councils by simple majority vote to serve 6-year terms with one-half of membership renewed every 3 years)
National Assembly (151 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed; members serve 5-year terms)

elections:
Senate - last held on 31 August 2017 for expiry of half the seats (next to be held in 2020)
National Assembly - last held on 16 and 30 July 2017 (next to be held in July 2022)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 46, independent 12, MAR 2, RDPS 2, UPADS 2, DRD 1, FP 1, MCDDI 1, PRL 1, Pulp 1, PUR 1, RC 1; composition - men 58, women 14, percent of women 19.4%

National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PCT 96, UPADS 8, MCDDI 4, other 23 (less than 4 seats) independent 20; composition - men 134, women 17, percent of women 11.3%; note - total Parliament percent of women 13.9%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members); note - a High Court of Justice, outside the judicial authority, tries cases involving treason by the president of the republic

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by Parliament and serve until age 65; Constitutional Court members appointed by the president of the republic - 3 directly by the president and 6 nominated by Parliament; members appointed for renewable 9-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 3 years

subordinate courts: Court of Audit and Budgetary Discipline; courts of appeal; regional and district courts; employment tribunals; juvenile courts
Political parties and leaders: Action Movement for Renewal or MAR [Roland BOUITI-VIAUDO]
Citizen's Rally or RC [Claude Alphonse NSILOU]
Congolese Labour Party or PCT [Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO]
Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI [Guy Price Parfait KOLELAS]
Movement for Unity, Solidarity, and Work or MUST [Claudine MUNARI]
Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Pascal Tsaty MABIALA]
Party for the Unity of the Republic or PUR
Patriotic Union for Democracy and Progress or UPDP [Auguste-Celestin GONGARD NKOUA]
Prospects and Realities Club or CPR
Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS [Bernard BATCHI]
Rally of the Presidential Majority or RMP
Republican and Liberal Party or PRL [Bonaventure MIZIDY]
Union for the Republic or UR
Union of Democratic Forces or UDF
Union for Democracy and Republic or UDR
many smaller parties
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC (observer), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI (since 31 July 2001)

chancery: 1720 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

email address and website:
info@ambacongo-us.org

http://www.ambacongo-us.org/en-us/home.aspx

consulate(s): New Orleans
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eugene S. YOUNG (since 2022)

embassy: 70-83 Section D, Boulevard Denis Sassou N'Guesso, Brazzaville

mailing address: 2090 Brazzaville Place, Washington DC 20521-2090

telephone: [242] 06 612-2000, [242] 05 387-9700

email address and website:
BrazzavilleACS@state.gov

https://cg.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests, yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained but has been associated with the struggle for independence

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia
National symbol(s): lion, elephant; national colors: green, yellow, red
National anthem: name: "La Congolaise" (The Congolese)

lyrics/music: Jacques TONDRA and Georges KIBANGHI/Jean ROYER and Joseph SPADILIERE

note: originally adopted 1959, restored 1991
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Sangha Trinational Forest

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The Republic of the Congo’s economy is a mixture of subsistence farming, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. Natural gas is increasingly being converted to electricity rather than being flared, greatly improving energy prospects. New mining projects, particularly iron ore, which entered production in late 2013, may add as much as $1 billion to annual government revenue. The Republic of the Congo is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and shares a common currency – the Central African Franc – with five other member states in the region.   The current administration faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices that began in 2014 has constrained government spending; lower oil prices forced the government to cut more than $1 billion in planned spending. The fiscal deficit amounted to 11% of GDP in 2017. The government’s inability to pay civil servant salaries has resulted in multiple rounds of strikes by many groups, including doctors, nurses, and teachers. In the wake of a multi-year recession, the country reached out to the IMF in 2017 for a new program; the IMF noted that the country’s continued dependence on oil, unsustainable debt, and significant governance weakness are key impediments to the country’s economy. In 2018, the country’s external debt level will approach 120% of GDP. The IMF urged the government to renegotiate debts levels to sustainable levels before it agreed to a new macroeconomic adjustment package.The Republic of the Congo’s economy is a mixture of subsistence farming, an industrial sector based largely on oil and support services, and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. Natural gas is increasingly being converted to electricity rather than being flared, greatly improving energy prospects. New mining projects, particularly iron ore, which entered production in late 2013, may add as much as $1 billion to annual government revenue. The Republic of the Congo is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and shares a common currency – the Central African Franc – with five other member states in the region. The current administration faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. The drop in oil prices that began in 2014 has constrained government spending; lower oil prices forced the government to cut more than $1 billion in planned spending. The fiscal deficit amounted to 11% of GDP in 2017. The government’s inability to pay civil servant salaries has resulted in multiple rounds of strikes by many groups, including doctors, nurses, and teachers. In the wake of a multi-year recession, the country reached out to the IMF in 2017 for a new program; the IMF noted that the country’s continued dependence on oil, unsustainable debt, and significant governance weakness are key impediments to the country’s economy. In 2018, the country’s external debt level will approach 120% of GDP. The IMF urged the government to renegotiate debts levels to sustainable levels before it agreed to a new macroeconomic adjustment package.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $19.03 billion (2020 est.)

$20.68 billion (2019 est.)

