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

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [351] (21) 727-3300; US Embassy Lisbon, Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa, Portugal; conslisbon@state.gov;

https://pt.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 351
Local Emergency Phone: 112
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south
Currency (Code): Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Portuguese, Mirandese
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 3.3%, other (includes Jewish, Muslim) 0.6%
Time Difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: Portugal h 2 time zones, including the Azores (UTC-1)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Lisbon (includes Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, Oceanarium, Jeronimos Monastery, Sao Jorge Castle, Ajuda Palace); Palacio Nacional de Sintra; Convento do Cristo (Tomar); Guimaraes Castle
Major Sports: Soccer, tennis
Cultural Practices: The number 13 is considered unlucky in Portugal. It is best not to give 13 flowers in an arrangement as a gift.
Tipping Guidelines: In tourist areas, if a service fee is not included in a restaurant bill, tip 10%. Tip 1-2 euros at the bar for good service. Tipping your tour guide and driver around 5 euros each day is appropriate. Taxi drivers in Portugal will not expect a tip, but if they turn up on time, share information about the country, and generally provide good service, rounding up the fare is common. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag.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 provides estimates of military and security services personnel strengths. The numbers are based on a wide-range of publicly available information. Unless otherwise noted, military estimates focus on the major services (army, navy, air force, and where applicable, gendarmeries) and do not account for activated reservists or delineate military service members assigned to joint staffs or defense ministries.This entry provides estimates of military and security services personnel strengths. The numbers are based on a wide-range of publicly available information. Unless otherwise noted, military estimates focus on the major services (army, navy, air force, and where applicable, gendarmeries) and do not account for activated reservists or delineate military service members assigned to joint staffs or defense ministries.

Topic: Afghanistanin May 2022, the de facto Ministry of Defense announced that approximately 130,000 troops had been recruited for a new "National Army" (2022)

note: as of 2022, there were also up to 10,000 foreign fighters in Afghanistan, most of whom were aligned with the Taliban

Topic: Albaniaapproximately 7,000 total active duty personnel (5,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Algeriaapproximately 140,000 ANP personnel (120,000 Army; 6,000 Navy; 14,000 Air Force); approximately 130,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 200,000 General Directorate of National Security (2022)

Topic: Angolaapproximately 101,000 active troops (95,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force); est. 10,000 Rapid Reaction Police (2021)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudaapproximately 200 active military personnel (2022)

Topic: Argentinaapproximately 82,000 active duty personnel (50,000 Army; 18,000 Navy, including about 3,500 marines); 14,000 Air Force); estimated 20,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Armeniaapproximately 45,000 active troops (42,000 ground; 3,000 air/defense) (2021)

Topic: Australiathe Australian Defense Force has approximately 60,000 total active troops (30,000 Army; 15,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Austriaapproximately 25,000 total active duty personnel (20,000 Army; 5,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Azerbaijaninformation varies; approximately 65,000 total active troops (55,000 Army; 2,000 Navy; 8,000 Air Force); approximately 15,000 Ministry of Internal Affairs troops (2021)

Topic: Bahamas, Theapproximately 1,500 total personnel (2022)

Topic: Bahraininformation varies; approximately 10,000 active personnel (7,500 Army; 1,000 Navy; 1,500 Air Force); est. 3,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Bangladeshinformation varies; approximately 165,000 total active personnel (135,000 Army; 15,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Barbadosapproximately 600 active personnel (2022)

Topic: Belarusapproximately 45,000 active duty troops; information on the individual services varies, but probably includes about 25,000 Army, 15,000 Air/Air Defense, and 5,000 Special Operations forces (2021)

Topic: Belgiumthe Belgian Armed Forces have approximately 25,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Land Component; 1,500 Marine Component; 5,000 Air Force Component; 1,500 Medical Service; 7,000 other, including joint staff, support, and training schools) (2022)

Topic: Belizeapproximately 1,300 BDF personnel; approximately 300 Belize Coast Guard (2022)

Topic: Beninthe Benin Armed Forces (FAB) are comprised of approximately 7,000 active duty troops; est. 5,000 Republican Police (2021)

Topic: Bermudathe Royal Bermuda Regiment has about 350 troops (2021)

Topic: Bhutanthe Royal Bhutan Army has an estimated 8,000 personnel (2022)

Topic: Boliviainformation varies widely; approximately 40,000 active troops (28,000 Army; 5,000 Navy; 7,000 Air Force); note - a considerable portion of the Navy personnel are marines and naval police; approximately 40,000 National Police (2022)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaapproximately 9,000 active duty personnel (2022)

Topic: Botswanathe Botswana Defense Force (BDF) has approximately 9,000 active personnel (2021)

Topic: Brazilapproximately 360,000 active military personnel (220,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 70,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Bruneiapproximately 6,000 total active troops (4,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Bulgariaapproximately 28,000 active duty personnel (17,000 Army; 4,000 Navy; 7,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Burkina Fasoapproximately 12,000 personnel (7,000 Army; 500 Air Force; 4,500 National Gendarmerie) (2021)

Topic: Burmaestimates vary widely, from approximately 300,000 to as many as 400,000 active duty personnel (2022)

Topic: Burundiapproximately 25,000 active duty troops, the majority of which are ground forces (2021)

Topic: Cabo Verdeapproximately 1,200 personnel including about 100 in the Coast Guard (2022)

Topic: Cambodiainformation varies; approximately 110,000 total active troops including about 3,000 Navy and 1,000 Air Force; est. 10,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Camerooninformation varies widely; approximately 40,000 active duty troops; (25,000 ground forces, including the BIR and Presidential Guard; 2,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force; 12,000 Gendarmerie) (2021)

Topic: Canadaapproximately 70,000 total active personnel (23,000 Army; 12,000 Navy; 12,000 Air Force; 23,000 other) (2022)

note: the Army also has approximately 19,000 part-time volunteer soldiers in the Reserve Force, including about 5,500 Rangers

Topic: Central African Republicinformation varies; approximately 8,000 FACA troops; up to 2,000 Gendarmerie; approximately 2,000 Mixed Special Security Units (2021)

Topic: Chadlimited and varied information; approximately 30,000 active personnel (20-25,000 Ground Forces; 300 Air Force; 5-10,000 General Direction of the Security Services of State Institutions); approximately 5,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 3,000 National Nomadic Guard of Chad (2021)

Topic: Chileapproximately 70,000 active armed forces personnel (40,000 Army; 20,000 Navy; 10,000 Air Force); approximately 50,000 Carabineros (2022)

Topic: Chinaapproximately 2 million active duty troops (approximately 1 million Ground; 250,000 Navy/Marines; 350-400,000 Air Force; 120,000 Rocket Forces; 150-175,000 Strategic Support Forces); estimated 600-650,000 People’s Armed Police (2022)

Topic: Colombiaapproximately 260,000 total active troops (200,000 Army; 45,000 Navy, including about 20,000 marines; 14,000 Air Force); approximately 170,000 National Police (2022)

Topic: ComorosComoran Defense Force has an estimated 600 personnel; est. 500 Comoran Federal Police (2021)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thelimited and widely varied information; approximately 100,000 active troops (mostly Army, but includes several thousand Navy and Air Force personnel, as well as about 10,000 Republican Guard; note -  Navy personnel includes naval infantry) (2021)

Topic: Congo, Republic of thethe Congolese Armed Forces (FAC) have approximately 12,000 active duty troops (8,000 Army; 800 Navy; 1,000 Air Force; 2,000 Gendarmerie) (2021)

Topic: Costa Rica12,500 Public Force personnel; approximately 500-600 Air, 500-600 Coast Guard, and 300-400 Border Police personnel (2022)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoireapproximately 25,000 active troops (23,000 Army, including about 2,000 Special Forces; 1,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force); est. 5-10,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Croatiaapproximately 15,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 1,500 Air force; 2,000 joint/other) (2022)

Topic: Cubalimited available information; estimated 50,000 active personnel (approximately 40,000 Army; 3,000 Navy; 8,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Cyprusapproximately 13,000 total active duty personnel (2022)

Topic: Czechiaapproximately 26,000 active personnel (20,000 Army; 6,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Denmarkapproximately 17,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 3,500 Navy; 3,500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Djiboutithe Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) have approximately 10,500 active troops (8,000 Army; 250 Naval; 250 Air; 2,000 Gendarmerie) (2021)

Topic: Dominican Republicinformation varies; approximately 60,000 active personnel (30,000 Army; 13,000 Navy; 17,000 Air Force); approximately 30,000 National Police (2022)

Topic: Ecuadorapproximately 40,000 active military personnel (25,000 Army; 9,000 Navy; 6,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Egyptinformation varies; approximately 450,000 total active personnel (325,000 Army; 18,000 Navy; 30,000 Air Force; 75,000 Air Defense Command); approximately 300,000 Central Security Forces (2022)

