This entry provides the total and the number of each type of privately or publicly owned commercial ship for each country; military ships are not included; the five ships by type include: bulk carrier - for cargo such as coal, grain, cement, ores, and gravel; container ship - for loads in truck-size containers, a transportation system called containerization; general cargo - also referred to as break-bulk containers - for a wide variety of packaged merchandise, such as textiles, furniture and machinery; oil tanker - for crude oil and petroleum products; other - includes chemical carriers, dredgers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, refrigerated cargo ships called reefers, tugboats, passenger vessels (cruise and ferry), and offshore supply ships

Topic: Albaniatotal: 70

by type: general cargo 47, oil tanker 1, other 22 (2021)

Topic: Algeriatotal: 114

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 2, general cargo 11, oil tanker 11, other 89 (2021)

Topic: Angolatotal: 54

by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 33 (2021)

Topic: Anguillatotal: 2

by type: other 2 (2021)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 677

by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 123, general cargo 473, oil tanker 2, other 55 (2021)

Topic: Argentinatotal: 202

by type: container ship 1,bulk carrier 1 general cargo 8, oil tanker 33, other 159 (2021)

Topic: Arubatotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Australiatotal: 581

by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 76, oil tanker 7, other 496 (2021)

Topic: Austriatotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 305

by type: general cargo 38, oil tanker 43, other 224 (2021)

Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 1,323

by type: bulk carrier 333, container ship 45, general cargo 64, oil tanker 224, other 657 (2021)

Topic: Bahraintotal: 205

by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 4, other 189 (2021)

Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 468

by type: bulk carrier 48, container ship 6, general cargo 140, oil tanker 144, other 130 (2021)

Topic: Barbadostotal: 165

by type: bulk carrier 46, general cargo 103, other 16 (2021)

Topic: Belarustotal: 4

by type: other 4 (2021)

Topic: Belgiumtotal: 201

by type: bulk carrier 19, container ship 7, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 138 (2021)

Topic: Belizetotal: 813

by type: bulk carrier 54, container ship 1, general cargo 428, oil tanker 70, other 260 (2021)

Topic: Benintotal: 6

by type: other 6 (2021)

Topic: Bermudatotal: 147

by type: container ship 12, oil tanker 18, other 117 (2021)

Topic: Boliviatotal: 45

by type: general cargo 29, oil tanker 2, other 14 (2021)

Topic: Braziltotal: 864

by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 19, general cargo 42, oil tanker 31, other 761 (2021)

Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 30

by type: general cargo 3, other 27 (2021)

Topic: Bruneitotal: 96

by type: general cargo 18, oil tanker 3, other 75 (2021)

Topic: Bulgariatotal: 79

by type: bulk carrier 4, general cargo 14, oil tanker 8, other 53 (2021)

Topic: Burmatotal: 95

by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 39, oil tanker 5, other 49 (2021)

Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 46

by type: general cargo 16, oil tanker 3, other 27 (2021)

Topic: Cambodiatotal: 245

by type: container ship 2, general cargo 162, oil tanker 18, other 63 (2021)

Topic: Cameroontotal: 94

by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 1,general cargo 35, oil tanker 24, other 31 (2021)

Topic: Canadatotal: 679

by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 1, general cargo 66, oil tanker 15, other 575 (2021)

Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 160

by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 1, general cargo 1, oil tanker 23, other 103 (2021)

Topic: Chiletotal: 231

by type: bulk carrier 6, container ship 5, general cargo 58, oil tanker 14, other 148 (2021)

Topic: Chinatotal: 6,662

by type: bulk carrier 1,558, container ship 341, general cargo 957, oil tanker 1,061, other 2,745 (2021)

Topic: Colombiatotal: 122

by type: general cargo 23, oil tanker 7, other 92 (2021)

Topic: Comorostotal: 236

by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 7, general cargo 112, oil tanker 31, other 78 (2021)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 22

by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 2, other 16 (2021)

Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 11

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 9 (2021)

Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 194

by type: bulk carrier 19, container ship 1, general cargo 57, oil tanker 54, other 63 (2021)

Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 11

by type: other 11 (2021)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 25

by type: oil tanker 2, other 23 (2021)

Topic: Croatiatotal: 354

by type: bulk carrier 14, general cargo 32, oil tanker 16, other 292 (2021)

Topic: Cubatotal: 59

by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 7, other 40 (2021)

Topic: Curacaototal: 63

by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 1, other 56 (2021)

Topic: Cyprustotal: 1,051

by type: bulk carrier 269, container ship 182, general cargo 197, oil tanker 59, other 344 (2021)

Topic: Denmarktotal: 717

by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 148, general cargo 68, oil tanker 105, other 388 (2021)

Topic: Djiboutitotal: 33

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 8, other 21 (2021)

Topic: Dominicatotal: 93

by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 19, other 44 (2021)

Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 38

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 1, other 34 (2021)

Topic: Ecuadortotal: 145

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 7, oil tanker 27, other 110 (2021)

Topic: Egypttotal: 421

by type: bulk carrier 14, container ship 8, general cargo 27, oil tanker 40, other 332 (2021)

Topic: El Salvadortotal: 2

by type: other 2 (2021)

Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 42

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 6, other 27 (2021)

Topic: Eritreatotal: 9

by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 1, other 4 (2021)

Topic: Estoniatotal: 68

by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 62 (2021)

Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 11

by type: general cargo 9, oil tanker 2 (2020)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 2

by type: general cargo 1, other 1 (2021)

Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 101

by type: container ships 6, general cargo 48, oil tanker 1, other 46 (2021)

Topic: Fijitotal: 73

by type: general cargo 20, oil tanker 4, other 49 (2021)

Topic: Finlandtotal: 272

by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 1, general cargo 74, oil tanker 4, other 184 (2021)

Topic: Francetotal: 548

by type: container ship 29, general cargo 50, oil tanker 28, other 441 (2021)

note: includes Monaco

Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 24

by type: general cargo 14, other 10 (2021)

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal: 2

by type: other 2 (2021)

Topic: Gabontotal: 62

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 17, oil tanker 17, other 27 (2021)

Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 8

by type: other 8 (2021)

Topic: Georgiatotal: 25

by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 3, other 20 (2021)

Topic: Germanytotal: 599

by type: container ship 77, general cargo 85, oil tanker 36, other 401 (2021)

Topic: Ghanatotal: 51

by type: general cargo 7, oil tanker 3, other 41 (2021)

Topic: Gibraltartotal: 202

by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 19, general cargo 55, oil tanker 20, other 100 (2021)

Topic: Greecetotal: 1,236

by type: bulk carrier 158, container ship 5, general cargo 89, oil tanker 337, other 647 (2021)

Topic: Greenlandtotal: 8

by type: other 8 (2021)

Topic: Grenadatotal: 6

by type: general cargo 3, other 3 (2021)

Topic: Guamtotal: 3

by type: other 3 (2021)

Topic: Guatemalatotal: 9

by type: oil tanker 1, other 8 (2021)

Topic: Guineatotal: 2

by type: other 2 (2021)

Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 8

by type: general cargo 5, other 3 (2021)

Topic: Guyanatotal: 56

by type: general cargo 26, oil tanker 7, other 23 (2021)

Topic: Haititotal: 4

by type: general cargo 3, other 1 (2021)

Topic: Hondurastotal: 505

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 244, oil tanker 82, other 178 (2021)

Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 2,718

by type: bulk carrier 1,158, container ship 558, general cargo 184, oil tanker 388, other 430 (2021)

Topic: Hungarytotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Icelandtotal: 41

by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 34 (2021)

Topic: Indiatotal: 1,801

by type: bulk carrier 63, container ship 22, general cargo 587, oil tanker 136, other 993 (2021)

Topic: Indonesiatotal: 10,427

by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 226, general cargo 2,238, oil tanker 676, other 7,139 (2021)

Topic: Irantotal: 893

by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 31, general cargo 371, oil tanker 84, other 375 (2021)

Topic: Iraqtotal: 68

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 6, other 61 (2021)

Topic: Irelandtotal: 96

by type: bulk carrier 12, general cargo 36, oil tanker 1, other 47 (2021)

Topic: Israeltotal: 41

by type: container ship 6, general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 29 (2021)

Topic: Italytotal: 1,296

by type: bulk carrier 36, container ship 7, general cargo 111, oil tanker 103, other 1,039 (2021)

Topic: Jamaicatotal: 43

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 5, general cargo 9, oil tanker 1, other 27 (2021)

Topic: Japantotal: 5,201

by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 45, general cargo 1,900, oil tanker 666, other 2,442 (2021)

Topic: Jordantotal: 35

by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 1, other 28 (2021)

Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 119

by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 7, other 109 (2021)

Topic: Kenyatotal: 26

by type: oil tanker 3, other 23 (2021)

Topic: Kiribatitotal: 88

by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 35, oil tanker 12, other 38 (2021)

Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 264

by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 5, general cargo 189, oil tanker 33, other 29 (2021)

Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 1,904

by type: bulk carrier 78, container ship 91, general cargo 360, oil tanker 184, other 1,191 (2021)

Topic: Kuwaittotal: 165

by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 122 (2021)

Topic: Laostotal: 1

by type: general cargo 1 (2021)

Topic: Latviatotal: 70

by type: general cargo 22, oil tanker 9, other 39 (2021)

Topic: Lebanontotal: 48

by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 31, oil tanker 1, other 14 (2021)

Topic: Liberiatotal: 3,942

by type: bulk carrier 1,487, container ship 878, general cargo 131, oil tanker 851, other 595 (2021)

Topic: Libyatotal: 94

by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 12, other 80 (2021)

Topic: Liechtensteintotal: 20

by type: bulk carrier 16, general cargo 1, other 3 (includes Switzerland) (2021)

Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 64

by type: container ship 4, general cargo 24, oil tanker 2, other 34 (2021)

Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 153

by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 1, general cargo 23, oil tanker 3, other 122 (2021)

Topic: Macautotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Madagascartotal: 27

by type: general cargo 14, oil tanker 2, other 11 (2021)

Topic: Malaysiatotal: 1,769

by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 28, general cargo 174, oil tanker 153, other 1,398 (2021)

Topic: Maldivestotal: 68

by type: general cargo 21, oil tanker 19, other 28 (2021)

Topic: Maltatotal: 2,137

by type: bulk carrier 601, container ship 310, general cargo 218, oil tanker 412, other 596 (2021)

Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 3,817

by type: bulk carrier 1,733, container ship 248, general cargo 66, oil tanker 970, other 800 (2021)

Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 5

by type: general cargo 2, other 3 (2021)

Topic: Mauritiustotal: 29

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 4, other 24 (2021)

Topic: Mexicototal: 671

by type: container ship 1, bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 31, other 624 (2021)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 38

by type: general cargo 19, oil tanker 4, other 15 (2021)

Topic: Moldovatotal: 147

by type: bulk carrier 5, container ship 5, general cargo 97, oil tanker 7, other 33 (2021)

Topic: Mongoliatotal: 302

by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 7, general cargo 131, oil tanker 64, other 96 (2021)

Topic: Montenegrototal: 17

by type: bulk carrier 4, other 13 (2021)

Topic: Moroccototal: 93

by type: container ship 6, general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 80 (2021)

Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 30

by type: general cargo 9, other 21 (2021)

Topic: Namibiatotal: 14

by type: general cargo 1, other 13 (2021)

Topic: Naurutotal: 3

by type: oil tanker 1, other 2 (2021)

Topic: Netherlandstotal: 1,199

by type: bulk carrier 10, container ship 40, general cargo 559, oil tanker 26, other 564 (2021)

Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 24

by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 18 (2021)

Topic: New Zealandtotal: 115

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 12, oil tanker 4, other 98 (2021)

Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 5

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3 (2021)

Topic: Nigertotal: 1

by type: general cargo 1 (2021)

Topic: Nigeriatotal: 791

by type: general cargo 14, oil tanker 110, other 667 (2021)

Topic: Niuetotal: 69

by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 2, general cargo 25, oil tanker 7, other 32 (2021)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2019)

Topic: Norwaytotal: 1,644

by type: bulk carrier 109, container ship 1, general cargo 242, oil tanker 96, other 1,196 (2021)

Topic: Omantotal: 57

by type: general cargo 10, other 47 (2021)

Topic: Pakistantotal: 57

by type: bulk carrier 5, oil tanker 7, other 45 (2021)

Topic: Palautotal: 264

by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 7, general cargo 107, oil tanker 40, other 94 (2021)

Topic: Panamatotal: 7,980

by type: bulk carrier 2,697, container ship 643, general cargo 1,381, oil tanker 771, other 2,488 (2021)

Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 177

by type: container ship 6, general cargo 81, oil tanker 3, other 87 (2021)

Topic: Paraguaytotal: 110

by type: container ship 3, general cargo 25, oil tanker 5, other 77 (2021)

note: as of 2017, Paraguay registered 2,012 fluvial vessels of which 1,741 were commercial barges

Topic: Perutotal: 98

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 8, other 89 (2021)

Topic: Philippinestotal: 1,805

by type: bulk carrier 62, container ship 44, general cargo 716, oil tanker 205, other 778 (2021)

Topic: Polandtotal: 143

by type: general cargo 7, oil tanker 6, other 130 (2021)

Topic: Portugaltotal: 726

by type: bulk carrier 86, container ship 267, general cargo 137, oil tanker 27, other 209 (2021)

Topic: Qatartotal: 129

by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 5, other 107 (2021)

Topic: Romaniatotal: 121

by type: general cargo 11, oil tanker 6, other 104 (2021)

Topic: Russiatotal: 2,873

by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 17, general cargo 946, oil tanker 406, other 1,491 (2021)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 244

by type: bulk carrier 6, container ship 7, general cargo 45, oil tanker 53, other 133 (2021)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 792

by type: bulk carrier 27, container ship 17, general cargo 155, oil tanker 16, other 577 (2021)

Topic: Samoatotal: 12

by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 3, other 6 (2021)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 22

by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 2, other 7 (2021)

Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 392

by type: bulk carrier 5, container ship 1, general cargo 21, oil tanker 58, other 307 (2021)

Topic: Senegaltotal: 35

by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 29 (2021)

Topic: Seychellestotal: 27

by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 6, other 16 (2021)

Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 591

by type: bulk carrier 30, container ship 9, general cargo 319, oil tanker 108, other 125 (2021)

Topic: Singaporetotal: 3,321

by type: bulk carrier 576, container ship 514, general cargo 113, oil tanker 699, other 1,419 (2021)

Topic: Sloveniatotal: 9

by type: other 9 (2021)

Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 24

by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 15 (2021)

Topic: Somaliatotal: 4

by type: general cargo 1, other 3 (2021)