$20.63 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -3.1% (2017 est.)

-2.8% (2016 est.)

2.6% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $3,400 (2020 est.)

$3,800 (2019 est.)

$3,900 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $8.718 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.2% (2019 est.)

1.1% (2018 est.)

0.4% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: CCC (2019)

Moody's rating: Caa2 (2018)

Standard & Poors rating: CCC+ (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 9.3% (2017 est.)

industry: 51% (2017 est.)

services: 39.7% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 47.6% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 9.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 42.5% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 62.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -62.7% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: cassava, sugar cane, oil palm fruit, cassava leaves, bananas, plantains, roots/tubers, game meat, vegetables, mangoes/guavas
Industries: petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes
Industrial production growth rate: -3% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 2.055 million (2016 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 35.4%

industry: 20.6%

services: 44% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 36% (2014 est.)
Population below poverty line: 40.9% (2011 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 48.9 (2011 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 37.1% (2005)
Budget: revenues: 1.965 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 2.578 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 130.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

128.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 22.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$1.128 billion (2017 est.)

-$5.735 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $4.193 billion (2017 est.)

$4.116 billion (2016 est.)
Exports - partners: China 49%, United Arab Emirates 15%, India 6%, Italy 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, copper, lumber, ships, refined petroleum (2019)
Imports: $2.501 billion (2017 est.)

$5.639 billion (2016 est.)
Imports - partners: China 15%, France 12%, Belgium 6%, Angola 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: ships, chicken products, refined petroleum, processed fish, packaged medicines (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $505.7 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$727.1 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $4.605 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$4.721 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar -

579.8 (2017 est.)

593.01 (2016 est.)

593.01 (2015 est.)

591.45 (2014 est.)

494.42 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 72% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 89% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 36% (2019)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 629,000 kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 2,065,580,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 44 million kWh (2019 est.)

imports: 23 million kWh (2019 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 1.623 billion kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 70.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 29.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 270,900 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 12,600 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 331,700 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 2.882 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 15,760 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 5,766 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 7,162 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 1,400,209,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)

consumption: 1,400,209,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 283.989 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 4.523 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 1.777 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 2.747 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 16.156 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 17,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4.89 million (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 89 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: suffering from economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty; primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order; youth are seeking the Internet more than their parents and often gain access through cyber cafes; only the most affluent have Internet access in their homes; operator has plans to upgrade national broadband through fiber link to WACS landing station at Pointe-Noire with connections to Angola and DRC; fiber network project with aims to connect north and south regions; DRC operator added fiber link between Brazzaville and Kinshasa (2020)

domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate, providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has surged to nearly 99 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 242; WACS submarine cables to Europe and Western and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic 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 a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio stations; several privately owned TV and radio stations; satellite TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international broadcasters are available
Internet country code: .cg
Internet users: total: 484,245 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 9% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.02 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 333,899 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.6 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TN
Airports: total: 27 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 2 (2021)
Pipelines: 232 km gas, 4 km liquid petroleum gas, 982 km oil (2013)
Railways: total: 510 km (2014)

narrow gauge: 510 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Roadways: total: 23,324 km (2017)

paved: 3,111 km (2017)

unpaved: 20,213 km (2017)

note: road network in Congo is composed of 23,324 km of which 17,000 km are classified as national, departmental, and routes of local interest: 6,324 km are non-classified routes
Waterways: 1,120 km (2011) (commercially navigable on Congo and Oubangui Rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the coast is not navigable because of rapids, necessitating a rail connection to Pointe-Noire; other rivers are used for local traffic only)
Merchant marine: total: 11

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 9 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Pointe-Noire

oil terminal(s): Djeno

river port(s): Brazzaville (Congo)

Impfondo (Oubangui) Ouesso (Sangha) Oyo (Alima)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Congolaises, FAC): Army, Navy, Congolese Air Force, Gendarmerie (2022)
Military expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2021 est.)

3.2% of GDP (2020 est.)

2.3% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $350 million)

2.1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $330 million)

3.6% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $580 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 12,000 active duty troops (8,000 Army; 800 Navy; 1,000 Air Force; 2,000 Gendarmerie) (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FAC is armed with mostly ageing Russian and Soviet-era weapons, with a smaller mix of French and South African equipment; the leading supplier of arms to the FAC since 2010 is South Africa (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in the armed forces (2021)
Military - note: as of 2022, the FAC had limited capabilities due to obsolescent and poorly maintained equipment and low levels of training; its primary focus was internal security; since its creation in 1961, the FAC has had a turbulent history; it has been sidelined by some national leaders in favor of personal militias, endured an internal rebellion (1996), and clashed with various rebel groups and political or ethnic militias (1993-1996, 2002-2005, 2017); during the 1997-1999 civil war, the military generally split along ethnic lines, with most northern officers supporting eventual winner SASSOU-Nguesso, and most southerners backing the rebels; others joined ethnic-based factions loyal to regional warlords; forces backing SASSOU-Nguesso were supported by Angolan troops and received some French assistance; the FAC also has undergone at least three reorganizations that included the incorporation of former rebel combatants and various ethnic and political militias; in recent years, France has provided some advice and training, and a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in 2019as of 2022, the FAC had limited capabilities due to obsolescent and poorly maintained equipment and low levels of training; its primary focus was internal security; since its creation in 1961, the FAC has had a turbulent history; it has been sidelined by some national leaders in favor of personal militias, endured an internal rebellion (1996), and clashed with various rebel groups and political or ethnic militias (1993-1996, 2002-2005, 2017); during the 1997-1999 civil war, the military generally split along ethnic lines, with most northern officers supporting eventual winner SASSOU-Nguesso, and most southerners backing the rebels; others joined ethnic-based factions loyal to regional warlords; forces backing SASSOU-Nguesso were supported by Angolan troops and received some French assistance; the FAC also has undergone at least three reorganizations that included the incorporation of former rebel combatants and various ethnic and political militias; in recent years, France has provided some advice and training, and a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in 2019