Topic: El Salvadorapproximately 21,000 active military personnel (17,000 Army; 2,000 Navy; 2,000 Air Force) (2022)

note: in 2021, El Salvador announced intentions to double the size of the military, although no time frame was given

Topic: Equatorial Guineaapproximately 2,000 active duty troops; approximately 400 Gendarmerie (2021)

Topic: Eritrealimited available information; estimated 150,000-200,000 personnel, including about 2,000 in the naval and air forces (2021)

Topic: Estoniaapproximately 7,000 active duty personnel; approximately 15,000 Defense League (2022)

Topic: Eswatiniapproximately 3,000 active personnel (2021)

Topic: Ethiopiainformation varies; prior to the 2020-21 Tigray conflict, approximately 150,000 active duty troops, including about 3,000 Air Force personnel (no personnel numbers available for the newly-established Navy) (2021)

Topic: Fijiapproximately 4,000 active personnel (2022)

Topic: Finlandapproximately 22,000 total active duty personnel (15,000 Army; 4,000 Navy; 3,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Franceapproximately 205,000 active duty troops (115,000 Army; 35,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force; 15,000 other, such as joint staffs, administration, logistics, procurement, medical service, etc.); approximately 100,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 75,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Gabonapproximately 6,500 active duty troops including the Republican Guard and Gendarmerie (2021)

Topic: Gambia, Theinformation varies; approximately 2,000 total active troops (2021)

Topic: Gaza Stripthe military wing of HAMAS has an estimated 20-25,000 fighters (2021)

Topic: Georgiainformation varies; approximately 30,000 troops, including active National Guard forces (2021)

Topic: Germanyapproximately 184,000 active duty personnel (63,000 Army; 16,000 Navy; 27,000 Air Force; 27,000 Joint Support Service; 20,000 Medical Service, 16,000 Cyber and Information Space Command; 15,000 other, including central staff, support, etc.) (2022)

note: Germany in 2020 announced it planned to increase the size of the military to about 200,000 troops by 2025

Topic: Ghanaapproximately 14,000 active personnel (10,000 Army; 2,000 Navy; 2,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Greeceapproximately 125,000 active duty personnel (90,000 Army; 15,000 Navy; 20,000 Air Force); approximately 35,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Guatemalainformation varies; approximately 20,000 active military personnel (18,000 Land Forces; 1,000 Naval Forces; 1,000 Air Forces); approximately 30,000 National Civil Police (2022)

Topic: GuineaGuinean National Armed Forces are comprised of approximately 12,000 active personnel
(9,000 Army; 400 Navy; 800 Air Force; 300 BASP; 1,500 Gendarmerie) (2022)

Topic: Guinea-Bissauapproximately 4,000 total active troops, including a few hundred air and naval personnel (2022)

Topic: Guyanaapproximately 4,000 active military personnel (2022)

Topic: Haitiapproximately 1,200 FAdH troops (the force is planned to eventually have around 5,000 personnel); approximately 16,000 National Police (2022)

Topic: Hondurasapproximately 16,000 active personnel (7,500 Army; 1,500 Navy, including about 1,000 marines; 2,000 Air Force; 5,000 Military Police of Public Order); approximately 18,000 National Police (2022)

Topic: Hungaryapproximately 21,000 active duty troops (16,000 Army; 5,000 Air Force) (2022)

note: in 2017, Hungary announced plans to increase the number of active soldiers to around 37,000, but did not give a timeline

Topic: Icelandthe Icelandic Coast Guard has approximately 250 personnel (2022)

Topic: Indiainformation varies; approximately 1.45 million active personnel (est. 1.25 million Army; 65,000 Navy; 140,000 Air Force; 12,000 Coast Guard) (2022)

Topic: Indonesiaapproximately, 400,000 active duty troops (300,000 Army; 60,000 Navy, including about 20,000 marines; 30,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Iraninformation varies; approximately 550-600,000 total active personnel; approximately 400,000 Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (350,000 Ground Forces; 18,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force/Air Defense Forces); approximately 150-190,000 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (100-150,000 Ground Forces; 20,000 Navy; 15,000 Aerospace Force; 5-15,000 Qods Force); est. 90,000 active Basij Paramilitary Forces (2021)

Topic: Iraqinformation varies; approximately 200,000 personnel under the Ministry of Defense (190,000 Army/Aviation Command/Special Forces; 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air/Air Defense Forces); approximately 25,000 National-Level Security Forces (10,000 Iraqi Counterterrorism Service; 10,000 Presidential Brigades; 5,000 Prime Minister’s Special Forces Division); Ministry of Peshmerga: approximately 150,000-plus (45-50,000 Regional Guard Brigades; 40-45,000 Unit 70 Forces; 65-70,000 Unit 80 Forces); estimated 100-160,000 Popular Mobilization Forces (2022)

Topic: Irelandapproximately 8,500 active duty personnel (6,800 Army; 900 Naval Service; 800 Air Corps) (2022)

Topic: Israelapproximately 173,000 active personnel (130,000 Ground Forces; 9,000 Naval; 34,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Italyapproximately 170,000 active personnel (100,000 Army; 30,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force); approximately 108,000 Carabinieri (2022)

Topic: Jamaicaapproximately 4,000 total active personnel (2022)

Topic: Japanapproximately 244,000 active personnel (150,000 Ground; 45,000 Maritime; 45,000 Air; 4,000 Joint Forces); 14,000 Coast Guard (2022)

Topic: Jordanapproximately 90,000 active JAF personnel (77,000 Army; 500 Navy; 12,500 Air Force); approximately 15,000 Gendarmerie Forces (2022)

Topic: Kazakhstaninformation varies; approximately 40,000 active duty personnel (25,000 Land Forces; 3,000 Naval Forces; 12,000 Air and Air Defense Forces) (2022)

Topic: Kenyaapproximately 24,000 personnel (20,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 2,500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Korea, Northinformation varies widely; estimated 1.15 million active troops (950,000 Army; 120,000 Air Force; 60,000 Navy; 10,000 Strategic Missile Forces); estimated 200,000 internal security forces (2022)

Topic: Korea, Southapproximately 555,000 active duty personnel (420,000 Army; 70,000 Navy, including about 30,000 Marines; 65,000 Air Force) (2022)

note: South Korea intended to reduce the size of its military to about 522,000 by 2022

Topic: Kosovothe Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has approximately 3,500 personnel; note - Kosovo plans for the KSF to eventually number around 5,000 troops (2021)

Topic: Kuwaitthe Kuwaiti Armed Forces have approximately 17,000 active personnel (12,500 Army; 2,000 Navy; 2,500 Air Force); approximately 6,500 National Guard; note – Army figures include the Kuwait Amiri Guard Authority (estimated 500 personnel) and the 25th Commando Brigade (strength not available) (2022)

Topic: Kyrgyzstanapproximately 12,000 active duty troops (8,500 Land Forces; 2,500 Air Force/Air Defense; 1,000 National Guard) (2022)

Topic: Laosinformation is limited and estimates vary; approximately 30,000 active duty troops (26,000 Army; 4,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Latviaapproximately 7,500 active duty troops (6,500 Land Forces; 500 Naval Force/Coast Guard; 500 Air Force; note - some Land Forces are considered joint forces); 8,200 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Lebanonapproximately 80,000 active troops (77,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 1,500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Lesothoapproximately 2,000 personnel (2021)

Topic: Liberiaapproximately 2,000 personnel (2021)

Topic: Libyaestimates not available

Topic: Lithuaniaapproximately 17,000 active duty personnel (13,500 Army, including about 5,000 National Defense Voluntary Forces; 500 Navy; 1,000 Air Force; 2,000 other, including special operations forces, logistics support, training, etc); estimated 11,000 Riflemen Union (2022)

Topic: Luxembourgapproximately 900 active personnel (2022)

Topic: Madagascarapproximately 13,000 personnel (12,000 Army; 500 Navy; 500 Air Force); est. 10,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Malawiinformation varies; approximately 8,000 total personnel (including about 200 air and 200 marine forces) (2021)

Topic: Malaysiaapproximately 115,000 active duty troops (80,000 Army; 18,000 Navy; 17,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Maldivesapproximately 2,500 personnel (2022)

Topic: Maliinformation varies; approximately 20,000 active FAMa personnel (includes up to 2,000 Air Force); estimated 5,000 Gendarmerie; estimated 10,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Maltaapproximately 2,000 active duty personnel (2021)

Topic: Mauritaniaapproximately 16,000 active personnel (15,000 Army; 700 Navy; 300 Air Force); est. 3,000 Gendarmerie; est. 2,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Mauritiusapproximately 1,700 Special Mobile Force; approximately 800 National Coast Guard (2022)