Topic: South Africatotal: 105

by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 1, oil tanker 7, other 95 (2021)

Topic: Spaintotal: 478

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 36, oil tanker 24, other 417 (2021)

Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 90

by type: bulk carrier 6, general cargo 13, oil tanker 11, other 60 (2021)

Topic: Sudantotal: 15

by type: other 15 (2021)

Topic: Surinametotal: 10

by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 3, other 2 (2021)

Topic: Swedentotal: 370

by type: general cargo 49, oil tanker 22, other 299 (2021)

Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 20

by type: bulk carrier 16, general cargo 1, other 3 (includes Liechtenstein) (2021)

Topic: Syriatotal: 28

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 11, other 16 (2021)

Topic: Taiwantotal: 429

by type: bulk carrier 37, container ship 49, general cargo 57, oil tanker 33, other 253 (2021)

Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 314

by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 6, general cargo 144, oil tanker 49, other 111 (2021)

Topic: Thailandtotal: 839

by type: bulk carrier 26, container ship 27, general cargo 94, oil tanker 251, other 441 (2021)

Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Togototal: 411

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 9, general cargo 265, oil tanker 56, other 80 (2021)

Topic: Tongatotal: 32

by type: container ship 4, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14 (2021)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 105

by type: general cargo 1, other 104 (2021)

Topic: Tunisiatotal: 71

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8 oil tanker 1, other 61 (2021)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 1,217

by type: bulk carrier 39, container ship 41, general cargo 317, oil tanker 126, other 694 (2021)

Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 73

by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 8, other 59 (2021)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 3

by type: general cargo 1, other 2 (2021)

Topic: Tuvalutotal: 245

by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 3, general cargo 32, oil tanker 21, other 167 (2021)

Topic: Ukrainetotal: 409

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 84, oil tanker 15, other 308 (2021)

Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 623

by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 3, general cargo 117, oil tanker 19, other 483 (2021)

Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 1,249

by type: bulk carrier 140, container ship 59, general cargo 109, oil tanker 84, other 857 (2021)

Topic: United Statestotal: 3,627

by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 60, general cargo 103, oil tanker 69, other 3,391 (2021)

Topic: Uruguaytotal: 61

by type: container ship 1, general cargo 4, oil tanker 4, other 52 (2021)

Topic: Vanuatutotal: 306

by type: bulk carrier 18, container ship 2, general cargo 55, oil tanker 2, other 229 (2021)

Topic: Venezuelatotal: 281

by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 1, general cargo 26, oil tanker 18, other 232 (2021)

Topic: Vietnamtotal: 1,926

by type: bulk carrier 116, container ship 41, general cargo 1,193, oil tanker 125, other 451 (2021)

Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 1,868

by type: bulk carrier 91, container ship 39, general cargo 1,205, oil tanker 118, other 415 (2019)

Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

Topic: Worldtotal: 98,202

by type: bulk carrier 12,319, container ship 5,428, general cargo 18,993, oil tanker 11,243, other 50,219 (2021)

Topic: Yementotal: 34

by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 28 (2021)

Topic: Zambiatotal: 2

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1 (2021)


Topic: Photos of Norfolk Island

Topic: Introduction
Background: Polynesians lived on Norfolk Island between 1200 and 1500 but the remote island was uninhabited by the time British explorer James COOK landed on the island in 1774. Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned.

In 1856, almost 200 Pitcairn Islanders - descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions - were relocated to Norfolk Island because of overcrowding on the Pitcairn Islands. Some returned to the Pitcairn Islands over the next few years but most settled permanently on Norfolk Island and recreated the land tenure and governance structures they previously had. Norfolk Island retained a great degree of local control until 1897, when it became a dependency of New South Wales. During World War II, Norfolk Island was an airbase and an important refueling stop in the South Pacific. In 1976, an Australian judge recommended Norfolk Island be incorporated fully into Australia, which Norfolk Islanders rejected. Following an appeal to the UN, Australia granted limited self-government to Norfolk Island in 1979.

With growing financial troubles during the 2000s, Australia abolished the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly in 2015, reduced Norfolk Island’s autonomy in 2016, and suspended the local council in 2020. Most services are provided by a mix of the Australian Capital Territory and the states of New South Wales and Queensland. These moves were unpopular on Norfolk Island, which has sought to have its self-government restored.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 36 sq km

land: 36 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 32 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate: subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: volcanic island with mostly rolling plains
Elevation: highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use: agricultural land: 25% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 25% (2018 est.)

forest: 11.5% (2018 est.)

other: 63.5% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: population concentrated around the capital of Kingston
Natural hazards: tropical cyclones (especially May to July)
Geography - note: most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated
Map description: Norfolk Island map shows a few population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.Norfolk Island map shows a few population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 1,748 (2016 est.)
Nationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)
Ethnic groups: Australian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2% (2011 est.)

note: respondents were able to identify up to two ancestries; percentages represent a proportion of all responses from people in Norfolk Island, including those who did not identify an ancestry; only top responses are shownAustralian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2%
Languages: English (official) 44.9%, Norfolk (also known as Norfuk or Norf'k, which is a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian) 40.3%, Fijian 1.8%, other 6.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2016 est.)

note: data represent language spoken at home
Religions: Protestant 46.8% (Anglican 29.2%, Uniting Church in Australia 9.8%, Presbyterian 2.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.7%, other 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 1.4%, none 26.7%, unspecified 9.5% (2016 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA

15-24 years: NA

25-54 years: NA

55-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Population growth rate: 0.01% (2014 est.)
Birth rate: NA
Death rate: NA
Population distribution: population concentrated around the capital of Kingston
Sex ratio: NA
Infant mortality rate: total: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Total fertility rate: NA
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: inadequate solid waste management; most freshwater obtained through rainwater catchment; preservation of unique ecosystem
Climate: subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation
Land use: agricultural land: 25% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 25% (2018 est.)

forest: 11.5% (2018 est.)

other: 63.5% (2018 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

etymology: named by British explorer Captain James COOK after Mary HOWARD, Duchess of Norfolk, in 1774
Government type: non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia; note - the Norfolk Island Regional Council, which began operations 1 July 2016, is responsible for planning and managing a variety of public services, including those funded by the Government of Australia
Dependency status: self-governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development
Capital: name: Kingston

geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April

etymology: the name is a blending of the words "king's" and "town"; the British king at the time of the town's settlement in the late 18th century was George III
Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
National holiday: Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)
Constitution: history: previous 1913, 1957; latest effective 7 August 1979

amendments: amended many times, last in 2020
Legal system: English common law and the laws of Australia
Citizenship: see Australia
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019)

head of government: Administrator Eric HUTCHINSON (since 1 April 2017)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of 4 Legislative Assembly members