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Republic of the Congo-Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC): the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Republic of the Congo-Angola: (Kabinda Exclave) None identifiedRepublic of the Congo-Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC): the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area

Republic of the Congo-Angola: (Kabinda Exclave) None identified
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 29,185 (Central African Republic), 22,133 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022)

IDPs: 159,830 (multiple civil wars since 1992) (2022)


Note: At this time, only three countries - Burma, Liberia, and the US - have not adopted the International System of Units (SI, or metric system) as their official system of weights and measures. Although use of the metric system has been sanctioned by law in the US since 1866, it has been slow in displacing the American adaptation of the British Imperial System known as the US Customary System. The US is the only industrialized nation that does not mainly use the metric system in its commercial and standards activities, but there is increasing acceptance in science, medicine, government, and many sectors of industry.


Topic: Introduction
Background: British explorers established the colony of Equatoria in 1870,  which composed most of what is now South Sudan. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was declared that the southerners would be able to participate fully in the political system. A referendum, held in January 2011, was in favor of secession and South Sudan gained independence on 9 July 2011.British explorers established the colony of Equatoria in 1870,  which composed most of what is now South Sudan. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was declared that the southerners would be able to participate fully in the political system. A referendum, held in January 2011, was in favor of secession and South Sudan gained independence on 9 July 2011.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 644,329 sq km
Climate: hot with seasonal rainfall influenced by the annual shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone; rainfall heaviest in upland areas of the south and diminishes to the north
Natural resources: hydropower, fertile agricultural land, gold, diamonds, petroleum, hardwoods, limestone, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver

Topic: People and Society
Population: 11,544,905 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Dinka (Jieng) approximately 35-40%, Nuer (Naath) approximately 15%, Shilluk (Chollo), Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona, Acholi, Baka, Fertit (2011 est.)
Languages: English (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk
Religions: Christian 60.5%, folk religion 32.9%, Muslim 6.2%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 4.91% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Juba
Executive branch: chief of state: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011); First Vice President Riek MACHAR Teny Dhurgon (since 22 February 2020); Vice President James Wani IGGA (since 22 February 2020); Vice President TABAN Deng Gai (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Chol GARANG de Mabior (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Hussein ABDELBAGI Ayii (since 22 February 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011); First Vice President Taban Deng GAI (since 26 July 2016); Vice President James Wani IGGA (since 22 February 2020); Vice President TABAN Deng Gai (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Chol GARANG de Mabior (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Hussein ABDELBAGI Ayii (since 22 February 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Legislature consists of:
Council of States, pending establishment as stipulated by the 2018 peace deal
Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), established on 4 August 2016, in accordance with the August 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan; note - originally 400 seats; the TNLA was expanded to 550 members from 400 and reestablished in May 2020 under the 2018 peace agreement

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: low-income, oil-based Sahelian economy; extreme poverty and food insecurity; COVID-19 and ongoing violence threaten socioeconomic potential; environmentally fragile; ongoing land and property rights issues; natural resource rich but lacks infrastructurelow-income, oil-based Sahelian economy; extreme poverty and food insecurity; COVID-19 and ongoing violence threaten socioeconomic potential; environmentally fragile; ongoing land and property rights issues; natural resource rich but lacks infrastructure
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $20.01 billion (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $1,600 (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, sorghum, vegetables, cassava, goat milk, fruit, beef, sesame seed, sheep milk, mutton
Exports: $3.01 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners: China 88%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, gold, forage crops, lumber, insect resins (2019)
Imports: $3.07 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners: United Arab Emirates 37%, Kenya 18%, China 18% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars, delivery trucks, packaged medicines, foodstuffs, clothing and apparel (2019)Page last updated: Friday, May 13, 2022


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Botswana. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate: [267] 395-3982; US Embassy Gaborone, Embassy Drive, Government Enclave, (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone, Botswana; https://bw.usembassy.gov/; ConsularGabarone@state.gov
Telephone Code: 267
Local Emergency Phone: 997911
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Currency (Code): Botswana pulas (BWP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G