Topic: Mexicoinformation varies; approximately 218,000 armed forces personnel (160,000 Army; 8,000 Air Force; 50,000 Navy, including about 20,000 marines); approximately 110,000 National Guard personnel (2022)

Topic: Moldovaapproximately 6,000 active troops (2021)

Topic: Mongoliaestimates vary; approximately 9,000 active duty troops (2022)

Topic: Montenegroapproximately 2,000 active duty troops (2022)

Topic: Moroccoapproximately 200,000 active personnel (175,000 Army; 10,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force); est. 20,000 Gendarmerie; est. 5,000 Mobile Intervention Corps (2021)

Topic: Mozambiqueinformation limited and varied; approximately 12,000 personnel (11,000 Army and about 1,000 Air Force and Navy) (2021)

Topic: Namibiainformation varies; approximately 12,500 personnel (11,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 500 Air Force) (2021)

Topic: Nepalapproximately 95,000 active troops (including a small air wing of about 500 personnel) (2022)

Topic: Netherlandsapproximately 40,000 active duty personnel (20,000 Army; 7,500 Navy; 6,500 Air Force; 6,000 Constabulary) (2022)

note: the Navy includes about 2,300 marines

Topic: New Zealandthe New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) has about 9,500 active duty troops (4,700 Army; 2,300 Navy; 2,500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Nicaraguaapproximately 12,000 active personnel (10,000 Army; 800 Navy; 1,200 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Nigerinformation varies; approximately 12,000 active troops (est. 8,000 Army; 200 Air Force; 4,000 Gendarmerie); est. 3,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Nigeriainformation varies; approximately 135,000 active personnel (100,000 Army; 20,000 Navy/Coast Guard; 15,000 Air Force); est. 80,000 Security and Civil Defense Corps (2022)

Topic: North Macedoniaapproximately 6,000 active duty personnel (2022)

Topic: Norwayapproximately 23,000 active personnel (8,000 Army; 4,000 Navy; 4,000 Air Force; 7,000 other, including special operations, cyber, joint staff, intelligence, logistics support, active Home Guard, etc.); approximately 40,000 Home Guard (2022)

Topic: Omanapproximately 40,000 total active troops (25,000 Army, 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force; 5,000 Royal Guard) (2022)

Topic: Pakistaninformation varies; approximately 630,000 active personnel (550,000 Army; 30,000 Navy; 50,000 Air Force); approximately 150,000 Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers (2022)

Topic: Panamaapproximately 20,000 National Police; 4,000 National Border Service; 3,000 National Air-Naval Service (2022)

Topic: Papua New Guineaapproximately 3,000 active duty troops (2022)

Topic: Paraguayapproximately 15,000 active personnel (10,000 Army; 3,500 Navy; 1,500 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Peruinformation varies; approximately 95,000 active personnel (60,000 Army; 25,000 Navy, including about 4,000 naval infantry and 1,000 Coast Guard; 10,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Philippinesapproximately 130,000 active duty personnel (90,000 Army; 25,000 Navy, including about 8,000 marines; 15,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Polandapproximately 120,000 active duty personnel (65,000 Army; 7,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force; 3,000 Special Forces; 25,000 joint service/other; 5,000 Territorial Defense Forces); approximately 25,000 other Territorial Defense Forces (reserves) (2022)

note: in June 2019, the Polish Government approved a plan to increase the size of the military over a period of 10 years to over 200,000 troops, including doubling the size of the Territorial Defense Forces; in 2021, it announced additional plans to increase the size of military to over 300,000 personnel

Topic: Portugalthe Portuguese Armed Forces have approximately 27,000 active duty personnel (14,000 Army; 7,000 Navy, including about 1,000 marines; 6,000 Air Force); 24,500 National Republican Guard (military personnel) (2022)

Topic: Qatarinformation varies; approximately 15,000 active personnel (10,000 Land Force, including Emiri Guard; 3,000 Navy; 2,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Romaniaapproximately 75,000 active duty personnel (58,000 Land Forces; 7,000 Naval Forces; 10,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Russiainformation varies; approximately 850,000 total active duty troops (300,000 Ground Troops; 40,000 Airborne Troops; 150,000 Navy; 160,000 Aerospace Forces; 70,000 Strategic Rocket Forces; approximately 20,000 special operations forces; approximately 100,000 other uniformed personnel (command and control, cyber, support, logistics, security, etc.); estimated 200-250,000 Federal National Guard Troops (2021)

Topic: Rwandathe Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) has approximately 33,000 active personnel (32,000 Army; 1,000 Air Force) (2021)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisthe SKNDF has approximately 400 personnel (2021)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principethe FASTP has approximately 400-500 personnel (2021)

Topic: Saudi Arabiathe Saudi military forces have about 225,000 active troops; approximately 125,000 under the Ministry of Defense (75,000 Land Forces; 15,000 Naval Forces; 35,000 Air Force/Air Defense/Strategic Missile Forces) and approximately 100,000 in the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) (2021)

note: SANG also has an irregular force (Fowj), primarily Bedouin tribal volunteers, with a total strength of approximately 25,000

Topic: Senegalapproximately 19,000 active personnel (12,000 Army; 1,000 Navy/Coast Guard; 1,000 Air Force; 5,000 National Gendarmerie) (2022)

Topic: Serbiainformation varies; approximately 25,000 active duty troops (15,000 Land Forces; 5,000 Air/Air Defense; 5,000 other); approximately 3,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Seychellesapproximately 500 personnel (2022)

Topic: Sierra Leoneapproximately 9,000 personnel, mostly ground forces (2022)

Topic: Singaporeinformation varies; approximately 60,000 active duty troops (45,000 Army; 7,000 Navy; 8,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Slovakiaapproximately 14,000 active duty personnel (8,000 Land Forces; 4,000 Air Forces; 2,000 other, including staff, special operations, and support forces) (2022)

Topic: Sloveniaapproximately 6,000 active duty troops (2022)

Topic: Somaliaestimates vary widely, from a low of about 10,000 to a high of some 25,000 due to inconsistent internal reporting and the ongoing attempts to integrate various militias (2021)

note 1: in 2017, the Somali Government announced a plan for the SNA to eventually number about 18,000 troops; the same plan called for 32,000 federal and regional police

note 2: estimates for the number of militia forces operating in the country run as high as 50,000

Topic: South Africathe South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is comprised of approximately 75,000 personnel (40,000 Army; 7,000 Navy; 10,000 Air Force; 8,000 Military Health Service; 10,000 other, including administrative, logistics, military police); 180,000 South African Police Service (2021)

Topic: South Sudanestimated 150-200,000 active personnel, mostly ground forces with small contingents of air and riverine forces (2022)

note: some active SSPDF personnel may be militia; the National Unified Forces will have about 80,000 troops from the SSPDF and armed opposition groups when it is formed

Topic: Spainapproximately 120,000 active duty troops (75,000 Army; 25,000 Navy, including about 5,000 marines; 20,000 Air Force); 80,000 Guardia Civil (2022)

Topic: Sri Lankaapproximately 240,000 total personnel (170,000 Army; 40,000 Navy; 30,000 Air Force); approximately 11,000 Special Task Force personnel (2022)

Topic: Sudaninformation varies widely; estimated 100-125,000 SAF troops; approximately 30-40,000 Rapid Support Forces (2022)

Topic: Surinameapproximately 2,000 total personnel (2022)

Topic: Swedenapproximately 15,000 continuous service/full-time troops (7,000 Army; 3,000 Navy; 3,000 Air Force; 2,000 other, including staff, logistics, support, medical, cyber, intelligence, etc); approximately 21,000 Home Guard; approximately 12,000 temporary service personnel (2022)

note: Swedish Armed Forces' (SAF) personnel are divided into continuously serving (full-time) and temporary service troops (part-timers who serve periodically and have another main employer or attend school); additional personnel have signed service agreements with the SAF and mostly serve in the Home Guard; the SAF also has about 9,000 civilian employees

Topic: Switzerlandthe Swiss Armed Forces maintain a full-time professional cadre of about 4,000 personnel along with approximately 18-20,000 conscripts brought in annually for 18-23 weeks of training; approximately 120,000 reserve forces (2021)

Topic: Syriacurrent estimates not available; since the start of the civil war in 2011, the Syrian Armed Forces (SAF) have taken significant losses in personnel due to casualties and desertions; prior to the civil war, the SAF had approximately 300,000 active duty troops, including 200-225,000 Army, plus about 300,000 reserve forces (2022)

note: pro-government and pro-Iranian militias probably number in the tens of thousands

Topic: Taiwanapproximately 170,000 active duty troops (90,000 Army; 40,000 Navy, including approximately 10,000 marines; 40,000 Air Force) (2022)

note: Taiwan trains about 120,000 reservists annually, but in 2022 announced intentions to increase that figure to 260,000