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Norfolk Island Regional Council (5 seats; councillors directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms); mayor elected annually by the councillors

elections: elections last held 28 May 2016 (next rescheduled to be held in 2022)

election results: seats by party - independent 5; composition - men 4, women 1, percent of women 20%

note: following an administrative restructuring of local government, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved on 18 June 2015 and replaced by an interim Norfolk Island Advisory Council effective 1 July 2015; the Advisory Council consisted of 5 members appointed by the Norfolk Island administrator based on nominations from the community; following elections on 28 May 2016, the new Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) commenced operations on 1 July 2016; on 20 December 2020 the NIRC was suspended for three months following a public audit and this suspension was extended on 3 February 2021 for an additional three months pending the outcome of a public inquiry; the council election previously scheduled for 13 March 2021 has been postponed 12 months
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Norfolk Island (consists of the chief justice and several justices); note - appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island are heard by the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor general of Australia from among justices of the Federal Court of Australia; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts: Petty Court of Sessions; specialized courts, including a Coroner's Court and the Employment Tribunal
Political parties and leaders: Norfolk Island Labor Party [Mike KELLY]
Norfolk Liberals [John BROWN]
International organization participation: UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (territory of Australia)
Flag description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island

note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band; also resembles the green and white triband of Nigeria
National symbol(s): Norfolk Island pine
National anthem: name: "Come Ye Blessed"

lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT

note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair" (which other Australian territories use); instead "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Norfolk Island is suffering from a severe economic downturn. Tourism, the primary economic activity, is the main driver of economic growth. The agricultural sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): NANA
Agricultural products: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry
Industries: tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete
Labor force: 978 (2006)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 6%

industry: 14%

services: 80% (2006 est.)
Budget: revenues: 4.6 million (FY99/00)

expenditures: 4.8 million (FY99/00)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Exports: NANA
Exports - partners: Philippines 29%, Singapore 21%, India 14%, Belgium 7%, Australia 5%, Canada 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: soybean meal, Norfolk Island pine seeds, Kentia palm seeds, activated carbon, centrifuges, pesticides, postage stamps (2019)
Imports: $NA$NA
Imports - partners: New Zealand 23%, Australia 19%, Philippines 19%, Singapore 14%, Fiji 11% (2019)
Imports - commodities: clothing and apparel, chemical analysis instruments, refined petroleum, cars, kitchen machinery (2019)
Debt - external: NANA
Exchange rates: Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -

1.311 (2017 est.)

1.3291 (2016 est.)

1.3291 (2015)

1.3291 (2014 est.)

1.1094 (2013 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: adequate, 4G mobile telecommunication network (2020)

domestic: free local calls

international: country code - 672; submarine cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations available via satellite (2009)
Internet country code: .nf
Internet users: total: 612 (2016 est.)

percent of population: 35% (2016 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 80 km (2008)

paved: 53 km (2008)

unpaved: 27 km (2008)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kingston

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

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified


Topic: Photos of Croatia

Topic: Introduction
Background: The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia
Geographic coordinates: 45 10 N, 15 30 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 56,594 sq km

land: 55,974 sq km

water: 620 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia
Land boundaries: total: 2,237 km

border countries (5): Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Hungary 348 km; Montenegro 19 km; Serbia 314 km; Slovenia 600 km
Coastline: 5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Terrain: geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands
Elevation: highest point: Dinara 1,831 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 331 m
Natural resources: oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 23.7% (2018 est.)

arable land: 16% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 34.4% (2018 est.)

other: 41.9% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 240 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution: more of the population lives in the northern half of the country, with approximately a quarter of the populace residing in and around the capital of Zagreb; many of the islands are sparsely populated
Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes
Geography - note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks
Map description: Croatia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea.Croatia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 4,188,853 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

note: the French designation of "Croate" to Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century eventually became "Cravate" and later came to be applied to the soldiers' scarves - the cravat; Croatia celebrates Cravat Day every 18 October
Ethnic groups: Croat 90.4%, Serb 4.4%, other 4.4% (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Romani), unspecified 0.8% (2011 est.)
Languages: Croatian (official) 95.6%, Serbian 1.2%, other 3% (including Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Albanian), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Roman Catholic 86.3%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.5%, not religious or atheist 3.8% (2011 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.16% (male 308,668/female 289,996)

15-24 years: 10.76% (male 233,602/female 221,495)

25-54 years: 39.77% (male 841,930/female 839,601)

55-64 years: 14.24% (male 290,982/female 310,969)

65 years and over: 21.06% (2020 est.) (male 364,076/female 526,427)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.7

youth dependency ratio: 22.6

elderly dependency ratio: 33.1

potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 43.9 years

male: 42 years

female: 45.9 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.47% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 8.65 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 12.88 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: more of the population lives in the northern half of the country, with approximately a quarter of the populace residing in and around the capital of Zagreb; many of the islands are sparsely populated
Urbanization: urban population: 58.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 684,000 ZAGREB (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 29 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 8 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 8.74 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.22 years

male: 74.1 years

female: 80.53 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 7% (2019)
Physicians density: 3.47 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density: 5.5 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.5% of population

rural: 98.4% of population

total: 99% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population

rural: 1.6% of population

total: 1% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,700 (2020 est.)

note: estimate does not include children
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100

note: estimate does not include children
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 24.4% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 36.9% (2020 est.)

male: 37.6% (2020 est.)

female: 36.1% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 3.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.7%

female: 98.9% (2015)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 16 years (2019)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.1%

male: 18.7%

female: 25% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: air pollution improving but still a concern in urban settings and in emissions arriving from neighboring countries; surface water pollution in the Danube River Basin
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 17.03 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 17.49 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 3.98 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Land use: agricultural land: 23.7% (2018 est.)

arable land: 16% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 34.4% (2018 est.)

other: 41.9% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 58.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.654 million tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 269,933 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.3% (2015 est.)
Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 455 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 184 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 76 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 105.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Croatia

conventional short form: Croatia

local long form: Republika Hrvatska

local short form: Hrvatska

former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia

etymology: name derives from the Croats, a Slavic tribe who migrated to the Balkans in the 7th century A.D.
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Zagreb

geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E

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

etymology: the name seems to be related to "digging"; archeologists suggest that the original settlement was established beyond a water-filled hole or "graba" and that the name derives from this; "za" in Slavic means "beyond"; the overall meaning may be "beyond the trench (fault, channel, ditch)"
Administrative divisions: 20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad - singular) with special county status; Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska (Bjelovar-Bilogora), Brodsko-Posavska (Brod-Posavina), Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria), Karlovacka (Karlovac), Koprivnicko-Krizevacka (Koprivnica-Krizevci), Krapinsko-Zagorska (Krapina-Zagorje), Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska (Medimurje), Osjecko-Baranjska (Osijek-Baranja), Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska (Primorje-Gorski Kotar), Sibensko-Kninska (Sibenik-Knin), Sisacko-Moslavacka (Sisak-Moslavina), Splitsko-Dalmatinska (Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska (Varazdin), Viroviticko-Podravska (Virovitica-Podravina), Vukovarsko-Srijemska (Vukovar-Syrmia), Zadarska (Zadar), Zagreb*, Zagrebacka (Zagreb county)
Independence: 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia); note - 25 June 1991 was the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the Yugoslav crisis peacefully, parliament adopted a decision on 8 October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia; notable earlier dates: ca. 925 (Kingdom of Croatia established); 1 December 1918 (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) established)
National holiday: Statehood Day (National Day), 30 May (1990); note - marks the day in 1990 that the first modern multi-party Croatian parliament convened
Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1990

amendments: proposed by at least one fifth of the Assembly membership, by the president of the republic, by the Government of Croatia, or through petition by at least 10% of the total electorate; proceedings to amend require majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; passage by petition requires a majority vote in a referendum and promulgation by the Assembly; amended several times, last in 2014
Legal system: civil law system influenced by legal heritage of Austria-Hungary; note - Croatian law was fully harmonized with the European Community acquis as of the June 2010 completion of EU accession negotiations
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 Croatia