Major Languages: Setswana, Sekalanga, Shekgalagadi, English, Zezuru/Shona, Sesarwa, Sembukushu, Ndebele
Major Religions: Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4%, none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3%
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Chobe National Park; Okavango Delta; Tsodilo Hills; Nxai Pan National Park; Tuli Block; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Major Sports: Soccer, boxing, softball, cricket, rugby
Cultural Practices: Handshakes, in Botswana, are more intricate than in western countries and involve the left hand placed under the right elbow.
Tipping Guidelines: Tip $1-2 (USD) per bag for porters to bring luggage to your room. A $1-2 (USD) tip for hotel staff is also common. A $10 (USD) per day tip is average for guides.
Souvenirs: Woven baskets, native dolls, leather and textile items, wood carvings, jewelry and ostrich shell items
Traditional Cuisine: Seswaa (or loswao) — beef or goat meat boiled with salt until tender and sometimes pounded; often served with maize meal, ground corn, or sorghumPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than a year.
US Embassy/Consulate: [355] 4 2247-285; US Embassy Tirana, Rruga Stavro Vinjau, No. 14, Tirana, Albania; https://al.usembassy.gov/; ACSTirana@state.gov
Telephone Code: 355
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 17; Fire: 18; Police: 19
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear summers; interior is cooler and wetter
Currency (Code): Leke (ALL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Albanian 98.8% (official), Greek 0.5%, other minority languages
Major Religions: Muslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, other minority religions
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Porto Palermo Castle; Valbona Valley; Apollonia; Saranda; Tirana; Himare; Berat; Shkodra; Pindus Mts. & Dinaric Alps; Kruje; Butrint; Gjirokastra
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, boxing
Cultural Practices: Albanians will usually save gifts to open in private. Wrapping them nicely is a good idea.
Tipping Guidelines: Rounding up the bill at restaurants is fine, unless the service was outstanding, in which case, a good tip will be much appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but if they help with your luggage and provide you with tourist information, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping the housekeeping staff is not necessary but appreciated.
Souvenirs: Woven kilim rugs, alabaster, copper crafts, leather footwear, perfumesPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022


Topic: Introduction
Background: The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 5,765 sq km

land: 5,265 sq km

water: 500 sq km
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber

Topic: People and Society
Population: 478,054 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.)
Languages: Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects
Religions: Muslim (official) 80.9%, Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.45% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: absolute monarchy or sultanate
Capital: name: Bandar Seri Begawan
Executive branch: chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei (33 seats; 20 members appointed by the sultan from ex-officio cabinet ministers, titled people, and prominent citizens in public service and various professional fields and 13 members from 4 multi-seat constituencies, and 3 ex-officio members - the speaker and first and second secretaries

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchangealmost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $27.23 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $62,200 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: poultry, eggs, fruit, cassava, bananas, legumes, cucumbers, rice, pineapples, beef
Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation
Exports: $7.83 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners: Japan 34%, Australia 12%, Singapore 10%, India 8%, Malaysia 8%, Thailand 7%, China 6%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, industrial hydrocarbons (2019)
Imports: $6.81 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners: Singapore 18%, China 14%, Malaysia 12%, Nigeria 5%, United Arab Emirates 5%, United States 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, tug boats, valves (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022


This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and other inland bodies of water.

Topic: Afghanistan1,200 km (2011) (chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT)

Topic: Albania41 km (2011) (on the Bojana River)

Topic: Angola1,300 km (2011)

Topic: Argentina11,000 km (2012)

Topic: Australia2,000 km (2011) (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling River systems)

Topic: Austria358 km (2011)

Topic: Bangladesh8,370 km (2011) (includes up to 3,060 km of main cargo routes; network reduced to 5,200 km in the dry season)

Topic: Belarus2,500 km (2011) (major rivers are the west-flowing Western Dvina and Neman Rivers and the south-flowing Dnepr River and its tributaries, the Berezina, Sozh, and Pripyat Rivers)

Topic: Belgium2,043 km (2012) (1,528 km in regular commercial use)

Topic: Belize825 km (2011) (navigable only by small craft)

Topic: Benin150 km (2011) (seasonal navigation on River Niger along northern border)

Topic: Bolivia10,000 km (2012) (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the northern and eastern parts of the country)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina(2011) (Sava River on northern border; open to shipping but use limited)

Topic: Brazil50,000 km (2012) (most in areas remote from industry and population)

Topic: Brunei209 km (2012) (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the Belait, Brunei, and Tutong Rivers are major transport links)

Topic: Bulgaria470 km (2009)

Topic: Burma12,800 km (2011)

Topic: Burundi(2011) (mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Topic: Cambodia3,700 km (2012) (mainly on Mekong River)

Topic: Cameroon(2010) (major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of Garoua)

Topic: Canada636 km (2011) (Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States)

Topic: Central African Republic2,800 km (2011) (the primary navigable river is the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional route for the export of products because it connected with the Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both sides of the River Congo from 1997, importers and exporters preferred routes through Cameroon)

Topic: Chad(2012) (Chari and Legone Rivers are navigable only in wet season)

Topic: China27,700 km (2020) (navigable waterways)

Topic: Colombia24,725 km (2019) (18,225 km navigable; the most important waterway, the River Magdalena, of which 1,092 km is navigable, is dredged regularly to ensure safe passage of cargo vessels and container barges)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the15,000 km (2011) (including the Congo River, its tributaries, and unconnected lakes)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the1,120 km (2011) (commercially navigable on Congo and Oubangui Rivers above Brazzaville; there are many ferries across the river to Kinshasa; the Congo south of Brazzaville-Kinshasa to the coast is not navigable because of rapids, necessitating a rail connection to Pointe-Noire; other rivers are used for local traffic only)