Topic: Tajikistanapproximately 9,500 active troops (8,000 Land and Mobile Forces; 1,500 Air and Air Defense Forces) (2022)

Topic: Tanzaniaapproximately 25,000 active personnel (21,000 Land Forces; 1,000 Naval Forces; 3,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Thailandestimates vary widely; approximately 300,000 active duty personnel (200,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 30,000 Air Force); estimated 20,000 Thai Rangers; estimated 5,000 Internal Security Operations Command personnel (2022)

Topic: Timor-Lesteapproximately 2,000 personnel (2022)

Topic: Togoapproximately 10-11,000 personnel (7,000 Army; 500 Air and Navy; 3,000 Gendarmerie) (2022)

note: in January 2022, the Togolese Government announced its intent to boost the size of the FAT to more than 20,000 by 2025

Topic: Tongaapproximately 650 personnel (2022)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoapproximately 4,500 TTDF personnel (2022)

Topic: Tunisiaapproximately 35,000 active personnel (25,000 Army; 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force); est. 10,000 National Guard (2022)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)approximately 445,000 active duty personnel (350,000 Army; 45,000 Navy; 50,000 Air Force); approximately 150,000 Gendarmerie (2022)

Topic: Turkmenistaninformation varies; estimated 30,000 active troops (est. 25,000 National Army; 1,000 Navy; 4,000 Air and Air Defense Forces) (2022)

Topic: Ugandainformation varies; approximately 45-50,000 troops, including about 1,000-1,500 air and marine personnel; approximately 20-30,000 personnel in the Local Defense Units (2022)

Topic: Ukraineprior to the Russian invasion, approximately 200,000 active troops (125,000 Army; 25,000 Airborne/Air Assault Forces; 2,000 Special Operations Forces; 10,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force); approximately 50,000 National Guard (Feb 2022)

Topic: United Arab Emiratesapproximately 65,000 total active personnel (45,000 Land Forces; 3,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force; 12,000 Presidential Guard) (2022)

Topic: United Kingdomapproximately 153,000 regular forces (81,000 Army; 34,000 Navy, including about 7,000 Royal Marines; 38,000 Air Force) (2022)

note: the military also has approximately 40-45,000 reserves and other personnel on active duty

Topic: United Statesthe US Armed Forces have approximately 1.39 million active duty personnel (475,000 Army; 345,000 Navy; 335,000 Air Force (includes about 8,000 Space Force); 180,000 Marine Corps; 40,000 Coast Guard); 335,000 Army National Guard; 105,000 Air National Guard (2022)

Topic: Uruguayapproximately 22,000 active personnel (14,000 Army; 5,000 Navy; 3,000 Air Force) (2022)

Topic: Uzbekistaninformation varies; approximately 60,000 total active troops, including 10-15,000 Air Force (2022)

Topic: Venezuelainformation varies; approximately 125-150,000 active personnel, including about 25-30,000 National Guard; approximately 200-225,000 Bolivarian Militia (2022)

Topic: Vietnaminformation is limited and estimates vary; approximately 470,000 active duty troops (400,000 ground; 40,000 naval; 30,000 air); estimated 40,000 Border Defense Force and Coast Guard (2022)

Topic: West Bankthe Palestinian Authority Security Forces have approximately 30,000 active personnel (2022)

Topic: Worldestimated 20 million active duty military (2021)

Topic: Yemeninformation limited and widely varied; ROYG: up to 300,000 estimated military, paramilitary, and militia forces; UAE- and Saudi-backed forces: estimated 150-200,000 trained fighters; Huthis: up to 200,000 estimated fighters (2021)

Topic: Zambiathe Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) has approximately 17,000 active troops (15,000 Army; 2,000 Air) (2022)

Topic: Zimbabweinformation varies; approximately 30,000 active duty troops, including about 4,000 Air Force personnel (2022)


This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere.

Topic: Chinain 2018, the Chinese Government established an investigatory National Supervisory Commission to oversee all state employees

Topic: French Polynesiaunder certain acts of France, French Polynesia has acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are fashioned after those of the French prime minister

Topic: Somaliaregional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control various areas of the country, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia


Topic: Introduction
Background: Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes with additional Persian cultural influences, migrated to the region in the 15th century. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. The country gained independence in 1991.Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes with additional Persian cultural influences, migrated to the region in the 15th century. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. The country gained independence in 1991.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 2,724,900 sq km

land: 2,699,700 sq km

water: 25,200 sq km
Climate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid
Natural resources: major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Topic: People and Society
Population: 19,398,331 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Kazakh (Qazaq) 68%, Russian 19.3%, Uzbek 3.2%, Ukrainian 1.5%, Uighur 1.5%, Tatar 1.1%, German 1%, other 4.4% (2019 est.)
Languages: Kazakh (official, Qazaq) 83.1% (understand spoken language) and trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English) 22.3% (2017 est.); Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 94.4% (understand spoken language) (2009 est.)
Religions: Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.77% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Nur-Sultan
Executive branch: chief of state: President Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (since 20 March 2019); note - Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, who was president since 24 April 1990 (and in power since 22 June 1989 under the Soviet period), resigned on 20 March 2019; NAZARBAYEV retained the title and powers of "First President"; TOKAYEV completed NAZARBAYEV's term, which was shortened due to the early election of 9 June 2019, and then continued as president following his election victory

head of government: Prime Minister Alikhan SMAILOV (since 11 January 2022); note - Prime Minister Askar MAMIN resigned on 5 January 2022 in the wake of massive protests of his government that began 2 January 2022 following a sudden, steep rise in gasoline prices
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
Senate (49 seats statutory, 48 as of October 2021); 34 members indirectly elected by 2-round majority vote by the oblast-level assemblies and 15 members appointed by decree of the president; members serve 6-year terms, with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years)
Mazhilis (107 seats; 98 members directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 9 indirectly elected by the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, a 351-member, presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the country's ethnic minorities)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: oil and gas giant, with growing international investment; domestic economy hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; reforming civil society and improving business confidence; legacy state controls and Russian influence inhibit growth and autonomyoil and gas giant, with growing international investment; domestic economy hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; reforming civil society and improving business confidence; legacy state controls and Russian influence inhibit growth and autonomy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $475.18 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $25,300 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: wheat, milk, potatoes, barley, watermelons, melons, linseed, onions, maize, sunflower seed
Industries: oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, uranium, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials
Exports: $51.75 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: China 13%, Italy 12%, Russia 10%, Netherlands 7%, France 6%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, copper, iron alloys, radioactive chemicals (2019)
Imports: $44.3 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: Russia 34%, China 24% (2019)
Imports - commodities: packaged medicines, natural gas, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft (2019)Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022


This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Topic: AfghanistanUnited Arab Emirates 23%, Pakistan 17%, India 13%, China 9%, United States 9%, Uzbekistan 7%, Kazakhstan 6% (2019)

Topic: AlbaniaItaly 28%, Greece 12%, China 11%, Turkey 9%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: AlgeriaChina 18%, France 14%, Italy 8%, Spain 8%, Germany 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: American SamoaFiji 10.7%, Singapore 10.4%, NZ 10.4%, South Korea 9.3%, Samoa 8.2%, Kenya 6.4%, Australia 5.2% (2017)

Topic: AndorraSpain 71%, France 17% (2019)

Topic: AngolaChina 22%, Portugal 15%, Nigeria 6%, Belgium 6%, United States 5%, South Africa 5%, Brazil 5% (2019)

Topic: Antigua and BarbudaUnited States 39%, Poland 16%, China 7% (2019)

Topic: ArgentinaBrazil 21%, China 18%, US 14%, Germany 6% (2019)

Topic: ArmeniaRussia 29%, China 10%, Georgia 8%, Iran 6%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: ArubaUnited States 48%, Netherlands 16% (2019)

Topic: AustraliaChina 25%, United States 12%, Japan 7%, Germany 5%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Topic: AustriaGermany 39%, Italy 7%, Czechia 5% (2019)

Topic: AzerbaijanUnited Kingdom 17%, Russia 17%, Turkey 12%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: Bahamas, TheUnited States 31%, South Korea 29%, Japan 14% (2019)

Topic: BahrainUnited Arab Emirates 27%, China 11%, Saudi Arabia 7%, United States 5%, Brazil 5%, Japan 5%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: BangladeshChina 31%, India 15%, Singapore 5% (2019)

Topic: BarbadosUnited States 35%, Trinidad and Tobago 14%, China 9%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: BelarusRussia 57%, China 7%, Poland 5%, Germany 5%, Ukraine 5% (2019)

Topic: BelgiumNetherlands 16%, Germany 13%, France 10%, United States 8%, Ireland 5%, China 5% (2019)