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Zoran MILANOVIC (since 18 February 2020)

head of government: Prime Minister Andrej PLENKOVIC (since 19 October 2016); Deputy Prime Ministers Damir KRSTICEVIC (since 19 October 2016), Predrag STROMAR (since 9 June 2017), Marija Pejcinovic BURIC (since 19 June 2017), and Tomislav TOLUSIC (since 25 May 2018)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the Assembly

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 December 2019 with a runoff on 5 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024); the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president and approved by the Assembly

election results:
2019: Zoran MILANOVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Zoran MILANOVIC (SDP) 52.7%, Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 47.3%

2015: Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 50.7%, Ivo JOSIPOVIC (Forward Croatia Progressive Alliance) 49.3%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Hrvatski Sabor (151 seats; 140 members in 10 multi-seat constituencies and 3 members in a single constituency for Croatian diaspora directly elected by proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method with a 5% threshold; an additional 8 members elected from a nationwide constituency by simple majority by voters belonging to minorities recognized by Croatia; the Serb minority elects 3 Assembly members, the Hungarian and Italian minorities elect 1 each, the Czech and Slovak minorities elect 1 jointly, and all other minorities elect 2; all members serve 4-year terms

elections: early election held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held by 2024)

election results: percent of vote by coalition/party - HDZ-led coalition 37.3%, Restart coalition 24.9%, DPMS-led coalition 10.9%, MOST 7.4%, Green-Left coalition 7%, P-F-SSIP 4%, HNS-LD 1.3%, NS-R 1%, other 6.2%; number of seats by coalition/party - HDZ-led coalition 66, Restart coalition 41, DPMS-led coalition 16, MOST 8, Green-Left coalition 7, P-F-SSIP 3, HNS-LD 1, NS-R 1, national minorities 8; composition as of January 2021 - men 103, women 48, percent of women 31.8%

note: seats by party as of March 2021 - HDZ 62, SDP 33, DP 9, Most 6, Croatian Sovereignists 4, We Can! 4, IDS 3, SDSS 3, HSS 2, HSLS 2, BZH 1, Center 1, FOKUS 1, GLAS 1, HDS 1, HSU 1, NL 1, Reformists 1, SSIP 1, RF 1, independent 12
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president and vice president, 25 civil department justices, and 16 criminal department justices)

judge selection and term of office: president of Supreme Court nominated by the president of Croatia and elected by the Sabor for a 4-year term; other Supreme Court justices appointed by the National Judicial Council; all judges serve until age 70

subordinate courts: Administrative Court; county, municipal, and specialized courts; note - there is an 11-member Constitutional Court with jurisdiction limited to constitutional issues but is outside of the judicial system
Political parties and leaders: Bloc for Croatia or BLOK or BZH [Zlatko HASANBEGOVIC]
The Bridge or Most [Bozo PETROV] (formerly the Bridge of Independent Lists)
Center or Centar [Ivica PULJAK] (formerly Pametno and Party with a First and Last Name or SSIP)
Civic Liberal Alliance or GLAS [Ankar Mrak TARITAS]
Croatian Demochristian Party or HDS [Goran DODIG]
Croatian Democratic Alliance of Slavonia and Baranja or HDSSB [Branimir GLAVAS]
Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Andrej PLENKOVIC]
Croatian Democratic Union-led coalition (includes HSLS, HDS, HDSSB)
Croatian Party of Pensioners or HSU [Veselko GABRICEVIC]
Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Kreso BELJAK]
Croatian People's Party - Liberal Democrats or HNS-LD [Stjepan CURAJ]
Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Dario HREBAK]
Croatian Sovereignists or HS [Marijan PAVLICEK]
Focus on the Important or Focus [Davor NADI]
Green-Left coalition [collective leadership] (includes MOZEMO!, NL)
Homeland Movement or DP [Ivan PENAVA] (also known as Miroslav Škoro Homeland Movement or DPMS)
Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Milorad PUPOVAC]
Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Dalibor PAUS]
New Left or NL [Ivana KEKIN]
People's Party - Reformists or NS-R [Radimir CACIC]
Restart Coalition (includes SDP, HSS, HSU, GLAS, IDS, NS-R)
Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Peda GRBIN]
We Can! or Mozemo! [collective leadership]
Workers' Front or RF [collective leadership]

International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EMU, EU, FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pjer SIMUNOVIC (since 8 September 2017)

chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899

FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936; [1] (202) 588-8937

email address and website:
washington@mvep.hr

http://us.mvep.hr/en/

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle (WA), Washington, DC

consulate(s): Anchorage (AL), Houston, Kansas City (MO), New Orleans, Pittsburgh (PA)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Mark FLEMING (since May 2021)

embassy: Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb

mailing address: 5080 Zagreb Place, Washington DC  20521-5080

telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200

FAX: [385] (1) 661-8933

email address and website:
ZagrebACS@state.gov

https://hr.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue - the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields represent five historic regions (from left to right): Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia

note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia
National symbol(s): red-white checkerboard; national colors: red, white, blue
National anthem: name: "Lijepa nasa domovino" (Our Beautiful Homeland)

lyrics/music: Antun MIHANOVIC/Josip RUNJANIN

note: adopted in 1972 while still part of Yugoslavia; "Lijepa nasa domovino," whose lyrics were written in 1835, served as an unofficial anthem beginning in 1891
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 10 (8 cultural, 2 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Plitvice Lakes National Park (n); Historic Split (c); Old City of Dubrovnik (c); Euphrasian Basilica; Historic Trogir (c); Šibenik Cathedral (c); Stari Grad Plain (c); Zadar and Fort St. Nikola Venetian Defense Works (c); Primeval Beech Forests (n); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Though still one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia’s economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war. The country's output during that time collapsed, and Croatia missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6%, led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable.   Croatia experienced an abrupt slowdown in the economy in 2008; economic growth was stagnant or negative in each year between 2009 and 2014, but has picked up since the third quarter of 2014, ending 2017 with an average of 2.8% growth. Challenges remain including uneven regional development, a difficult investment climate, an inefficient judiciary, and loss of educated young professionals seeking higher salaries elsewhere in the EU. In 2016, Croatia revised its tax code to stimulate growth from domestic consumption and foreign investment. Income tax reduction began in 2017, and in 2018 various business costs were removed from income tax calculations. At the start of 2018, the government announced its economic reform plan, slated for implementation in 2019.   Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19.6% of Croatia’s GDP. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub, and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal by the end of 2019 or early in 2020 to import LNG for re-distribution in southeast Europe.   Croatia joined the EU on July 1, 2013, following a decade-long accession process. Croatia has developed a plan for Eurozone accession, and the government projects Croatia will adopt the Euro by 2024. In 2017, the Croatian government decreased public debt to 78% of GDP, from an all-time high of 84% in 2014, and realized a 0.8% budget surplus - the first surplus since independence in 1991. The government has also sought to accelerate privatization of non-strategic assets with mixed success. Croatia’s economic recovery is still somewhat fragile; Croatia’s largest private company narrowly avoided collapse in 2017, thanks to a capital infusion from an American investor. Restructuring is ongoing, and projected to finish by mid-July 2018.Though still one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia’s economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war. The country's output during that time collapsed, and Croatia missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6%, led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Croatia experienced an abrupt slowdown in the economy in 2008; economic growth was stagnant or negative in each year between 2009 and 2014, but has picked up since the third quarter of 2014, ending 2017 with an average of 2.8% growth. Challenges remain including uneven regional development, a difficult investment climate, an inefficient judiciary, and loss of educated young professionals seeking higher salaries elsewhere in the EU. In 2016, Croatia revised its tax code to stimulate growth from domestic consumption and foreign investment. Income tax reduction began in 2017, and in 2018 various business costs were removed from income tax calculations. At the start of 2018, the government announced its economic reform plan, slated for implementation in 2019. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19.6% of Croatia’s GDP. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub, and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal by the end of 2019 or early in 2020 to import LNG for re-distribution in southeast Europe. Croatia joined the EU on July 1, 2013, following a decade-long accession process. Croatia has developed a plan for Eurozone accession, and the government projects Croatia will adopt the Euro by 2024. In 2017, the Croatian government decreased public debt to 78% of GDP, from an all-time high of 84% in 2014, and realized a 0.8% budget surplus - the first surplus since independence in 1991. The government has also sought to accelerate privatization of non-strategic assets with mixed success. Croatia’s economic recovery is still somewhat fragile; Croatia’s largest private company narrowly avoided collapse in 2017, thanks to a capital infusion from an American investor. Restructuring is ongoing, and projected to finish by mid-July 2018.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $107.11 billion (2020 est.)