Topic: Costa Rica730 km (2011) (seasonally navigable by small craft)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire980 km (2011) (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons)

Topic: Croatia785 km (2009)

Topic: Cuba240 km (2011) (almost all navigable inland waterways are near the mouths of rivers)

Topic: Czechia664 km (2010) (principally on Elbe, Vltava, Oder, and other navigable rivers, lakes, and canals)

Topic: Denmark400 km (2010)

Topic: Ecuador1,500 km (2012) (most inaccessible)

Topic: Egypt3,500 km (2018) (includes the Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in Nile Delta; the Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) is navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m)

Topic: El Salvador(2011) (Rio Lempa River is partially navigable by small craft)

Topic: Estonia335 km (2011) (320 km are navigable year-round)

Topic: European Union(2013) 53,384 km

Topic: Fiji203 km (2012) (122 km are navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges)

Topic: Finland8,000 km (2013) (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport used frequently in the summer and widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km); Finland also maintains 8,200 km of coastal fairways

Topic: Francemetropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km navigable by craft up to 3,000 metric tons) (2010)

Topic: Gabon1,600 km (2010) (310 km on Ogooue River)

Topic: Gambia, The390 km (2010) (on River Gambia; small oceangoing vessels can reach 190 km)

Topic: Germany7,467 km (2012) (Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North Sea and Black Sea)

Topic: Ghana1,293 km (2011) (168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta)

Topic: Greece6 km (2012) (the 6-km-long Corinth Canal crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; it shortens a sea voyage by 325 km)

Topic: Guatemala990 km (2012) (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water season)

Topic: Guinea1,300 km (2011) (navigable by shallow-draft native craft in the northern part of the Niger River system)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau(2012) (rivers are partially navigable; many inlets and creeks provide shallow-water access to much of interior)

Topic: Guyana330 km (2012) (the Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo Rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively)

Topic: Honduras465 km (2012) (most navigable only by small craft)

Topic: Hungary1,622 km (2011) (most on Danube River)

Topic: India14,500 km (2012) (5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels)

Topic: Indonesia21,579 km (2011)

Topic: Iran850 km (2012) (on Karun River; some navigation on Lake Urmia)

Topic: Iraq5,279 km (2012) (the Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third River (565 km) are the principal waterways)

Topic: Ireland956 km (2010) (pleasure craft only)

Topic: Italy2,400 km (2012) (used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared to road and rail)

Topic: Japan1,770 km (2010) (seagoing vessels use inland seas)

Topic: Kazakhstan43,983 km (2020) (on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya (Syrdariya) River)

Topic: Kenya(2011) none specifically; the only significant inland waterway is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania

Topic: Kiribati5 km (2012) (small network of canals in Line Islands)

Topic: Korea, North2,250 km (2011) (most navigable only by small craft)

Topic: Korea, South1,600 km (2011) (most navigable only by small craft)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan576 km (2022)

Topic: Laos4,600 km (2012) (primarily on the Mekong River and its tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m)

Topic: Latvia300 km (2010) (navigable year-round)

Topic: Liechtenstein28 km (2010)

Topic: Lithuania441 km (2007) (navigable year-round)

Topic: Luxembourg37 km (2010) (on Moselle River)

Topic: Madagascar600 km (2011) (432 km navigable)

Topic: Malawi700 km (2010) (on Lake Nyasa [Lake Malawi] and Shire River)

Topic: Malaysia7,200 km (2011) (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km)

Topic: Mali1,800 km (2011) (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels)

Topic: Mauritania(2011) (some navigation possible on the Senegal River)

Topic: Mexico2,900 km (2012) (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly connected with ports on the country's east coast)

Topic: Moldova558 km (2011) (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut Rivers)

Topic: Mongolia580 km (2010) (the only waterway in operation is Lake Hovsgol) (135 km); Selenge River (270 km) and Orhon River (175 km) are navigable but carry little traffic; lakes and rivers ice free from May to September)

Topic: Mozambique460 km (2010) (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora Bassa Lake)

Topic: Netherlands6,237 km (2012) (navigable by ships up to 50 tons)

Topic: Nicaragua2,220 km (2011) (navigable waterways as well as the use of the large Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua; rivers serve only the sparsely populated eastern part of the country)

Topic: Niger300 km (2012) (the Niger, the only major river, is navigable to Gaya between September and March)

Topic: Nigeria8,600 km (2011) (Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks)

Topic: Norway1,577 km (2010)

Topic: Panama800 km (2011) (includes the 82-km Panama Canal that is being widened)

Topic: Papua New Guinea11,000 km (2011)

Topic: Paraguay3,100 km (2012) (primarily on the Paraguay and Paraná River systems)

Topic: Peru8,808 km (2011) (8,600 km of navigable tributaries on the Amazon River system and 208 km on Lago Titicaca)

Topic: Philippines3,219 km (2011) (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m)

Topic: Poland3,997 km (2009) (navigable rivers and canals)

Topic: Portugal210 km (2011) (on Douro River from Porto)