Topic: BelizeUnited States 36%, China 13%, Mexico 12%, Guatemala 10% (2019)

Topic: BeninChina 28%, Thailand 9%, India 8%, Togo 6%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: BermudaUnited States 44%, South Korea 17%, Germany 10%, Canada 8% (2019)

Topic: BhutanIndia 85%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Topic: BoliviaBrazil 22%, Chile 15%, China 13%, Peru 11%, Argentina 8%, United States 7% (2017)

Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaCroatia 15%, Serbia 13%, Germany 10%, Italy 9%, Slovenia 7%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: BotswanaSouth Africa 58%, Namibia 9%, Canada 7% (2019)

Topic: BrazilChina 21%, United States 18%, Germany 6%, Argentina 6% (2019)

Topic: British Virgin IslandsGermany 32%, United States 22%, Italy 9%, France 7%, Seychelles 7% (2019)

Topic: BruneiSingapore 18%, China 14%, Malaysia 12%, Nigeria 5%, United Arab Emirates 5%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: BulgariaGermany 11%, Russia 9%, Italy 7%, Romania 7%, Turkey 7% (2019)

Topic: Burkina FasoCote d'Ivoire 15%, China 9%, Ghana 8%, France 8%, India 6%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: BurmaChina 43%, Thailand 15%, Singapore 12%, Indonesia 5% (2019)

Topic: BurundiChina 14%, Saudi Arabia 14%, India 9%, Kenya 7%, United Arab Emirates 7%, Tanzania 5%, Zambia 5% (2019)

Topic: Cabo VerdePortugal 36%, Netherlands 16%, Spain 11%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: CambodiaChina 27%, Thailand 25%, Vietnam 15%, Singapore 8% (2019)

Topic: CameroonChina 28%, Nigeria 15%, France 9%, Belgium 6% (2019)

Topic: CanadaUS 57%, China 11%, Mexico 5% (2019)

Topic: Cayman IslandsNetherlands 56%, United States 18%, Italy 8%, Switzerland 5% (2019)

Topic: Central African RepublicIndia 18%, France 12%, United States 11%, China 9%, Netherlands 7%, Belgium 7%, Malta 6% (2019)

Topic: ChadChina 29%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 10%, United States 8%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: ChileChina 24%, United States 20%, Brazil 8%, Germany 5%, Argentina 5% (2019)

Topic: ChinaSouth Korea 9%, Japan 8%, Australia 7%, Germany 7%, US 7%, Taiwan 6% (2019)

Topic: Christmas IslandAustralia 80%, United States 7%, Canada 5% (2019)

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAustralia 73%, United Arab Emirates 15%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: ColombiaUnited States 27%, China 20%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 6% (2019)

Topic: ComorosChina 22%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 11%, Pakistan 9%, India 6% (2019)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theChina 29%, South Africa 15%, Zambia 12%, Rwanda 5%, Belgium 5%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: Congo, Republic of theChina 15%, France 12%, Belgium 6%, Angola 5% (2019)

Topic: Cook IslandsNew Zealand 41%, China 21%, Italy 12%, Fiji 10% (2019)

Topic: Costa RicaUnited States 41%, China 13%, Mexico 7% (2019)

Topic: Cote d'IvoireChina 18%, Nigeria 13%, France 11% (2019)

Topic: CroatiaItaly 14%, Germany 14%, Slovenia 11%, Hungary 7%, Austria 6% (2019)

Topic: CubaSpain 19%, China 15%, Italy 6%, Canada 5%, Russia 5%, United States 5%, Brazil 5% (2019)

Topic: CuracaoUnited States 35%, Netherlands 24%, China 5% (2019)

Topic: CyprusGreece 16%, Italy 10%, Turkey 8%, Russia 5%, Germany 5%, United Kingdom 5%, China 5% (2019)

Topic: CzechiaGermany 27%, China 12%, Poland 9%, Slovakia 5% (2019)

Topic: DenmarkGermany 21%, Sweden 11%, Netherlands 8%, China 7% (2019)

Topic: DjiboutiChina 43%, United Arab Emirates 15%, India 7%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: DominicaUnited States 57%, Nigeria 11%, China 6%, Italy 5% (2019)

Topic: Dominican RepublicUnited States 50%, China 13% (2019)

Topic: EcuadorUnited States 22%, China 18%, Colombia 9%, Panama 5% (2019)

Topic: EgyptChina 15%, Russia 7%, United States 6%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Germany 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: El SalvadorUnited States 30%, China 14%, Guatemala 13%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 6% (2019)

Topic: Equatorial GuineaUnited States 22%, Spain 19%, China 12%, United Kingdom 6%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Topic: EritreaUAE 14.5%, China 13.2%, Saudi Arabia 13.2%, Italy 12.9%, Turkey 5.6%, South Africa 4.6% (2017)

Topic: EstoniaRussia 12%, Germany 10%, Finland 9%, Lithuania 7%, Latvia 7%, Sweden 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: EswatiniSouth Africa 81.6%, China 5.2% (2017)

Topic: EthiopiaChina 27%, India 9%, United Arab Emirates 9%, France 9%, United Kingdom 7% (2019)

Topic: European UnionChina 20.1%, United States 14.5%, Switzerland 7.1%, Russia 6.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)United Kingdom 79%, Netherlands 16% (2019)

Topic: Faroe IslandsDenmark 33%, China 10.7%, Germany 7.6%, Poland 6.8%, Norway 6.7%, Ireland 5%, Chile 4.3% (2017)

Topic: FijiSingapore 18%, Australia 13%, China 13.8%, New Zealand 11%, France 11%, South Korea 8% (2017)

Topic: FinlandGermany 16%, Sweden 14%, Russia 13%, China 6%, Netherlands 6% (2019)

Topic: FranceGermany 18%, Belgium 9%, Italy 9%, Spain 7%, China 7%, Netherlands 6%, United Kingdom 5% (2019)

Topic: French PolynesiaFrance 27.9%, South Korea 12.1%, US 10.1%, China 7.3%, NZ 6.7%, Singapore 4.2% (2017)

Topic: GabonFrance 22%, China 17%, Belgium 6%, United States 6%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Topic: Gambia, TheChina 33%, India 10%, Senegal 5%, Brazil 5% (2019)

Topic: GeorgiaTurkey 17%, China 11%, Russia 9%, Azerbaijan 6%, United States 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: GermanyNetherlands 9%, China 8%, France 7%, Belgium 6%, Poland 6%, Italy 6%, Czechia 5%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: GhanaChina 24%, Nigeria 22%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: GibraltarSpain 19%, US 12%, India 12%, Italy 12%, Netherlands 11%, United Kingdom 7%, Greece 6% (2019)

Topic: GreeceGermany 11%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Russia 6%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: GreenlandDenmark 51%, Spain 23%, Sweden 12%, Iceland 7% (2019)

Topic: GrenadaUnited States 35%, Canada 24%, China 5% (2019)

Topic: GuamSingapore 33%, Japan 21%, South Korea 18%, Hong Kong 9%, Malaysia 6% (2019)

Topic: GuatemalaUnited States 36%, China 12%, Mexico 11%, El Salvador 5% (2019)

Topic: GuineaChina 39%, India 8%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Topic: Guinea-BissauPortugal 31%, Senegal 20%, China 10%, Netherlands 7%, Pakistan 7% (2019)

Topic: GuyanaUnited States 26%, Trinidad and Tobago 16%, Singapore 18%, Liberia 11%, China 5%, Norway 5% (2019)

Topic: HaitiUnited States 39%, China 22%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: HondurasUnited States 42%, China 10%, Guatemala 8%, El Salvador 8%, Mexico 6% (2019)

Topic: Hong KongChina 46%, Taiwan 7%, Singapore 7%, South Korea 5%, United States 5%, Japan 5% (2019)

Topic: HungaryGermany 25%, China 6%, Poland 6%, Austria 6%, Czechia 5%, Slovakia 5%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: IcelandNorway 11%, Netherlands 10%, Germany 8%, Denmark 8%, United States 7%, United Kingdom 6%, China 6%, Sweden 5% (2019)

Topic: IndiaChina 15%, United States 7%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019)

Topic: IndonesiaChina 27%, Singapore 12%, Japan 8%, Thailand 5%, United States 5%, South Korea 5%, Malaysia 5% (2019)

Topic: IranChina 28%, United Arab Emirates 20%, India 11%, Turkey 7%, Brazil 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: IraqUnited Arab Emirates 28%, Turkey 21%, China 19% (2019)

Topic: IrelandUnited Kingdom 31%, United States 16%, Germany 10%, Netherlands 5%, France 5% (2019)

Topic: IsraelUnited States 12%, China 11%, Germany 7.5%, Switzerland 7%, Turkey 6% (2020)