$116.89 billion (2019 est.)

$113.64 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 2.94% (2019 est.)

2.7% (2018 est.)

3.14% (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $26,500 (2020 est.)

$28,800 (2019 est.)

$27,800 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $60.687 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (2019 est.)

1.4% (2018 est.)

1.1% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2019)

Moody's rating: Ba1 (2020)

Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2019)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.7% (2017 est.)

industry: 26.2% (2017 est.)

services: 70.1% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 57.3% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 19.5% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 51.1% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -48.8% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: maize, wheat, sugar beet, milk, barley, soybeans, potatoes, pork, grapes, sunflower seed
Industries: chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: 1.2% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 1.656 million (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 27.3%

services: 70.8% (2017 est.)
Unemployment rate: 8.07% (2019 est.)

9.86% (2018 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.1%

male: 18.7%

female: 25% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: 18.3% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 30.4 (2017 est.)

32.1 (2014 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 23% (2015 est.)
Budget: revenues: 25.24 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 24.83 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 77.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

82.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 46.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: $1.597 billion (2019 est.)

$1 billion (2018 est.)
Exports: $23.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$31.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$30.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Italy 13%, Germany 13%, Slovenia 10%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 9%, Austria 6%, Serbia 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, medical cultures/vaccines, lumber (2019)
Imports: $27.59 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$31.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$31.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Italy 14%, Germany 14%, Slovenia 11%, Hungary 7%, Austria 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, electricity (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $18.82 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$14.24 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $48.263 billion (2019 est.)

$51.176 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates: kuna (HRK) per US dollar -

6.2474 (2020 est.)

6.72075 (2019 est.)

6.48905 (2018 est.)

6.8583 (2014 est.)

5.7482 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 4.94 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 16,790,680,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 5.852 billion kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 10.491 billion kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 1.659 billion kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 41% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

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

solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 16.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 31.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

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

geothermal: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 9.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 643,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 2,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 644,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 12,200 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 71,500 bbl/day (2019 est.)

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

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 65,200 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 71 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 74,620 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 40,530 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 35,530 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 851.005 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

consumption: 3,009,113,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)

exports: 34.462 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

imports: 2,131,802,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 24.919 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 16.752 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.674 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 9.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 5.678 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 89.733 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,299,329 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4,375,699 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Croatia’s telecom market is dominated by the incumbent telco Hrvatski Telekom and the local units of United Group and Telekom Austria, there is effective competition from a number of smaller operators; the regulator has helped promote competition via measures encouraging network access, as well as regional licensing; this has been seen most recently with two 5G licenses having been reserved for regional rather than national operations; the mobile market is served by three MNOs, supplemented by a number of MVNOs; the network operators have focused on improving ARPU by encouraging prepaid subscribers to migrate to postpaid plans, and on developing revenue from mobile data services; 5G services are widely available, though the sector will only show its full potential later in 2021 following the award of licenses in several bands; this will contribute towards the government’s national broadband plan to 2027, which is tied to the EC’s two allied projects aimed at providing gigabit connectivity by the end of 2025; the broadband sector benefits from effective competition between the DSL and cable platforms, while there are also numerous fiber deployments in urban areas; the number of FttP subscribers broached 134,000 in March 2021. (2021)

domestic: fixed-line teledensity has dropped somewhat to about 32 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions are about 107 per 100 (2020)

international: country code - 385;  the ADRIA-1 submarine cable provides connectivity to Albania and Greece; digital international service is provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic project, which consists of 2 fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik (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: the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian Radiotelevision, operates 4 terrestrial TV networks, a satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate national terrestrial networks; 29 privately owned regional TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 4 national radio networks and 23 regional radio stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks and 117 local radio stations (2019)
Internet country code: .hr
Internet users: total: 3,157,190 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 78% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,030,973 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 18

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,093,577 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 530,000 (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9A
Airports: total: 69 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 24

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 10 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 45

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 38 (2021)
Heliports: 1 (2021)
Pipelines: 2,410 km gas, 610 km oil (2011)
Railways: total: 2,722 km (2014)

standard gauge: 2,722 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (980 km electrified)
Roadways: total: 26,958 km (2015) (includes 1,416 km of expressways)
Waterways: 4,714 km (2022) Danube 2,859 km, Sava 562 km, Drava 505 km, Neretva 20 km, Bosut 151 km, Kupa 296 km, Mura 53 km, Korana 134 km, Lonja 134 km
Merchant marine: total: 354

by type: bulk carrier 14, general cargo 32, oil tanker 16, other 292 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ploce, Rijeka, Sibenik, Split

oil terminal(s): Omisalj

LNG terminal(s) (import): Krk Island

river port(s): Vukovar (Danube)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage Republike Hrvatske, OSRH): Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes Coast Guard), Air Force and Air Defense Forces; Military Police Force supports each of the three Croatian military forces (2022)
Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.7% of GDP (2020)

1.6% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.62 billion)

1.6% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.52 billion)

1.7% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.5 billion)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 15,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 1,500 Air force; 2,000 joint/other) (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Croatian Armed Forces consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years, it has acquired a limited amount of more modern weapon systems from Western suppliers, including Finland, Germany, and the US (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2008 (2021)

note: as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel
Military deployments: 130 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2022)

note: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe
Military - note: Croatia joined NATO in 2009

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia and Slovenia have each claimed sovereignty over Piranski Bay and four villages, and Slovenia has objected to Croatia's claim of an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea; in 2009, however Croatia and Slovenia signed a binding international arbitration agreement to define their disputed land and maritime borders, which led to Slovenia lifting its objections to Croatia joining the EU; Slovenia continues to impose a hard border Schengen regime with Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 but has not yet fulfilled Schengen requirementsdispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia and Slovenia have each claimed sovereignty over Piranski Bay and four villages, and Slovenia has objected to Croatia's claim of an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea; in 2009, however Croatia and Slovenia signed a binding international arbitration agreement to define their disputed land and maritime borders, which led to Slovenia lifting its objections to Croatia joining the EU; Slovenia continues to impose a hard border Schengen regime with Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 but has not yet fulfilled Schengen requirements
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 16,829 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022)

stateless persons: 2,910 (mid-year 2021)

note: 745,541 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-June 2022)
Illicit drugs: drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets  drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens RECONSIDER TRAVEL to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19.  Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism.  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 and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: [94] (11) 249-8500; US Embassy Colombo, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; colomboacs@state.gov;

https://lk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 94
Local Emergency Phone: 1 691095, 699935
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: Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Currency (Code): Sri Lankan rupees (LKR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G