Topic: Romania1,731 km (2010) (includes 1,075 km on the Danube River, 524 km on secondary branches, and 132 km on canals)

Topic: Russia102,000 km (2009) (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth; the 72,000-km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea)

Topic: Rwanda(2011) (Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft)

Topic: Senegal1,000 km (2012) (primarily on the Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance Rivers)

Topic: Serbia587 km (2009) (primarily on the Danube and Sava Rivers)

Topic: Sierra Leone800 km (2011) (600 km navigable year-round)

Topic: Slovakia172 km (2012) (on Danube River)

Topic: Slovenia(2012) (some transport on the Drava River)

Topic: South Sudansee entry for Sudan

Topic: Spain1,000 km (2012)

Topic: Sri Lanka160 km (2012) (primarily on rivers in southwest)

Topic: Sudan4,068 km (2011) (1,723 km open year-round on White and Blue Nile Rivers)

Topic: Suriname1,200 km (2011) (most navigable by ships with drafts up to 7 m)

Topic: Sweden2,052 km (2010)

Topic: Switzerland1,292 km (2010) (there are 1,227 km of waterways on lakes and rivers for public transport and 65 km on the Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and Schaffhausen-Bodensee for commercial goods transport)

Topic: Syria900 km (2011) (navigable but not economically significant)

Topic: Tajikistan200 km (2011) (along Vakhsh River)

Topic: Tanzania(2011) (Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) are the principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; the rivers are not navigable)

Topic: Thailand4,000 km (2011) (3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m)

Topic: Togo50 km (2011) (seasonally navigable by small craft on the Mono River depending on rainfall)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)1,200 km (2010)

Topic: Turkmenistan1,300 km (2011) (Amu Darya River and Kara Kum Canal are important inland waterways)

Topic: Uganda(2011) (there are no long navigable stretches of river in Uganda; parts of the Albert Nile that flow out of Lake Albert in the northwestern part of the country are navigable; several lakes including Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga have substantial traffic; Lake Albert is navigable along a 200-km stretch from its northern tip to its southern shores)

Topic: Ukraine1,672 km (2012) (most on Dnieper River)

Topic: United Kingdom3,200 km (2009) (620 km used for commerce)

Topic: United States41,009 km (2012) (19,312 km used for commerce; Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, is shared with Canada)

Topic: Uruguay1,600 km (2011)

Topic: Uzbekistan1,100 km (2012)

Topic: Venezuela7,100 km (2011) (Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by oceangoing vessels)

Topic: Vietnam47,130 km (2011) (30,831 km weight under 50 tons)

Topic: World2,293,412 km (2017)

top ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,693 km; Amazon (South America) 6,436 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,238 km; Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,981 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,569 km; Yangtze (Asia) 5,525 km; Yellow (Asia) 4,671 km; Amur (Asia) 4,352 km; Lena (Asia) 4,345 km; Congo (Africa) 4,344 km

note 1: rivers are not necessarily navigable along the entire length; if measured by volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the world, responsible for about 20% of the Earth's freshwater entering the ocean

note 2: there are 20 countries without rivers: 3 in Africa (Comoros, Djibouti, Libya), 1 in the Americas (Bahamas), 8 in Asia (Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen), 3 in Europe (Malta, Monaco, Holy See), 5 in Oceania (Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu); these countries also do not have natural lakes

top ten largest natural lakes (by surface area): Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan) 372,960 sq km; Lake Superior (Canada, United States) 82,414 sq km; Lake Victoria (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) 69,490 sq km; Lake Huron (Canada, United States) 59,596 sq km; Lake Michigan (United States) 57,441 sq km; Lake Tanganyika (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia) 32,890 sq km; Great Bear Lake (Canada) 31,800 sq km; Lake Baikal (Russia) 31,494 sq km; Lake Nyasa (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania) 30,044 sq km; Great Slave Lake (Canada) 28,400 sq km

note 1: the areas of the lakes are subject to seasonal variation; only the Caspian Sea is saline, the rest are fresh water

note 2: Lakes Huron and Michigan are technically a single lake because the flow of water between the Straits of Mackinac that connects the two lakes keeps their water levels at near-equilibrium; combined, Lake Huron-Michigan is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world

note 3: the deepest lake in the world (1,620 m), and also the largest freshwater lake by volume (23,600 cu km), is Lake Baikal in Russia

Topic: Zambia2,250 km (2010) (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula Rivers)

Topic: Zimbabwe(2011) (some navigation possible on Lake Kariba)


This entry gives the age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted.

Topic: Afghanistan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Albania18 years of age; universal

Topic: Algeria18 years of age; universal

Topic: American Samoa18 years of age; universal

Topic: Andorra18 years of age; universal

Topic: Angola18 years of age; universal

Topic: Anguilla18 years of age; universal

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda18 years of age; universal

Topic: Argentina18-70 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-17 years of age - optional for national elections

Topic: Armenia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Aruba18 years of age; universal

Topic: Australia18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Austria16 years of age; universal

Topic: Azerbaijan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Bahamas, The18 years of age; universal

Topic: Bahrain20 years of age; universal

Topic: Bangladesh18 years of age; universal

Topic: Barbados18 years of age; universal

Topic: Belarus18 years of age; universal

Topic: Belgium18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Belize18 years of age; universal

Topic: Benin18 years of age; universal

Topic: Bermuda18 years of age; universal

Topic: Bhutan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Bolivia18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Topic: Botswana18 years of age; universal

Topic: Brazilvoluntary between 16 to 18 years of age, over 70, and if illiterate; compulsory between 18 to 70 years of age; note - military conscripts by law cannot vote

Topic: British Virgin Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Brunei18 years of age for village elections; universal

Topic: Bulgaria18 years of age; universal

Topic: Burkina Faso18 years of age; universal

Topic: Burma18 years of age; universal

Topic: Burundi18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cabo Verde18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cambodia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cameroon20 years of age; universal

Topic: Canada18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cayman Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Central African Republic18 years of age; universal

Topic: Chad18 years of age; universal

Topic: Chile18 years of age; universal

Topic: China18 years of age; universal

Topic: Christmas Island18 years of age

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands18 years of age

Topic: Colombia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Comoros18 years of age; universal

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Congo, Republic of the18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cook Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Costa Rica18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire18 years of age; universal

Topic: Croatia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cuba16 years of age; universal

Topic: Curacao18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal

Topic: Cyprus18 years of age; universal

Topic: Czechia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Denmark18 years of age; universal

Topic: Djibouti18 years of age; universal

Topic: Dominica18 years of age; universal

Topic: Dominican Republic18 years of age; universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age can vote; note - members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote

Topic: Ecuador18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-18, over 65, and other eligible voters, voluntary

Topic: Egypt18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: El Salvador18 years of age; universal

Topic: Equatorial Guinea18 years of age; universal

Topic: Eritrea18 years of age; universal

Topic: Estonia18 years of age; universal; age 16 for local elections

Topic: Eswatini18 years of age

Topic: Ethiopia18 years of age; universal

Topic: European Union18 years of age (16 years in Austria); universal; voting for the European Parliament is permitted in each member state

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)18 years of age; universal

Topic: Faroe Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Fiji18 years of age; universal

Topic: Finland18 years of age; universal

Topic: France18 years of age; universal

Topic: French Polynesia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Gabon18 years of age; universal

Topic: Gambia, The18 years of age; universal

Topic: Georgia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Germany18 years of age; universal; age 16 for some state and municipal elections

Topic: Ghana18 years of age; universal

Topic: Gibraltar18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more

Topic: Greece17 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Greenland18 years of age; universal

Topic: Grenada18 years of age; universal

Topic: Guam18 years of age; universal; note - Guamanians are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Topic: Guatemala18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of the armed forces and police by law cannot vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day

Topic: Guernsey16 years of age; universal

Topic: Guinea18 years of age; universal

Topic: Guinea-Bissau18 years of age; universal

Topic: Guyana18 years of age; universal

Topic: Haiti18 years of age; universal

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)election of the pope is limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Topic: Honduras18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Hong Kong18 years of age in direct elections for 20 of the 90 Legislative Council seats and all of the seats in 18 district councils; universal for permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past 7 years; note - in indirect elections, suffrage is limited to about 220,000 members of functional constituencies for the other 70 legislature seats and a 1,500-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, municipal organizations, and elected Hong Kong officials

Topic: Hungary18 years of age, 16 if married and marriage is registered in Hungary; universal

Topic: Iceland18 years of age; universal

Topic: India18 years of age; universal

Topic: Indonesia17 years of age; universal; married persons regardless of age

Topic: Iran18 years of age; universal

Topic: Iraq18 years of age; universal

Topic: Ireland18 years of age; universal

Topic: Isle of Man16 years of age; universal

Topic: Israel18 years of age; universal; 17 years of age for municipal elections

Topic: Italy18 years of age; universal except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25

Topic: Jamaica18 years of age; universal

Topic: Japan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Jersey16 years of age; universal

Topic: Jordan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Kazakhstan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Kenya18 years of age; universal

Topic: Kiribati18 years of age; universal

Topic: Korea, North17 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Korea, South18 years of age; universal; note - the voting age was lowered from 19 to 18 beginning with the 2020 national election

Topic: Kosovo18 years of age; universal

Topic: Kuwait21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship

Topic: Kyrgyzstan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Laos18 years of age; universal

Topic: Latvia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Lebanon21 years of age; authorized for all men and women regardless of religion; excludes persons convicted of felonies and other crimes or those imprisoned; excludes all military and security service personnel regardless of rank

Topic: Lesotho18 years of age; universal

Topic: Liberia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Libya18 years of age, universal

Topic: Liechtenstein18 years of age; universal

Topic: Lithuania18 years of age; universal

Topic: Luxembourg18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Macau18 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

Topic: Madagascar18 years of age; universal

Topic: Malawi18 years of age; universal

Topic: Malaysia18 years of age; universal (2019)

Topic: Maldives18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mali18 years of age; universal

Topic: Malta18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal

Topic: Marshall Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mauritania18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mauritius18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mexico18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of18 years of age; universal

Topic: Moldova18 years of age; universal

Topic: Monaco18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mongolia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Montenegro18 years of age; universal