Topic: ItalyGermany 16%, France 9%, China 7%, Spain 5%, Netherlands 5%, Belgium 5% (2019)

Topic: JamaicaUnited States 43%, China 11% (2019)

Topic: JapanChina 23%, United States 11%, Australia 6% (2019)

Topic: JordanChina 17%, Saudi Arabia 15%, United States 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Egypt 5%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: KazakhstanRussia 34%, China 24% (2019)

Topic: KenyaChina 24%, United Arab Emirates 10%, India 10%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Japan 5% (2019)

Topic: KiribatiChina 20%, Fiji 19%, Australia 12%, Taiwan 11%, South Korea 11%, New Zealand 7%, Japan 5% (2019)

Topic: Korea, NorthChina 96% (2019)

Topic: Korea, SouthChina 22%, United States 12%, Japan 9% (2019)

Topic: KosovoGermany 12.4%, Serbia 12.3%, Turkey 9.6%, China 9.1%, Italy 6.4%, North Macedonia 5.1%, Albania 5%, Greece 4.4% (2017)

Topic: KuwaitChina 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 10%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6%, Germany 5%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: KyrgyzstanChina 53%, Russia 17%, Kazakhstan 7%, Uzbekistan 7%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: LaosThailand 53%, China 26%, Vietnam 10% (2019)

Topic: LatviaRussia 21%, Lithuania 14%, Germany 9%, Poland 7%, Estonia 7% (2019)

Topic: LebanonUnited Arab Emirates 11%, China 10%, Italy 8%, Greece 8%, Turkey 7%, United States 6% (2019)

Topic: LesothoSouth Africa 85%, China 5% (2019)

Topic: LiberiaChina 41%, Japan 21%, South Korea 18% (2019)

Topic: LibyaChina 16%, Turkey 14%, Italy 9%, United Arab Emirates 9%, Egypt 5% (2019)

Topic: LithuaniaPoland 12%, Russia 12%, Germany 12%, Latvia 7%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: LuxembourgBelgium 27%, Germany 24%, France 11%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: MacauChina 33%, Hong Kong 31%, France 5% (2019)

Topic: MadagascarChina 24%, France 11%, United Arab Emirates 9%, India 7%, South Africa 5% (2019)

Topic: MalawiSouth Africa 17%, China 16%, United Arab Emirates 9%, India 9%, United Kingdom 8% (2019)

Topic: MalaysiaChina 24%, Singapore 14%, Japan 6%, United States 6%, Taiwan 5%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Topic: MaldivesUnited Arab Emirates 24%, China 16%, Singapore 14%, India 11%, Malaysia 6%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Topic: MaliSenegal 23%, Cote d'Ivoire 15%, China 11%, France 9% (2019)

Topic: MaltaRussia 22%, Italy 12%, United Kingdom 11%, Germany 6%, Turkey 5%, France 5%, China 5%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Topic: Marshall IslandsSouth Korea 39%, China 27%, Japan 15% (2019)

Topic: MauritaniaChina 26%, France 6%, Spain 6%, Morocco 6%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Topic: MauritiusChina 15%, India 13%, France 10%, South Africa 8%, United Arab Emirates 7% (2019)

Topic: MexicoUnited States 54%, China 14% (2019)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofUnited States 32%, China 16%, Japan 14%, Taiwan 9%, Philippines 6%, South Korea 6% (2019)

Topic: MoldovaRomania 20%, Russia 10%, Ukraine 9%, Germany 8%, China 7%, Turkey 6%, Italy 6% (2019)

Topic: MonacoItaly 34%, Switzerland 16%, Germany 9%, United Kingdom 7% (2019)

Topic: MongoliaChina 31%, Russia 29%, Japan 10%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Topic: MontenegroSerbia 30%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8%, Croatia 8%, Italy 6%, Greece 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: MontserratUnited States 70%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)

Topic: MoroccoSpain 19%, France 11%, China 9%, United States 7%, Germany 5%, Turkey 5%, Italy 5% (2019)

Topic: MozambiqueSouth Africa 31%, India 18%, China 17% (2019)

Topic: NamibiaSouth Africa 47%, Zambia 16% (2019)

Topic: NauruTaiwan 52%, Australia 28% (2019)

Topic: NepalIndia 70%, China 15% (2019)

Topic: NetherlandsGermany 15%, China 11%, Belgium 9%, United States 8%, Russia 7%, United Kingdom 5% (2019)

Topic: New CaledoniaFrance 43%, Australia 12%, Singapore 12%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: New ZealandChina 18%, Australia 15%, United States 9%, Japan 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: NicaraguaUnited States 27%, Mexico 12%, China 11%, Guatemala 9%, Costa Rica 7%, El Salvador 6%, Honduras 6% (2019)

Topic: NigerChina 19%, France 9%, United Arab Emirates 7%, Cote d'Ivoire 6%, India 6%, Nigeria 5%, Togo 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: NigeriaChina 30%, Netherlands 11%, United States 6%, Belgium 5% (2019)

Topic: NiueNew Zealand 43%, United Kingdom 30%, Japan 22% (2019)

Topic: Norfolk IslandNew Zealand 23%, Australia 19%, Philippines 19%, Singapore 14%, Fiji 11% (2019)

Topic: North MacedoniaUnited Kingdom 14%, Germany 14%, Greece 8%, Serbia 8% (2019)

Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsHong Kong 29%, Japan 29%, Singapore 16%, South Korea 9% (2019)

Topic: NorwaySweden 17%, Germany 12%, China 8%, Denmark 7%, United States 6%, United Kingdom 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: OmanUnited Arab Emirates 36%, China 10%, Japan 7%, India 7%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: PakistanChina 28%, United Arab Emirates 11%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: PalauSouth Korea 19%, China 18%, Taiwan 17%, United States 17%, Japan 16% (2019)

Topic: PanamaChina 21%, United States 19%, Japan 16%, Colombia 6%, Ecuador 5% (2019)

Topic: Papua New GuineaAustralia 33%, China 19%, Singapore 14%, Malaysia 9% (2019)

Topic: ParaguayBrazil 24%, United States 22%, China 17%, Argentina 10%, Chile 5% (2019)

Topic: PeruChina 24%, United States 22%, Brazil 6% (2019)

Topic: PhilippinesChina 29%, Japan 8%, South Korea 7%, United States 6%, Singapore 6%, Indonesia 6%, Thailand 5%, Taiwan 5% (2019)

Topic: Pitcairn IslandsEcuador 43%, New Zealand 29% (2019)

Topic: PolandGermany 25%, China 10%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: PortugalSpain 29%, Germany 13%, France 9%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Topic: Puerto RicoIreland 38%, Singapore 9%, Switzerland 8%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Topic: QatarUnited States 15%, France 13%, United Kingdom 9%, China 9%, Germany 5%, Italy 5% (2019)

Topic: RomaniaGermany 19%, Italy 9%, Hungary 7%, Poland 6%, China 5%, France 5% (2019)

Topic: RussiaChina 20%, Germany 13%, Belarus 6% (2019)

Topic: RwandaChina 17%, Kenya 10%, Tanzania 9%, United Arab Emirates 9%, India 7%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019)

Topic: Saint BarthelemyFrance 78%, Switzerland 7%, Italy 7% (2019)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaUnited Kingdom 65%, South Africa 21% (2019)

Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisUnited States 59%, Peru 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: Saint LuciaColombia 46%, United States 30%, Trinidad and Tobago 5% (2019)

Topic: Saint MartinUnited States 76%, Netherlands 7%, France 7% (2019)

Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonFrance 69%, Canada 22% (2019)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesUnited States 30%, Trinidad and Tobago 12%, China 8%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)

Topic: SamoaNew Zealand 22%, China 16%, Singapore 13%, United States 10%, Australia 9%, South Korea 8%, Fiji 5% (2019)

Topic: San MarinoGermany 21%, Italy 13%, Poland 10%, France 7%, Spain 7%, Belgium 6%, Romania 6% (2019)

Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipePortugal 41%, Angola 17%, China 8% (2019 )

Topic: Saudi ArabiaChina 18%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 9%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: SenegalChina 17%, France 11%, Belgium 7%, Russia 7%, Netherlands 7% (2019)

Topic: SerbiaGermany 13%, Russia 9%, Italy 8%, Hungary 6%, China 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: SeychellesUnited Arab Emirates 21%, Qatar 13%, British Virgin Islands 7%, Germany 6%, France 6%, China 5%, Spain 5%, South Africa 5% (2019)

Topic: Sierra LeoneChina 27%, India 11%, United States 6%, Ghana 5%, Turkey 5% (2019)

Topic: SingaporeChina 16%, Malaysia 11%, United States 9%, Taiwan 7%, Japan 5%, Indonesia 5% (2019)