Major Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
Major Religions: Buddhist 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%
Time Difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Sigiriya Rock Fort; Yala National Park; Galle Fort; Adam's Peak; Temple of the Tooth; Arugam Bay; Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; Gal Vihara
Major Sports: Volleyball, cricket, rugby, athletics (track and field), soccer, netball, tennis
Cultural Practices: Flowers are uncommon gifts in Sri Lanka because they are traditionally associated with mourning.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants; if a service charge is included, leave a few extra rupees. Tip bar staff 100 rupees as you leave. Conventionally, 50-100 rupees is a good tip for hotel staff, including porters, room cleaners, and room service personnel. Tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.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: Wednesday, January 12, 2022


This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

Topic: Afghanistan$284 million (FY10/11)

Topic: Albania$9.311 billion (2019 est.)

$9.547 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Algeria$5.574 billion (2019 est.)

$5.666 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: American SamoaNANA

Topic: Andorra$0 (2016)

Topic: Angola$42.08 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$27.14 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Anguilla$41.04 million (31 December 2013)

$8.8 million (1998)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda$441.2 million (31 December 2012)

$458 million (June 2010)

Topic: Argentina$278.524 billion (2019 est.)

$261.949 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Armenia$11.637 billion (2019 est.)

$10.785 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Aruba$693.2 million (31 December 2014 est.)

$666.4 million (31 December 2013 est.)

Topic: Australia$3,115,913,000,000 (2019 est.)

$2,837,818,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Austria$688.434 billion (2019 est.)

$686.196 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijan$17.41 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$13.83 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Bahamas, The$17.56 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

$16.35 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Topic: Bahrain$52.15 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$42.55 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Bangladesh$50.26 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$41.85 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Barbados$4.49 billion (2010 est.)

$668 million (2003 est.)

Topic: Belarus$39.847 billion (2019 est.)

$39.297 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Belgium$1,317,513,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,332,358,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Belize$1.315 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.338 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Benin$2.804 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.476 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Bermuda$2.515 billion (2017 est.)

$2.435 billion (2015 est.)

Topic: Bhutan$2.671 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.355 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Bolivia$12.81 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$7.268 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina$10.87 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$10.64 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Botswana$2.187 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.421 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Brazil$681.336 billion (2019 est.)

$660.693 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: British Virgin Islands$36.1 million (1997)

Topic: Brunei$0 (2014)

$0 (2013)

note: public external debt only; private external debt unavailable

Topic: Bulgaria$39.059 billion (2019 est.)

$41.139 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Burkina Faso$3.056 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.88 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Burma$6.594 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$8.2 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Burundi$610.9 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$622.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Cabo Verde$1.713 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.688 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Cambodia$11.87 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$10.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Cameroon$9.375 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$7.364 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Canada$2,124,887,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,949,796,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Central African Republic$779.9 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$691.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Chad$1.724 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.281 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Chile$193.298 billion (2019 est.)

$181.089 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: China$2,027,950,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,935,206,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Colombia$135.644 billion (2019 est.)

$128.238 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Comoros$199.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$132 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the$4.963 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$5.35 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the$4.605 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$4.721 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Cook Islands$141 million (1996 est.)

Topic: Costa Rica$29.589 billion (2019 est.)

$28.553 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire$13.07 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$11.02 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Croatia$48.263 billion (2019 est.)

$51.176 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Cuba$30.06 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$29.89 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Cyprus$213.19 billion (2019 est.)

$231.885 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Czechia$191.871 billion (2019 est.)

$200.197 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Denmark$504.808 billion (2019 est.)

$517.972 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Djibouti$1.954 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.519 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Dominica$280.4 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$314.2 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republic$23.094 billion (2019 est.)

$21.198 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Ecuador$50.667 billion (2019 est.)

$43.224 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Egypt$109.238 billion (2019 est.)

$92.638 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: El Salvador$17.24 billion (2019 est.)

$16.712 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Equatorial Guinea$1.211 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.074 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Eritrea$792.7 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$875.6 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Estonia$23.944 billion (2019 est.)

$23.607 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Eswatini$535 million (2019 est.)

$456 million (2018 est.)

Topic: Ethiopia$27.27 billion (2019 est.)

$26.269 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: European Union$29.27 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

$28.68 trillion (31 December 2015 est.)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)$0 (2017 est.)

$0 (2016 est.)

Topic: Faroe Islands$387.6 million (2012)

$274.5 million (2010)

Topic: Fiji$1.022 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$696.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Finland$631.549 billion (2019 est.)

$536.301 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: France$6,356,459,000,000 (2019 est.)

$6,058,438,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: French PolynesiaNANA

Topic: Gabon$6.49 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$5.321 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Gambia, The$586.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$571.2 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Gaza Stripsee entry for the West Banksee entry for the West Bank

Topic: Georgia$18.149 billion (2019 est.)

$17.608 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Germany$5,671,463,000,000 (2019 est.)

$5,751,408,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Ghana$20.467 billion (2019 est.)

$17.885 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: GibraltarNANA

Topic: Greece$484.888 billion (2019 est.)

$478.646 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Greenland$36.4 million (2010)

$58 million (2009)

Topic: Grenada$793.5 million (2017 est.)

$682.3 million (2016 est.)

Topic: GuamNANA

Topic: Guatemala$22.92 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$21.45 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: GuernseyNANA

Topic: Guinea$1.458 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.)

Topic: Guyana$1.69 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.542 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Haiti$2.762 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.17 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Honduras$9.137 billion (2019 est.)

$8.722 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Hong Kong$1,648,409,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,670,919,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Hungary$123.256 billion (2019 est.)

$125.29 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Iceland$19.422 billion (2019 est.)

$22.055 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: India$555.388 billion (2019 est.)

$518.34 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Indonesia$393.252 billion (2019 est.)

$360.945 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Iran$7.995 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$8.196 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Iraq$73.02 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$64.16 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Ireland$2,829,303,000,000 (2019 est.)

$2,758,949,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Isle of ManNANA

Topic: Israel$132.5 billion (31 December 2020 est.)

$99.886 billion (2019 est.)

$94.247 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Italy$2,463,208,000,000 (2019 est.)

$2,533,153,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Jamaica$13.876 billion (2019 est.)

$13.912 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Japan$4,254,271,000,000 (2019 est.)

$3,944,898,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: JerseyNANA

Topic: Jordan$32.088 billion (2019 est.)

$29.916 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstan$159.351 billion (2019 est.)

$163.73 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Kenya$29.289 billion (2019 est.)

$25.706 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Kiribati$40.9 million (2016 est.)

$32.3 million (2015 est.)

Topic: Korea, North$5 billion (2013 est.)

Topic: Korea, South$457.745 billion (2019 est.)

$435.98 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Kosovo$2.388 billion (2019 est.)

$2.409 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Kuwait$47.24 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$38.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan$8.372 billion (2019 est.)

$8.066 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Laos$14.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$12.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Latvia$40.164 billion (2019 est.)

$42.488 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Lebanon$33.077 billion (2019 est.)

$33.655 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Lesotho$868 million (2019 est.)

$834 million (2018 est.)

Topic: Liberia$826 million (2019 est.)

$679 million (2018 est.)

Topic: Libya$3.02 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.116 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Liechtenstein$0 (2015 est.)

note: public external debt only; private external debt unavailable

Topic: Lithuania$37.859 billion (2019 est.)

$41.999 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Luxembourg$4,266,792,000,000 (2019 est.)

$4,581,617,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Macau$0 (31 December 2013)

$0 (31 December 2012)

Topic: Madagascar$3.085 billion (2019 est.)

$4.107 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Malawi$2.102 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Malaysia$224.596 billion (2019 est.)

$226.901 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Maldives$848.8 million (31 December 2016 est.)

$696.2 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Topic: Mali$4.192 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.981 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Malta$98.179 billion (2019 est.)

$104.467 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Marshall Islands$97.96 million (2013 est.)

$87 million (2008 est.)

Topic: Mauritania$4.15 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.899 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Mauritius$226.799 billion (2019 est.)

$232.17 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Mexico$456.713 billion (2019 est.)

$448.268 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$93.6 million (2013 est.)

$93.5 million (2012 est.)

Topic: Moldova$7.232 billion (2019 est.)

$7.16 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Monaco NA NA

Topic: Mongolia$29.945 billion (2019 est.)

$28.046 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Montenegro$2.516 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.224 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Montserrat$8.9 million (1997)

Topic: Morocco$52.957 billion (2019 est.)

$51.851 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Mozambique$10.91 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$10.48 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Namibia$7.969 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$6.904 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Nauru$33.3 million (2004 est.)

Topic: Nepal$5.849 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$4.321 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Netherlands$4,345,413,000,000 (2019 est.)

$4,625,016,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: New Caledonia$112 million (31 December 2013 est.)

$79 million (31 December 1998 est.)

Topic: New Zealand$190.621 billion (2019 est.)

$192.327 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Nicaragua$11.674 billion (2019 est.)

$11.771 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Niger$3.728 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.926 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Nigeria$26.847 billion (2019 est.)

$22.755 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Niue$418,000 (2002 est.)

Topic: Norfolk IslandNANA

Topic: North Macedonia$9.065 billion (2019 est.)

$9.398 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsNANA

Topic: Norway$651.04 billion (2019 est.)

$648.878 billion (2018 est.)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Topic: Oman$46.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$27.05 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Pakistan$107.527 billion (2019 est.)

$95.671 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Palau$18.38 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$16.47 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Topic: Panama$101.393 billion (2019 est.)

$94.898 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guinea$17.94 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$18.28 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Paraguay$16.622 billion (2019 est.)

$16.238 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Peru$81.333 billion (2019 est.)

$75.467 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Philippines$81.995 billion (2019 est.)

$75.192 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Poland$351.77 billion (2019 est.)

$373.721 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Portugal$462.431 billion (2019 est.)

$483.206 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Puerto Rico$56.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$52.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Topic: Qatar$167.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$157.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Romania$117.829 billion (2019 est.)

$115.803 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Russia$479.844 billion (2019 est.)

$484.355 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Rwanda$3.258 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.611 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaNANA

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis$201.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$187.9 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Saint Lucia$570.6 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$529 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNANA

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines$362.2 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$330.8 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Samoa$447.2 million (31 December 2013 est.)

Topic: San MarinoNANA

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe$292.9 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$308.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabia$205.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$189.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Senegal$8.571 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$6.327 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Serbia$30.927 billion (2019 est.)

$30.618 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Seychelles$4.802 billion (2019 est.)

$4.613 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Sierra Leone$1.615 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.503 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Singapore$1,557,646,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,528,177,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Slovakia$115.853 billion (2019 est.)

$114.224 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Slovenia$48.656 billion (2019 est.)

$50.004 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islands$757 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$643 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Somalia$5.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Topic: South Africa$179.871 billion (2019 est.)

$173.714 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Spain$2,338,853,000,000 (2019 est.)

$2,366,534,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Sri Lanka$55.332 billion (2019 est.)

$52.567 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Sudan$56.05 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$51.26 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Suriname$1.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.436 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Sweden$911.317 billion (2019 est.)

$1,012,171,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Switzerland$1,909,446,000,000 (2019 est.)

$1,930,819,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: Syria$4.989 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$5.085 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Taiwan$189.684 billion (2019 est.)

$196.276 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Tajikistan$6.47 billion (2019 est.)

$5.849 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Tanzania$22.054 billion (2019 est.)

$20.569 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Thailand$167.89 billion (2019 est.)

$158.964 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Timor-Leste$311.5 million (31 December 2014 est.)

$687 million (31 December 2013 est.)

Topic: Togo$1.442 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.22 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Tonga$189.9 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$198.2 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$8.238 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$8.746 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Tunisia$35.911 billion (2019 est.)

$33.79 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)$438.677 billion (2019 est.)

$454.251 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistan$539.4 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$425.3 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsNANA

Topic: TuvaluNANA

Topic: Uganda$13.85 billion (2019 est.)

$12.187 billion (2018 est.)

$6.241 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Ukraine$117.41 billion (2019 est.)

$114.449 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: United Arab Emirates$237.6 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$218.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: United Kingdom$8,721,590,000,000 (2019 est.)

$8,696,559,000,000 (2018 est.)

Topic: United States$20,275,951,000,000 (2019 est.)

$19,452,478,000,000 (2018 est.)

note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the world's reserve currency

Topic: Uruguay$43.705 billion (2019 est.)

$42.861 billion (2018 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistan$16.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$16.76 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Vanuatu$200.5 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$182.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Venezuela$100.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$109.8 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Vietnam$96.58 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$84.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Virgin IslandsNANA

Topic: Wallis and Futuna$3.67 million (2004)

Topic: West Bank$1.662 billion (31 March 2016 est.)

$1.467 billion (31 March 2015 est.)

note: data include the Gaza Strip

Topic: World$76.56 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$75.09 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt, both public and private

Topic: Yemen$6.805 billion (2018 est.)

$7.181 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Zambia$11.66 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$9.562 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Topic: Zimbabwe$9.357 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$10.14 billion (31 December 2016 est.)


Topic: Introduction
Background: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and held about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015.Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and held about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 2,149,690 sq km

land: 2,149,690 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Topic: People and Society
Population: 35,354,380 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Languages: Arabic (official)
Religions: Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.63% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: absolute monarchy
Capital: name: Riyadh
Executive branch: chief of state: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985)
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 seats plus a speaker; members appointed by the monarch to serve 4-year terms); note - in early 2013, the monarch granted women 30 seats on the Council

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC leader; diversifying portfolio; declining per-capita incomes; young labor force; key human capital gaps; heavy bureaucracy and increasing corruption; substantial poverty; low innovation economyhigh-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC leader; diversifying portfolio; declining per-capita incomes; young labor force; key human capital gaps; heavy bureaucracy and increasing corruption; substantial poverty; low innovation economy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,543,240,000,000 (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $44,300 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, dates, poultry, fruit, watermelons, barley, wheat, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes
Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction
Exports: $184.11 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: China 20%, India 11%, Japan 11%, South Korea 9%, United States 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, natural gas (2019)
Imports: $179.8 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: China 18%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 9%, Germany 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, telephones (2019)Page last updated: Monday, May 23, 2022