Topic: Montserrat18 years of age; universal

Topic: Morocco18 years of age; universal

Topic: Mozambique18 years of age; universal

Topic: Namibia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Nauru20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Nepal18 years of age; universal

Topic: Netherlands18 years of age; universal

Topic: New Caledonia18 years of age; universal

Topic: New Zealand18 years of age; universal

Topic: Nicaragua16 years of age; universal

Topic: Niger18 years of age; universal

Topic: Nigeria18 years of age; universal

Topic: Niue18 years of age; universal

Topic: Norfolk Island18 years of age; universal

Topic: North Macedonia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Topic: Norway18 years of age; universal

Topic: Oman21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces by law cannot vote

Topic: Pakistan18 years of age; universal; note - there are joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Topic: Palau18 years of age; universal

Topic: Panama18 years of age; universal

Topic: Papua New Guinea18 years of age; universal

Topic: Paraguay18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75

Topic: Peru18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70

Topic: Philippines18 years of age; universal

Topic: Pitcairn Islands18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Topic: Poland18 years of age; universal

Topic: Portugal18 years of age; universal

Topic: Puerto Rico18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Topic: Qatar18 years of age; universal

Topic: Romania18 years of age; universal

Topic: Russia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Rwanda18 years of age; universal

Topic: Saint Barthelemy18 years of age, universal

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha18 years of age

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis18 years of age; universal

Topic: Saint Lucia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Saint Martin18 years of age, universal

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon18 years of age; universal

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines18 years of age; universal

Topic: Samoa21 years of age; universal

Topic: San Marino18 years of age; universal

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe18 years of age; universal

Topic: Saudi Arabia18 years of age; restricted to males; universal for municipal elections

Topic: Senegal18 years of age; universal

Topic: Serbia18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Topic: Seychelles18 years of age; universal

Topic: Sierra Leone18 years of age; universal

Topic: Singapore21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Sint Maarten18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal

Topic: Slovakia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Slovenia18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Topic: Solomon Islands21 years of age; universal

Topic: Somalia18 years of age; universal

Topic: South Africa18 years of age; universal

Topic: South Sudan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Spain18 years of age; universal

Topic: Sri Lanka18 years of age; universal

Topic: Sudan17 years of age; universal

Topic: Suriname18 years of age; universal

Topic: Sweden18 years of age; universal

Topic: Switzerland18 years of age; universal

Topic: Syria18 years of age; universal

Topic: Taiwan20 years of age; universal; note - in March 2022, the Legislative Yuan approved lowering the voting age to 18, but the change will require a constitutional amendment that must be submitted to a referendum

Topic: Tajikistan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Tanzania18 years of age; universal

Topic: Thailand18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Timor-Leste17 years of age; universal

Topic: Togo18 years of age; universal

Topic: Tokelau21 years of age; universal

Topic: Tonga21 years of age; universal

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago18 years of age; universal

Topic: Tunisia18 years of age; universal except for active government security forces (including the police and the military), people with mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended sentence of more than six months

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)18 years of age; universal

Topic: Turkmenistan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands18 years of age; universal

Topic: Tuvalu18 years of age; universal

Topic: Uganda18 years of age; universal

Topic: Ukraine18 years of age; universal

Topic: United Arab Emirateslimited; note - rulers of the seven emirates each select a proportion of voters for the Federal National Council (FNC) that together account for about 12 percent of Emirati citizens

Topic: United Kingdom18 years of age; universal

Topic: United States18 years of age; universal

Topic: Uruguay18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Topic: Uzbekistan18 years of age; universal

Topic: Vanuatu18 years of age; universal

Topic: Venezuela18 years of age; universal

Topic: Vietnam18 years of age; universal

Topic: Virgin Islands18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Topic: Wallis and Futuna18 years of age; universal

Topic: Yemen18 years of age; universal

Topic: Zambia18 years of age; universal

Topic: Zimbabwe18 years of age; universal


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest. Consult its website daily via the link below for any travel advisories about visiting this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [34] (91) 587-2200; US Embassy in Madrid, Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid, Spain; askACS@state.gov;

https://es.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 34
Local Emergency Phone: 112
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast
Currency (Code): Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 58.2%, atheist 16.2%, agnostic 10.8%, other 2.7%, non-believer 10.5%
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: Spain has 2 time zones, including the Canary Islands (UTC 0)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens; Barcelona's Sagrada Familia & Gaudi Sites; Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba; Prado & Paseo del Artes; San Lorenzo de El Escorial; Guggenheim Museum Bilbao; Alcazar of Seville; Royal Palace in Madrid; Coa Valley & Siega Verde; Cave of Altamira; Routes of Santiago de Compostela; Valley of the Fallen
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis, cycling, golf, handball
Cultural Practices: Dinner is served later in Spain than in many other countries. It is common for the meal to be served around 9 p.m.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is determined by the time and place you are dining. Leaving 1 euro per person is fine for a daytime meal, but leave 10% for an evening meal. Tip room service 1-2 euro and leave 2-3 euros for hotel housekeeping at the end of your stay.
Souvenirs: Espadrille shoes, Cava sparkling wine, liquor, leather goods, Caganer figurines, mortar and pestle sets, Gaudí-inspired decorated itemsPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022