Topic: SlovakiaGermany 18%, Czechia 18%, Poland 8%, Hungary 7%, Russia 5% (2019)

Topic: SloveniaGermany 14%, Italy 12%, Austria 8%, Switzerland 8%, China 7% (2019)

Topic: Solomon IslandsChina 24%, Australia 13%, South Korea 12%, Singapore 12%, Malaysia 10% (2019)

Topic: SomaliaUnited Arab Emirates 32%, China 20%, India 17%, Turkey 7% (2019)

Topic: South AfricaChina 18%, Germany 11%, United States 6%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: South SudanUnited Arab Emirates 37%, Kenya 18%, China 18% (2019)

Topic: SpainGermany 13%, France 11%, China 8%, Italy 7% (2019)

Topic: Sri LankaIndia 24%, China 23%, Singapore 7%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Malaysia 5% (2019)

Topic: SudanChina 31%, India 14%, United Arab Emirates 11%, Egypt 6% (2019)

Topic: SurinameUnited States 22%, Netherlands 14%, China 13%, Trinidad and Tobago 7%, Antigua and Barbuda 5% (2019)

Topic: SwedenGermany 18%, Netherlands 9%, Denmark 7%, Norway 7%, China 6%, Finland 5%, Belgium 5%, Poland 5% (2019)

Topic: SwitzerlandGermany 21%, Italy 8%, United States 6%, France 6%, United Kingdom 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)

Topic: SyriaTurkey 27%, China 22%, United Arab Emirates 14%, Egypt 5% (2019)

Topic: TaiwanChina 21%, Japan 16%, United States 11%, South Korea 6% (2019)

Topic: TajikistanChina 40%, Russia 38%, Kazakhstan 19%, Uzbekistan 5% (2019)

Topic: TanzaniaChina 34%, India 15%, United Arab Emirates 12% (2019)

Topic: ThailandChina 22%, Japan 14%, United States 7%, Malaysia 6% (2019)

Topic: Timor-LesteIndonesia 39%, China 27%, Singapore 10%, Malaysia 5% (2019)

Topic: TogoChina 18%, South Korea 13%, India 11%, Belgium 10%, Netherlands 8%, United States 5% (2019)

Topic: TokelauSamoa 35%, Ireland 17%, Philippines 14%, Malaysia 13%, South Africa 9% (2019)

Topic: TongaFiji 29%, New Zealand 23%, China 14%, United States 8%, Australia 6%, Japan 6% (2019)

Topic: Trinidad and TobagoUnited States 40%, Guyana 19%, China 6% (2019)

Topic: TunisiaFrance 17%, Italy 16%, Germany 8%, China 8%, Algeria 7% (2019)

Topic: TurkeyGermany 11%, China 9%, Russia 9%, United States 5%, Italy 5% (2019)

Topic: TurkmenistanTurkey 25%, Russia 18%, China 14%, Germany 6% (2019)

Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsUnited States 76% (2019)

Topic: TuvaluChina 32%, Japan 29%, Fiji 23%, New Zealand 6% (2019)

Topic: UgandaChina 19%, India 17%, Kenya 16%, United Arab Emirates 7%, Japan 5% (2019)

Topic: UkraineChina 13%, Russia 12%, Germany 10%, Poland 9%, Belarus 7% (2019)

Topic: United Arab EmiratesChina 15%, India 12%, Untied States 7% (2019)

Topic: United KingdomGermany 13%, China 10%, United States 8%, Netherlands 7%, France 6%, Belgium 5% (2019)

Topic: United StatesChina 18%, Mexico 15%, Canada 13%, Japan 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: UruguayBrazil 25%, China 15%, United States 11%, Argentina 11% (2019)

Topic: UzbekistanChina 23%, Russia 18%, South Korea 11%, Kazakhstan 9%, Turkey 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Topic: VanuatuChina 29%, Australia 18%, New Zealand 11%, Fiji 11%, Taiwan 5%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Topic: VenezuelaChina 28%, United States 22%, Brazil 8%, Spain 6%, Mexico 6%  (2019)

Topic: VietnamChina 35%, South Korea 18%, Japan 6% (2019)

Topic: Virgin IslandsIndia 18%, Algeria 14%, South Korea 9%, Argentina 9%, Sweden 7%, Brazil 5% (2019)

Topic: Wallis and FutunaFrance 43%, Fiji 24%, New Zealand 11%, Australia 6% (2019)

Topic: YemenChina 25%, Turkey 10%, United Arab Emirates 9%, Saudi Arabia 8%, India 7% (2019)

Topic: ZambiaSouth Africa 29%, China 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, India 5% (2019)

Topic: ZimbabweSouth Africa 41%, Singapore 23%, China 8% (2019)


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Nicaragua due to COVID-19. Reconsider travel due to limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. You must purchase a tourist card for $10 USD at the airport (exact change recommended), valid for up to a total of 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: +(505) 2252-7100; US Embassy Managua, Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur, Managua, Nicaragua; ACS.Managua@state.gov;

https://ni.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 505
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 128; Fire: 115, 911; Police: 118
Vaccinations: Travelers must show proof of yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days before travel in order to be permitted entry to Nicaragua. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands
Currency (Code): Cordobas (NIO)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages: Spanish, Miskito, Mestizo
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Evangelical 33.2%, other 2.9%, unspecified 13.2%
Time Difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Nicaragua, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Somoto Canyon; Masaya Volcano National Park; Cerro Mogotón; Isla Ometepe; Cerro Negro; Pearl Cays; Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Major Sports: Soccer, baseball, boxing
Cultural Practices: Pointing is accomplished with the lips - pucker the lips and raise the chin briefly in the direction you are pointing to.
Tipping Guidelines: Leaving a 8-10% tip at restaurants is appropriate. Tipping a porter 50 cents (USD), a doorman $1-2 (USD), and hotel housekeeping $1 (USD) per day is common.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

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

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

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

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

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


Topic: Introduction
Background: A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements.A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements.

Topic: Geography
Area: total: 450,295 sq km

land: 410,335 sq km

water: 39,960 sq km
Climate: temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north
Natural resources: iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Topic: People and Society
Population: 10,483,647 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Swedish 80.3%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.4%, other 15% (2020 est.)Swedish 80.3%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.4%, other 15%
Languages: Swedish (official)
Religions: Church of Sweden (Lutheran) 57.6%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 8.9%, none or unspecified 33.5% (2019 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.5% (2022 est.)

Topic: Government
Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital: name: Stockholm
Executive branch: chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 15 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree (daughter of the monarch, born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Magdalena ANDERSSON (since 30 November 2021); Deputy Prime Minister Morgan JOHANSSON (since 10 September 2019)
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; 310 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by open party-list proportional representation vote and 39 members in "at-large" seats directly elected by open party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: small, open, competitive, and thriving economy that remains outside of the euro zone; has achieved an enviable standard of living, with its combination of free-market capitalism and extensive welfare benefitssmall, open, competitive, and thriving economy that remains outside of the euro zone; has achieved an enviable standard of living, with its combination of free-market capitalism and extensive welfare benefits
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $524.75 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $50,700 (2020 est.)
Agricultural products: wheat, milk, sugar beet, barley, potatoes, oats, rapeseed, pork, rye, triticale
Industries: iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles
Exports: $240.08 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners: Germany 10%, Norway 9%, United States 8%, Denmark 7%, Finland 6%, United Kingdom 5%, Netherlands 5%, China 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, lumber (2019)
Imports: $217.68 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners: Germany 18%, Netherlands 9%, Denmark 7%, Norway 7%, China 6%, Finland 5%, Belgium 5%, Poland 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, computers (2019)Page last updated: Friday, May 13, 2022


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Moldova due to armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine, the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government, and COVID-19.  U.S. citizens in Transnistria should depart immediately via commercial or private means. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days, within a six-month period.
US Embassy/Consulate: +(373)(22) 40-83-00; US Embassy Chisinau, 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009, Republic of Moldova; ChisinauACS@state.gov;

https://md.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 373
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 903; Fire: 901; Police; 902
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Moderate winters, warm summers
Currency (Code): Moldovan lei (MDL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Moldovan/Romanian, Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian, Bulgarian
Major Religions: Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Orheiul Vechi complex; Saharna Monastery; Milestii Mici Wine Cellar; Chisinau; Republic of Transnistria & Tiraspol
Major Sports: Soccer, rugby, basketball, cycling
Cultural Practices: Better to address people with their last name until invited to use their first name.
Tipping Guidelines: A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but a further 5-10% is expected. Tips are not customary for taxis, but are appreciated.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

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

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

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

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

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


Topic: Photos of Palau

Topic: Introduction
Background: Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago around 1000 B.C. from Southeast Asia and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century. There were several failed attempts by Spanish Jesuit missionaries to visit the islands in the early 1700s. Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines but sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after it lost the Philippines in the Spanish-American War.

Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the Battle of Peleliu between US and Japanese forces resulted in more than 15,000 deaths. Following the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010.

Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines
Geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 30 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 459 sq km

land: 459 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 1,519 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Terrain: varying topography from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
Elevation: highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals
Land use: agricultural land: 10.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 87.6% (2018 est.)

other: 1.6% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap
Natural hazards: typhoons (June to December)
Geography - note: westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous Rock Islands
Map description: Palau map showing the major islands of this archipelagic country in the North Pacific Ocean.Palau map showing the major islands of this archipelagic country in the North Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 21,695 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan
Ethnic groups: Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, Caucasian 1.2%, other 2.1% (2015 est.)
Languages: Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 est.)

note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur
Religions: Roman Catholic 45.3%, Protestant 34.9% (includes Evangelical 26.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.9%, Assembly of God .9%, Baptist .7%), Modekngei 5.7% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 3%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 9.7% (2015 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.68% (male 2,090/female 1,961)

15-24 years: 15.86% (male 1,723/female 1,716)

25-54 years: 45.33% (male 6,026/female 3,804)

55-64 years: 10.68% (male 853/female 1,463)

65 years and over: 9.45% (2020 est.) (male 501/female 1,548)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Median age: total: 33.9 years

male: 32.9 years

female: 35.9 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.39% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 11.52 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.25 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap
Urbanization: urban population: 82% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 277 NGERULMUD (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

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

25-54 years: 1.66 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.64 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.27 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 11.28 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 13.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.64 years

male: 71.48 years

female: 78 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.6% of population

rural: 99.8% of population

total: 99.7% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.4% of population

rural: 0.2% of population

total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 15.2% (2019)
Physicians density: 1.77 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.8% of population

rural: 99% of population

total: 99.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population

rural: 1% of population

total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 55.3% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 17.6% (2020 est.)

male: 27.3% (2020 est.)

female: 7.9% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.6%

male: 96.8%

female: 96.3% (2015)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2013)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.6%

male: NA

female: (2014) NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal and destructive fishing practices, and overfishing; climate change contributes to rising sea level and coral bleaching; drought
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.18 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.06 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Land use: agricultural land: 10.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 87.6% (2018 est.)

other: 1.6% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 82% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 9,427 tons (2016 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

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

conventional short form: Palau

local long form: Beluu er a Belau

local short form: Belau

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

etymology: from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word "beluu" meaning "village"
Government type: presidential republic in free association with the US
Capital: name: Ngerulmud

geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the Palauan meaning is "place of fermented 'mud'" ('mud' being the native name for the keyhole angelfish); the site of the new capitol (established in 2006) had been a large hill overlooking the ocean, Ngerulmud, on which women would communally gather to offer fermented angelfish to the gods

note: Ngerulmud, on Babeldaob Island, is the smallest national capital on earth by population, with only a few hundred people; the name is pronounced en-jer-al-mud; Koror, on Koror Island, with over 11,000 residents is by far the largest settlement in Palau; it served as the country's capital from independence in 1994 to 2006
Administrative divisions: 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol
Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1981), day of a national referendum to pass the new constitution; Independence Day, 1 October (1994)
Constitution: history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981

amendments: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election; amended several times, last in 2020
Legal system: mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: note - no procedure for naturalization
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws of Palau

elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)

election results: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president (in second round); percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau consists of:
Senate (13 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
House of Delegates (16 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections:
Senate - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)
House of Delegates - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 13; composition - men 12, women 1; percent of women 7.7%
House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 16; composition - men 15, women 1; percent of women 6.3%; note - overall percent of women in National Congress 6.9%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 3 associate justices organized into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court organization also includes the Common Pleas and Land Courts)

judge selection and term of office: justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65

subordinate courts: National Court and other 'inferior' courts
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)

chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598

FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281

email address and website:
info@palauembassy.org

https://www.palauembassy.org/

consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John HENNESSEY-NILAND (since 6 March 2020)

embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940

mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC  20521-4260

telephone: [680] 587-2920

FAX: [680] 587-2911

email address and website:
ConsularKoror@state.gov

https://pw.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
National symbol(s): bai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow
National anthem: name: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)

lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL

note: adopted 1980
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Government is a major employer of the work force relying on financial assistance from the US under the Compact of Free Association (Compact) with the US that took effect after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994. The US provided Palau with roughly $700 million in aid for the first 15 years following commencement of the Compact in 1994 in return for unrestricted access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly double that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia.   Business and leisure tourist arrivals reached a record 167,966 in 2015, a 14.4% increase over the previous year, but fell to 138,408 in 2016. Long-run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development. Proximity to Guam, the region's major destination for tourists from East Asia, and a regionally competitive tourist infrastructure enhance Palau's advantage as a destination.The economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Government is a major employer of the work force relying on financial assistance from the US under the Compact of Free Association (Compact) with the US that took effect after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994. The US provided Palau with roughly $700 million in aid for the first 15 years following commencement of the Compact in 1994 in return for unrestricted access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly double that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Business and leisure tourist arrivals reached a record 167,966 in 2015, a 14.4% increase over the previous year, but fell to 138,408 in 2016. Long-run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development. Proximity to Guam, the region's major destination for tourists from East Asia, and a regionally competitive tourist infrastructure enhance Palau's advantage as a destination.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $320 million (2019 est.)

$330 million (2018 est.)

$317 million (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -3.7% (2017 est.)

0% (2016 est.)

10.1% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $17,600 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$18,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$17,841 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $292 million (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.9% (2017 est.)

-1% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3% (2016 est.)

industry: 19% (2016 est.)

services: 78% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 60.5% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 27.2% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.7% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 55.2% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -67.6% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, cassava (manioc, tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish, pigs, chickens, eggs, bananas, papaya, breadfruit, calamansi, soursop, Polynesian chestnuts, Polynesian almonds, mangoes, taro, guava, beans, cucumbers, squash/pumpkins (various), eggplant, green onions, kangkong (watercress), cabbages (various), radishes, betel nuts, melons, peppers, noni, okra
Industries: tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 11,610 (2016)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 12.4%

services: 86.4% (2016)
Unemployment rate: 1.7% (2015 est.)

4.1% (2012)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.6%

male: NA

female: (2014) NA
Population below poverty line: 24.9% (2006) NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 193 million (2012 est.)

expenditures: 167.3 million (2012 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 8.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
Public debt: 24.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

21.6% of GDP (2015)
Taxes and other revenues: 66.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Current account balance: -$53 million (2017 est.)

-$36 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $23.17 billion (2017 est.)

$14.8 million (2015 est.)
Exports - partners: Japan 70%, South Korea 15%, United States 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities: fish, computers, broadcasting equipment, office machinery/parts, scrap vessels (2019)
Imports: $4.715 billion (2018 est.)

$4.079 billion (2017 est.)
Imports - partners: South Korea 19%, China 18%, Taiwan 17%, United States 17%, Japan 16% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fish, cars, broadcasting equipment, modeling instruments (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $0 (31 December 2017 est.)

$580.9 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt - external: $18.38 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$16.47 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2018)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 8,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 24,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: well-developed mobile sector, recently boosted by satellite network capacity upgrades; 3G services available with satellite; lack of telecom regulations; newest and most powerful commercial satellite, Kacific-1 satellite, launched in 2019 to improve telecommunications in the Asia Pacific region (2020)

domestic: fixed-line nearly 41 per 100 and mobile-cellular services roughly 134 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 680; landing point for the SEA-US submarine cable linking Palau, Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Hawaii (US), Guam (US) and California (US); satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: no broadcast TV stations; a cable TV network covers the major islands and provides access to 4 local cable stations, rebroadcasts (on a delayed basis) of a number of US stations, as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations (1 government-owned) (2019)
Internet country code: .pw
Internet users: total: 7,650 (2016 est.)

percent of population: 36% (2016 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,224 (2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2015 est.)

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

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: T8
Airports: total: 3 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

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

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2021)
Roadways: total: 125 km (2018)

paved: 89 km (2018)

unpaved: 36 km (2018)
Merchant marine: total: 264

by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 7, general cargo 107, oil tanker 40, other 94 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Koror

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; the Ministry of Justice includes divisions/bureaus for public security, police functions, and maritime law enforcement
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: since 2018, Australia and Japan have provided patrol boats to the Palau's Division of Marine Law Enforcement (2021)
Military - note: under a 1994 Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US until 2044 is responsible for the defense of Palaus and the US military is granted access to the islands, but it has not stationed any military forces there

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Palau-Indonesia: maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia Palau-Philippines: maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, IndonesiaPalau-Indonesia: maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, IndonesiaPalau-Philippines: maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia